India
is a country of innumerable sacred rivers and rivulets. Such rivers
have become Theerthas and these Theerthas have the reputation of washing
away the sins of the sinners. Godavari, the longest river in the
peninsular India, is considered very sacred by Indians especially by
people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. The Skanda Purana
contains an elaborate account of the holiness of the Godavari. The river
originates in Sahyadri Mountains (Brahma Parvatam) in the Western
Ghats, about 18 km from Nasik and Triambakam in Maharashtra and forms
into a huge lake near Gangapur. It then embraces several tributaries on
its way towards East and then towards south and finally joins Bay of
Bengal in coastal Andhra Pradesh. The river flows through the states of
Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Pushkaram or Pushkaralu
(in Telugu), Pushkara or Pushkar is an Indian festival dedicated to
worshipping of rivers. Pushkara or Pushkar is a Sanskrit word derived
from the element of Push (Pushti) meaning nourishment and Kara means one
who does it. Pushkara is the energy that nourishes. With reference to
the sacred rivers, Pushkara means the one who energize the rivers and
provide spiritual purification.
Godavari Pushkaralu or
Pushkaram is a festival of River Godavari happens once in 12 years. This
lasts for a period as long as the Jupiter remains in Leo Zodiac sign.
The first 12 days of Godavari pushkaram is called Aadhi pushkaram and
the last 12 days is called Anthya pushkaram. This term in year 2015
starts on 6.26 AM, 14th July 2015 and ends 25th July 2015. This year
Godavari Pushkaram is 'Maha Pushkaram' which comes once in every 144
years.
“Godavari Mahapushkaram”
is once in a life time opportunity and devotees will have a holy dip in
Godavari River. Taking bath in a Pushkara river will help to cleanse
the inner selves, wash out the evil tendencies and open up a path for a
righteous living. It is also believed that a holy dip in Godavari
enhance one's spiritual, mental and physical abilities. This year
Godavari Pushkaram pilgrims from all over the country will have a holy
dip in Godavari River but many who do have the desire but cannot make it
for reasons of ill health, old age, financial issues, busy schedule
etc. need someone to fulfill their desire.
Andhra Pradesh Postal
Circle has taken an initiative to supply the sacred water of Godavari to
the devotees who cannot physically visit and have a holy dip in the
Godavari River. 500 ml. of purified sacred water of Godavari River
christened 'GOD-JAL’ (Godavari Pushkara Jalam) duly bottled and purified
as per ISI standards will be delivered at your door step at the cost as
Rs. 20/- per bottle. These bottles will be available at 95 head post
offices, 2,360 sub post offices and 13,611 branch post offices of Andhra
Pradesh & Telangana from 15th to 25th July 2015.
India Post has tied-up
with a ISI-certified water purification and bottling company to make the
river water drinkable through reverse osmosis process and to supply the
'God Jal' in 500 ml bottles. Shri B. V. Sudhakar, Chief Postmaster
General, AP and Telangana circle, informed in the press meet that “The
water drawn from the Godavari River would undergo an 18-stage
purification process that complies with the Bureau of Indian Standards
before getting bottled. The government of AP has permitted DoP to draw
water from the river for this purpose.”
‘GOD-JAL’, the sacred water can also be ordered online at appost.in/eshop
by devotees till 14th July 2015. Domestic order except Andhra Pradesh
and Telangana will be delivered through EMS Speed Post while orders from
foreign countries will be delivered through WorldNet Express. The last
date for placing orders is July 14. For domestic orders Rs. 157 is being
charged towards delivery charges per bottle. Orders booked within the
state of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will not be charged for delivery.
Purchases from abroad will have to be made only using American Express
or Diner Cards. Rajahmundry H.O. is the nodal point for dispatches of
all orders received for ‘God’Jal’.
