Papavinasanam

Papavinasanam is a sacred waterfall and theertham located about 3 km north of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in the Seshachalam Hills, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh. It features a small dam and bathing area fed by a forest stream. Revered by pilgrims who believe a dip washes away sins, it is one of the important theerthams of Tirumala and a scenic natural attraction surrounded by forested hills.

Visitors can expect a forested hillside setting with a dam reservoir and a waterfall flowing over rocks into a designated bathing area below. The site has stepped access leading down to the water where pilgrims take a holy dip. Surroundings are wooded with views of the Seshachalam Hills. Facilities include changing rooms and parking near the road. The area is managed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and is visited as part of the Tirumala theertham circuit.

Papavinasanam is one of the ancient theerthams of Tirumala mentioned in traditional texts associated with the Tirumala hills. A dam was later constructed across the Papavinasanam stream to provide drinking water to Tirumala, while the theertham below the dam continues as a sacred bathing place for pilgrims.

In Hindu tradition, the name Papavinasanam means destroyer of sins, and pilgrims believe bathing in its waters cleanses past sins. It is considered one of the seven sacred theerthams of Tirumala and is visited by devotees before or after darshan at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple as part of ritual purification.