VISAKHAPATNAM: Simhachalam temple’s Varaha Pushkarini has been polluted due to heavy rains. When heavy rain hits Simhachalam and its surroundings all the drain water of old Adavivaram comes to Varaha Pushkarini and pollutes its water. Along with drain water, some solid wastes were also pooling at the Varaha Pushkarini.
The Pushkarini is at the bottom of Simhachalam Hill. The devotees use it for a holy dip before the darshan of the presiding deity. Every year during the summer season, Simhachalam temple is crowded with devotees. In Ashada Purnima, god’s annual wedding festival to Giri Pradhakshina festivals are conducted when Simhachalam temple is over-crowded with devotees.
Simhachalam EO office says, “Varaha Pushkarini is polluted due to old Adavivaram junction drain water.”
The devotees come from combined Godavari districts, north Andhra and Odisha villages. All these devotees take a holy dip in the Varaha Pushkarini then they will go for Simhachalam god Varaha Laxmi Nrusimha Swami’s Darsanam. Presently Varaha Pushkarini water is mixed with drain water, the stairs are covered with thick moss, and the path leading to the holy dip has grown with wild plants.
The last year in April and May three devotees died while taking a holy dip. At that time, authorities announced that Varaha Pushkarini would be developed, but till now no steps have been taken. Temple officials say that “for the development of Simhachalam temple and Varaha Pushkarini under Prasad scheme Rs 50 crore has been announced and tenders have been called for taking up development.
