India is a country of innumerable sacred rivers and rivulets. Such rivers have become Theerthas and these Theerthas have the reputation of washing away the sins of the sinners. Godavari, the longest river in the peninsular India, is considered very sacred by Indians especially by people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. The Skanda Purana contains an elaborate account of the holiness of the Godavari. The river originates in Sahyadri Mountains (Brahma Parvatam) in the Western Ghats, about 18 km from Nasik and Triambakam in Maharashtra and forms into a huge lake near Gangapur. It then embraces several tributaries on its way towards East and then towards south and finally joins Bay of Bengal in coastal Andhra Pradesh. The river flows through the states of Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Pushkaram or Pushkaralu (in Telugu), Pushkara or Pushkar is an Indian festival dedicated to worshipping of rivers. Pushkara or Pushkar is a Sanskrit word derived from the element of Push (Pushti) meaning nourishment and Kara means one who does it. Pushkara is the energy that nourishes. With reference to the sacred rivers, Pushkara means the one who energize the rivers and provide spiritual purification.
Godavari Pushkaralu or Pushkaram is a festival of River Godavari happens once in 12 years. This lasts for a period as long as the Jupiter remains in Leo Zodiac sign. The first 12 days of Godavari pushkaram is called Aadhi pushkaram and the last 12 days is called Anthya pushkaram. This term in year 2015 starts on 6.26 AM, 14th July 2015 and ends 25th July 2015. This year Godavari Pushkaram is 'Maha Pushkaram' which comes once in every 144 years.
“Godavari Mahapushkaram” is once in a life time opportunity and devotees will have a holy dip in Godavari River. Taking bath in a Pushkara river will help to cleanse the inner selves, wash out the evil tendencies and open up a path for a righteous living. It is also believed that a holy dip in Godavari enhance one's spiritual, mental and physical abilities. This year Godavari Pushkaram pilgrims from all over the country will have a holy dip in Godavari River but many who do have the desire but cannot make it for reasons of ill health, old age, financial issues, busy schedule etc. need someone to fulfill their desire.
Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle has taken an initiative to supply the sacred water of Godavari to the devotees who cannot physically visit and have a holy dip in the Godavari River. 500 ml. of purified sacred water of Godavari River christened 'GOD-JAL’ (Godavari Pushkara Jalam) duly bottled and purified as per ISI standards will be delivered at your door step at the cost as Rs. 20/- per bottle. These bottles will be available at 95 head post offices, 2,360 sub post offices and 13,611 branch post offices of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana from 15th to 25th July 2015.
India Post has tied-up with a ISI-certified water purification and bottling company to make the river water drinkable through reverse osmosis process and to supply the 'God Jal' in 500 ml bottles. Shri B. V. Sudhakar, Chief Postmaster General, AP and Telangana circle, informed in the press meet that “The water drawn from the Godavari River would undergo an 18-stage purification process that complies with the Bureau of Indian Standards before getting bottled. The government of AP has permitted DoP to draw water from the river for this purpose.”
‘GOD-JAL’, the sacred water can also be ordered online at appost.in/eshop by devotees till 14th July 2015. Domestic order except Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will be delivered through EMS Speed Post while orders from foreign countries will be delivered through WorldNet Express. The last date for placing orders is July 14. For domestic orders Rs. 157 is being charged towards delivery charges per bottle. Orders booked within the state of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will not be charged for delivery. Purchases from abroad will have to be made only using American Express or Diner Cards. Rajahmundry H.O. is the nodal point for dispatches of all orders received for ‘God’Jal’.
Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle has also planned to launch ‘My Stamps’ scheme for the convenience of the devotees participating in the Godavari pushksralu. The Department would release 12 Stamps, one every day, on the theme of Godavari Pushakarams.
Two Meghdoot Postcards have already been released by India Post on “Godavari Mahapushkaram”.
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