Krishna
The Sacred River of South India
Geographical Details
Basic Information
- Source:
- Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
- Length:
- 1,400 km
- Basin Area:
- 258,948 km²
- Mouth:
- Bay of Bengal
- States:
- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
Sacred Geography
- • Mahabaleshwar: Sacred source in Western Ghats
- • Sangli: Important cultural center
- • Vijayawada: Major city on the banks
- • Amaravati: Ancient Buddhist site
- • Machilipatnam: Historic port city
- • Hamsaladeevi: Mouth at Bay of Bengal
Major Tributaries
Left Bank Tributaries
- Bhima: Major tributary flowing through Maharashtra and Karnataka
- Tungabhadra: Confluence of Tunga and Bhadra rivers
- Musi: Flows through Hyderabad
Right Bank Tributaries
- Koyna: Important tributary in Maharashtra
- Wardha: Flows through Maharashtra
- Dindi: Tributary in Karnataka
Cultural & Religious Significance
Sacred River of South India
The Krishna River is one of the most sacred rivers of South India, named after Lord Krishna. The river originates from the mouth of a cow statue at Mahabaleshwar, symbolizing the sacred cow in Hindu tradition. The river has been the lifeline of several ancient kingdoms and continues to be central to the cultural and spiritual life of millions. It's considered one of the seven sacred rivers (Sapta Sindhu) mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
Sacred Festivals
- • Krishna Pushkaram: Once in 12 years grand celebration
- • Makar Sankranti: Sacred bathing festival
- • Krishna Janmashtami: Lord Krishna's birthday
- • Ganga Aarti: Evening prayers at ghats
Historical Significance
- • Vijayanagara Empire: Flourished on its banks
- • Amaravati: Ancient Buddhist center
- • Hampi: UNESCO World Heritage site
- • Vijayawada: Important trading center
Scriptural References
Skanda Purana
"The river Krishna, flowing from the sacred Sahyadri mountains, purifies all sins and grants prosperity to those who worship her with devotion."
Brahma Purana
"Among all rivers of the Deccan, Krishna is the most sacred. Bathing in her waters during Pushkaram grants the merit of performing a thousand Ashwamedha yajnas."
Mahabharata Reference
"The river Krishna is mentioned as one of the sacred rivers where sages performed penance and attained spiritual enlightenment."
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