Krishna River

Krishna River (कृष्णा नदी) is a sacred river in central and southern India.

Overview

The Krishna is one of the major rivers of peninsular India, flowing 1,400 km from Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra to the Bay of Bengal. It is named after Lord Krishna and is the lifeline of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

History and Legend

The Krishna is mentioned in the Puranas and Mahabharata. The river’s source at Mahabaleshwar is an important pilgrimage site. The Krishna Pushkaralu, held every 12 years, is one of South India’s largest religious festivals. Major temples along its banks include Srisailam, Amaravati, and Vijayawada.

Architecture and Features

Major pilgrimage sites along the Krishna include Mahabaleshwar (source), Srisailam (Jyotirlinga), Amaravati (stupa), and Vijayawada (Kanaka Durga Temple). The Krishna basin covers Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The Prakasam Barrage at Vijayawada is a major landmark.

Modern Status

The Krishna is heavily dammed for irrigation and hydroelectric power, with major projects including Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam. The Krishna Pushkaralu draws millions of pilgrims. Inter-state water disputes over the Krishna are ongoing.

Verification Notes

• Krishna mentioned in Puranas; source at Mahabaleshwar and Pushkaralu documented.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).