Hindu Temples of India: Koti Theertha, Gokarna, Karnataka

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.