Origins of the Sacred Krishna River
1. A Journey from the Divine to the Earth
The Krishna River, one of the seven sacred rivers of India, holds immense religious, cultural, and ecological significance. It is the fourth longest river in India, flowing over 1,300 kilometers, and nurturing the lands of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Where Does the Krishna River Begin?
The origin of the Krishna River is nestled in the Western Ghats, at a place called Mahabaleshwar in Satara district, Maharashtra. Here, in the ancient Mahadev (Mahabaleshwar) Temple, the river emerges from the mouth of a stone-carved cow’s head, known as Gomukh.
At this sacred site, the Krishna River is referred to as Krishnabai. The temple is not just a spiritual landmark but a geological marvel, as five rivers—Krishna, Koyna, Venna, Savitri, and Gayatri—are said to originate here from different outlets, symbolizing the divine Panchaganga (five rivers).
The Journey of River Krishna
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The river flows southeast for the first 45 miles from its origin in Mahabaleshwar, gaining strength and speed.
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After traveling another 10 miles, it merges with the Venna River, and from then on, it is often called Krishnaveni.
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It continues its journey for 145 miles through southern Maharashtra, before entering Karnataka, and later traverses Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal near Hamsaladeevi.
Mythological Significance of Krishna River
According to legends:
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The Krishna River is believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva, and is hence considered highly sacred.
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Goddess Krishna Bai, a form of Ganga, is believed to reside in the river. Taking a dip in this river is believed to cleanse one of sins and bestow blessings.
Another popular myth is that the river was born from the tears of Lord Vishnu, and flows with the spiritual energy of Lord Dattatreya, whose blessings continue along the river’s course.
Spiritual and Cultural Importance
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The Krishna River is closely associated with Dattatreya Sampradaya and Bhagwan Shri Narasimha Saraswati, whose life events happened around this river.
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Pushkaralu, a major river festival, is celebrated once every 12 years when Jupiter enters the zodiac sign associated with Krishna river (Vrushchika Rasi), attracting millions of devotees for a holy bath.
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Many pilgrimage sites like Alampur Jogulamba, Srisailam, Vijayawada (Kanaka Durga Temple), and Amaravati lie along the banks of the Krishna River.
The Lifeline of Southern India
Beyond its spiritual role, Krishna River is a lifeline for millions. It irrigates large parts of Deccan Plateau, supports hydroelectric power generation, and sustains rich biodiversity and agriculture.
Major dams on the river include:
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Almatti Dam in Karnataka
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Srisailam Dam and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
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