Papavinasanam (Paapa Vinaasanam) at Tirumala

This sacred pond has been referred in Skandapuranam and Venkatachala Puranam stating a holy bath in these waters would relieve one from the sins (Papam) attracted through their mortal lives and brings prosperity and peace. Hence this place is known as Papavinasanam (or Paapa Vinaasanam).

Here the godess is Ganga. This place is on the hilltop of Tirumala, about 5 km from Tirumala Temple.

People who visit Tirumala for Balaji’s Darshan will definitely make a trip to Papavinasanam. Those who’ve been visiting Papavinasanam at Tirumala since long recollect of a time when there were no openings in the wall to conduct the holy water that is said to emanate from thePapavinasanam river. Apparently the water used to stream down the height without any conduit channeling it down. It was only later that outlets were made in the wall to channel the sacred water to the convenience of visiting pilgrims, and seven outlets ensure there’re no long queues at the place.

Adjacent to the bath is a dam that goes by the same name as the bath, Papavinasanam. It is one of the three dams the temple town sources its water requirements from, and is 255 metres in length with a catchment area of 8.44 Sq. Kms. The other two dams are the Akashganga, and the Gogarbham.

It is almost the last place that a person can visit by road in Tirumala.

HOW TO REACH PAPAVINASANAM?

• Some of the interesting places on Tirumala Hills like Gogarbham, Akasaganga, Venugopala Temple are located on the way to Papavinasanam. Pilgrims can visit these places taking an APSRTC bus or a Taxi.
• On an APSRTC return ticket (present fare Rs. 8/- valid for 5 hours) pilgrims can alight enroute at any place of their choice, catch another bus and proceed to the next destination on the same ticket.
• APSRTC buses are available from Kalyani Choultry near CRO from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day with a twenty minute frequency.
• Taxis operate at a two-way fare of Rs. 25/- to Rs. 35/- per person for the two hour trip.