Swarnamukhi River
Swarnamukhi River is a significant east-flowing river in southern India, originating in the Eastern Ghats near Pakala in Andhra Pradesh. Spanning approximately 130 km, it flows through the sacred regions of Tirumala and Srikalahasti, where notable Hindu temples like the Srikalahasteeswara Temple are located.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Swarnamukhi River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh |
| Elevation at Origin | Approx. 300 meters above sea level |
| Total Length | ~130 kilometers |
| As “Mogaleru” in the works of poet Dhurjati | Bay of Bengal |
| Major Tributary | Kalyani River |
| Basin Area | 3,225 sq. km |
| Known as in Tamil | Ponmugali (பொன்முகலி) |
| Mentioned in Literature | Known in Tamil |
Origin of the Swarnamukhi River
The Swarnamukhi River originates in the Eastern Ghats near Pakala village in Tirupati district at an elevation of around 300 meters above sea level. Geographically, it begins at 13°28′N latitude and 79°09′E longitude.
From its source, the river travels northeastward, flowing through the famous Tirupati hills, and eventually drains into the Bay of Bengal after a journey of about 130 km.
Unlike larger river systems, the Swarnamukhi is independent, meaning it does not join or receive water from major river networks. Its flow is heavily dependent on rainfall, particularly in its upper catchment.
Rainfall & Hydrology
- The river basin receives an average annual rainfall of 1270 mm in its eastern parts and 762 mm in the west.
- The Northeast Monsoon, from October to November, contributes the majority of the river’s inflow.
- Due to the absence of major tributaries, water availability in the Swarnamukhi depends largely on seasonal rainfall.
- Its main tributary is the Kalyani River, across which the Kalyani Dam was constructed in 1977. This dam has a live storage capacity of 25 million cubic meters and plays a vital role in supporting local irrigation and water supply.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The Swarnamukhi River is revered in Hindu tradition and literature:
- Tirumala Temple and Srikalahasti Temple, two of the most sacred pilgrimage centers, lie within the Swarnamukhi basin.
- The Srikalahasteeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famously known as Dakshina Kailasam (Kailash of the South).
- The river is said to have sanctified this temple, and many devotees perform rituals along its banks.
Legends Associated with Swarnamukhi
- Akash Ganga to Swarnamukhi: According to one legend, Sage Agastya brought Akash Ganga to the earth to help hermits in the Bilwaka grove. As ordained by Lord Shiva, Akash Ganga flowed as Swarnamukhi, sanctifying the region.
- Sage Vashishta’s Penance: Another story narrates that Sage Vashishta, in search of water, performed a penance that led Lord Shiva to release Ganga from his hair. The divine river, shining in a golden hue, flowed as Suvarnamukhi (meaning “golden-faced”).
Swarnamukhi in Literature
The river was referred to as Mogaleru by the renowned Telugu poet Dhurjati in his literary works, highlighting its ancient recognition and sanctity.
In Tamil, the river is called Ponmugali, which also translates to “golden-faced,” symbolizing its divine origins.
