Godavari Pushkaralu 2027

Godavari Pushkaralu is one of the most significant spiritual festivals celebrated along the banks of the sacred River Godavari. Rooted in Vedic astrology, Pushkarams are celebrated once every 12 years for each of India’s twelve major holy rivers. This 12-year cycle corresponds to the journey of the planet Jupiter (Guru) through the zodiac, as each river is associated with a specific sign. When Jupiter enters Simha (Leo), the zodiac sign connected with the Godavari, the river becomes exceptionally charged with divine energy.

During this auspicious 12-day period, millions of pilgrims gather at holy banks to perform rituals such as Pushkara Snanam (holy dip), Pitru Tarpanam, and ancestral offerings, seeking spiritual purification and blessings.

Photo: Devotees taking a holy bath at the river ghats during sunrise.

Festival Dates & Muhurtham

Start Date: 26 June 2027 (Saturday)
End Date: 7 July 2027 (Wednesday)
Duration: 12 Days (known as Adi Pushkarams)
Transit Muhurtham: The holy period commences as Jupiter enters Simha (Leo) on 26 June 2027 at approximately 05:25 AM IST.
Anthya Pushkarams: The final sacred 12 days of the Jupiter cycle will take place from 13 July 2028 to 24 July 2028.

Core Rituals & Spiritual Significance

Pilgrims visiting the Godavari banks observe several major spiritual rituals:

Pushkara Snanam (Sacred Bath): Taking a holy bath in the river during this period is considered the most essential ritual. Devotees believe the river waters are infused with divine energy, washing away past karmas. Bathing during the transit muhurtham or at dawn (Arunodaya Snanam) is held in the highest regard.
Pinda Pradaanam (Ancestral Rites): Devotees perform traditional obsequies and offer food to deceased ancestors, a key ritual to ensure peace for their lineage.
Pitru Tarpanam (Water Offerings): Offering water (arghyam) mixed with sesame seeds to forefathers, expressing gratitude and seeking their blessings.
Daanam & Dharma (Charity): Giving back to the community through acts of charity—such as offering food, clothes, and financial aid to priests and the underprivileged—is believed to return manifold spiritual blessings during the Pushkarams.

Photo: Devotees perform Pitru Tarpanam (water offerings with sesame seeds) on the sacred banks of River Godavari during sunrise.

Significance of Dharmapuri for Pushkaralu

Dharmapuri Kshetram is one of the most sacred destinations for Godavari Pushkaralu due to its unique geographical and spiritual features:

Dakshina Vahini: At Dharmapuri, the River Godavari performs a rare turn and flows from north to south (Dakshinavahini). Taking a holy dip in a south-flowing river is considered highly auspicious and is believed to have multiplied spiritual benefits.
Hari-Hara Harmony: Being a sacred Nava Narasimha Kshetra and home to both Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy (installed by Lord Rama), Dharmapuri is a unique convergence of Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions.

Key Pushkaralu Locations Along the Godavari

While Dharmapuri is the spiritual center for Telangana, the festival is celebrated across several prominent towns along the river:

Basara (Telangana): The sacred abode of Goddess Gnana Saraswati, where children begin their education (Akshara Abhyasam).
Kaleshwaram (Telangana): The Triveni Sangamam where the Godavari, Pranahita, and Saraswati rivers meet, home to the unique Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy temple.
Bhadrachalam (Telangana): The legendary temple town of Lord Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy.
Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry, AP): A spiritual hub of Pushkaralu, featuring massive ghats and evening Godavari Harathi.
Antarvedi (Andhra Pradesh): The sacred sangam where the Godavari meets the Bay of Bengal.

Planning Your Visit to Dharmapuri

To help plan your pilgrimage during the Pushkaralu, please refer to our dedicated guides: