Koti Theertha, Gokarna, Karnataka
Koti Theertha is a man-made pond, which is used for the
immersion of idols and ritual bathing. It is surrounded by temples and has a
small platform in the centre. Devotees usually take bath in the pond
before they visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple for worship. This sacred tank is
believed to contain ‘one crore (Koti) sacred springs (tirtha)’. Koti Theertha
is located to the south east of Mahabaleshwar Temple. Koti Theertha is situated
at about 650 meters from Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Legends
According to Indian mythology, the legendary
Shatashrunga Mountain in the Himalayas was the abode of Brahma, just as
Mount Kailasa was to Shiva. Shatashrunga had two crore (Koti) Theerthas
(pilgrimages). Garuda, the mythical bird, once lifted and flew with the
mountain. When Lord Brahma realized this, he forced Garuda to place it down to
earth. Garuda relieved itself of the weight by placing the mountain partially
in the ocean. In doing so, one crore teerthas got immersed in the water while
the remaining Koti Teertha is on land at Gokarna. Some devotees prefer to take
a dip in this pond before proceeding to visit the temples.
Koti
Theertha
Koti Theertha is about six acres in area. The rectangular
Koti Teertha is flanked by colourful temples, monasteries and residences on
narrow lanes around it. From three sides of its walled periphery, you could
climb down to the water level where Hindu priests and monks sitting on a
platform under a shed to conduct rituals. On the shorter western end, a few
lotus leaves decorate the water body. When the sand remains settled, you could
see the long lotus stems in the clear lake. The centre of the holy pond hosts a
small Shiva Lingam and a tall lamp post to illuminate the evenings. Koti Teertha
is also used for immersion of idols.
Varadeshvara Linga, installed by Sage Agasthya can be
found on the southern bank of the tank. Pilgrims visiting the temple usually
bathe here and some also perform the rituals for their ancestors before
visiting the temple, believing it will wash away their sins and bring lasting
peace to generations past and present. The importance of the lake
probably stems from the fact that this a freshwater lake, fed by springs, though
in such close proximity to the sea.
Connectivity
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