Envis Centre, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India

Printed Date: Saturday, June 3, 2023

River Tungabhadra

 

Place of Origin

Koodli (near Shimoga), Karnataka (The river Tungabhadra is formed by the union of the Tunga and the Bhadra rivers)

Length

531 km

Confluence 

River Krishna, Sangameswaram (Andhra Pradesh)

108 Shivalingams carved on a rock at the banks of Tungabhadra in Hampi

 

Religious significance

 

 

 

 

River Tungabhadra is considered sacred by many. It is identified with Goddess Pampa, the consort of Lord Shiva (known as Virupaksha or Pampapati). Goddess Pampa is believed to be the daughter of Lord Brahma. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is located at Hampi. In fact, the name Hampi itself is an anglicized version of the Kannada Hampe, derived from Pampa Tungabhadra finds a mention in the epic Ramayana as Pampathirtha. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the river and it is believed the dip in river at Harihar (a small town in Davanagere district in central Karnataka) will cleanse them of their sins.

 

 

 

River Tunga is the aspect of Lord Vishnu and the river Bhadra is the aspect of Lord Siva. Hence Tungabhadra, formed by the confluence of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva is said to be very sacred. 

 

Ecological significance 

 

 

 

Tungabhadra River is a source of drinking and irrigation to many towns and cities. The river is being polluted due to discharge of domestic and industrial wastes.