Tumburu Theertham

Tumburu Theertham is a sacred seasonal waterfall and pond located in the Seshachalam Hills about 12 km northwest of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. Set within the Sri Venkateswara National Park forest, it is associated with the legend of Tumburu, a celestial musician. The theertham is accessible to the public only once a year on Phalguna Pournami and is revered for its ritual bathing significance and scenic forest setting.

Visitors can expect a strenuous forest trek of about 6-7 km one way from the Papavinasam road to reach a secluded seasonal waterfall and small pond set in dense Seshachalam forest within Sri Venkateswara National Park. The site has no permanent structures except natural rock formations and water pools. On the annual opening day, pilgrims take a ritual bath in the pond, surrounded by forested hills and rocky terrain. Access is controlled by forest and TTD authorities and involves steep, uneven trails.

According to traditional accounts, the theertham is linked to Tumburu, a celestial musician (Gandharva) who was cursed to live as a demon and was liberated after performing penance at this site. The theertham has been revered as one of the sacred theerthams of Tirumala hills for centuries and is mentioned in local sthala puranas associated with Tirumala.

Considered one of the sacred theerthams of Tirumala, bathing in Tumburu Theertham on Phalguna Pournami is believed to bestow purification and fulfillment of wishes. The site is an important pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Venkateswara and is managed under the religious and ecological traditions of Tirumala hills.