Godavari Pushkaralu Snanam Procedure — A Step-by-Step Guide
The Pushkar Snanam is the central act of devotion during the Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 festival — a holy dip in the sacred Godavari believed to wash away sins and grant moksha. This step-by-step procedure guide walks you through every stage of the bath, from preparation to post-snanam rituals, exactly as practised by traditional Vedic priests at Rajahmundry.
Before the Snanam — Preparation
- Wake up before sunrise (Brahma Muhurtham, 4:00–5:30 AM).
- Carry clean white or saffron clothes — no synthetic fabrics.
- Bring a small kalasha (copper pot), tulsi leaves, sesame seeds, white rice and a bit of cow ghee.
- Avoid heavy meals the night before; consume only fruit or one satvik meal.
Sankalpam — Setting the Intention
At the ghat, sit facing east. Take water in your right palm and recite the Sankalpam mantra, stating your name, gotra, ancestral lineage and the purpose of the snanam (e.g., release of pitru rina, atonement, family welfare). Drop the water into the river while completing the sankalpam.
The Holy Dip — Tridhanu Snanam
- First Dip (Aakaasha Snanam): Face east and immerse fully while reciting the Gayatri mantra three times.
- Second Dip (Vayu Snanam): Face north and immerse, invoking river goddess Godavari Devi.
- Third Dip (Bhumi Snanam): Face the rising sun and dip, offering surya arghyam from the kalasha.
Tarpanam & Pinda Pradanam
After the snanam, perform Pitru Tarpanam on the river bank — offer water mixed with sesame seeds and barley to forefathers. Pinda Pradanam follows for those whose ancestors’ last rites are pending. A qualified temple-affiliated purohit should be consulted to recite the proper mantras.
Post-Snanam Rituals
Wear fresh clothes, do deepa daanam (lighting a lamp), vastra daanam (clothing donation) and annadanam (food donation to pilgrims). Visit a temple of Lord Shiva or Vishnu nearby — ISKCON Rajahmundry, Markandeya Swamy Temple, or Kotilingala Ghat Shiva shrine are popular post-snanam darshan spots.
Important Things to Remember
- Do not bring soap, shampoo or oil to the ghat — the Godavari is sacred during this period.
- Maintain silence during the dip; chant only the prescribed mantras.
- Children, elderly and non-swimmers must use the designated Sukhakara ghats with handrails.
- Photography of priests and rituals requires permission.
For the complete daily puja schedule and ghat-wise muhurtham, see the Dates & Muhurtham page.