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| Ambutheertha | |
|---|---|
| Ambutheertha near Teerthalli | |
  AmbuthirthaLocation in India
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| Highest point | |
| Coordinates | 13°47′32″N 75°10′36″E / 13.79222°N 75.17667°E / 13.79222; 75.17667 |
| Geography | |
| Location | Karnataka, India |
This article contains Indic text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks or boxes, misplaced vowels or missing conjuncts instead of Indic text.
Ambuthirtha is a culturally significant mountain located approximately 15 km (9 miles) from the village of Thirthahalli, in the Shimoga District of Karnataka, India. It is the source of the Sharavathi river, a vital lifeline of the region.
History
Etymology and legend
The name "Ambuthirtha" is derived from Hindu mythology, referring to Rama's bow, also called Ambu. The mountain is also the site of Rama temple. According to legend, Rama shot an arrow into the ground because his wife, Sita, was thirsty. When his arrow hit the ground, water poured out and quenched her thirst. Because the river originated with this event, the river is called "Sharavathi" as Shara translates to an arrow. A Shivalinga marks the origin of the river at Ambuthirtha.
Geological Features
Sharavathi is one of Karnataka's main rivers, entirely originating and flowing within the state. It begins its journey at Ambuthirtha, specifically at a small pond atop the mountain. The water level in this pond remains constant throughout the year, sustained by the Sharavathi river flowing beneath it.
Hydroelectric power plants
The river has two hydroelectric plants built on it that supply electricity to much of Karnataka. The first plant, located upstream, is known as the Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric Power Station. The second plant, closer to the bottom of the mountain, is the Shavarathi Valley Project. The nearest city is called Hosanagara (ಹೊಸನಗರ ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ) and is a significant employer in the area. The company that runs the plants is "Ambuthirtha Power Private Limited," headquartered in Bengaluru.
Habitation
There is a temple to Rama on this mountain, accompanied by a small pond. The water level remains constant all year round due to the Sharavathi River; small creeks feed into the pond and help maintain the pond's equilibrium. Donations from the local population finance the temple's upkeep, as it's understood in the region to be a sacred site.
Accessibility and tips
Ambuthirtha can be accessed by road from various nearby towns and cities. The nearest airport is Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport near Shimoga, followed by a two-hour road journey. For those travelling by train, Shimoga is the nearest railway station, approximately an hour's drive from Ambuthirtha.
Visitors to Ambuthirtha can explore nearby sites such as Achakanya Falls, Tunga Bridge, Sri Rameshwara Temple, Kavaledurga Fort, and Kuppalli, the home of renowned Kannada playwright and poet Kuvempu.
Best time to visit
October through April are the best months to visit Ambuthirtha because of the beautiful weather. Summers may be unbearably hot, especially in April and May, while monsoon seasons can make travel difficult with their heavy rainfall.
References
- "AMBUTHIRTHA: Birth Place of river Sharavathi". wikimapia.org. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
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- "Ambuthirtha - Thirthahalli Tourism". 21 July 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2024.