Gokarna is historically known as one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers and is located on what was once an unspoiled beach near the estuary of river Aghanashini with its palm trees, other colorful tropical fruit and flower trees. Of late due to the numbers of tourists the character of this town has changed. This town is no longer just a center of pilgrimage though massive numbers of devotees still visit the town for the purposes of offering prayers and worship to Lord Shiva.
One of the most sacred places to visit in Gokarna, Koti Tirtha is a popular man-made tank that holds great reverence among the locals and tourists.
This tank is encompassed by beautiful temples all around and used for ritual bathing and immersing idols. As per one popular legend in Gokarna, Koti Tirtha is believed to be the origin of a thousand springs.
Koti Tirtha is situated close to the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple and attracts pilgrims who visit the temple to perform rituals and pay respect to the ancestors.
This sacred pond is used by devotees to take a bath and offers a quaint spiritual ambience for all those who seek a religious rendezvous.
Koti tirtha is a holy man-made tank that is considered an important spiritual stopover. The name 'koti tirtha' means a thousand springs. It is common practice to take a dip in this pond before visiting the many holy temples and shrines in the area, believing it will wash away their sins and bring lasting peace to generations past and present. Many priests and monks conduct rituals and prayers at the sides of the holy tank, which is spread over an area of six acre. It is surrounded on three sides by colourful temples and monasteries. There is a shivling placed at the heart of the pond that is illuminated by light. The calm waters reflecting the temples as well the coconut trees around create a soothing ambience of reflective spirituality.
If after visiting the beautiful Mahabaleshwar Temple and having some time at your disposal, Kotitirtha is a wonderful option. Situated towards the south-east side of the temple, a small lane takes you to the holy ghats.
HISTORY of KOTI TIRTHA, GOKARNA
According to Indian mythology, Legend has it that the mythological bird Garuda, once picked up Saptashrungi mountain (abode of Lord Brahma) and flew away with it. When Lord Brahma noticed it, he was livid and immediately ordered Garuda to place it down on earth. Garuda placed it partially on earth and partially in the ocean. While doing so, half of the tirthas on it (one crore) got immersed in water and the remaining one crore were placed on the earth, in Gokarna.
Koti, which means crore and tirtha, which means sacred springs. The southern side of the tank features a Varadeshvara linga which was established by Sage Agastya. The sacred waters are considered to be auspicious for performing the last rites of departed souls. Some devotees also take a dip in the waters to purify the soul. Due to massive littering, the ghat was inaccessible for some years. The inaccessibility led to a cleanliness drive organised by the locals in Gokarna. Absolutely clean for taking a dip and other rituals now, the ghat offers you a lovely spiritual retreat and also promises a glimpse into the simple life led by the people of this small town.
About six acres in area, the rectangular Kotitirtha is flanked by colourful temples, monasteries and residences on narrow lanes around it. Taller than the buildings, leaves of coconut and other trees touch the blue sky and provide a green hue to the pond. 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 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. Kotitirtha is also used for immersion of idols.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Location: Koti Teertha, Kotiteertha, Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: It can be visited throughout the year.
Timings: The timings to visit here are from 12:00 am to 12:00 pm
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Bangla Gudda: It is just 700 metres from the bus station in Gokarna.
WHY SHOULD ONE VISIT KOTI TIRTHA, GOKARNA?
Kotitirtha, Gokarna is a perfect destination for a great time with your dear ones. Enjoy the attractions of this popular tourist spot. With so much to lure your senses and offer you peace at its best, get drenched in the sacredness you get to explore at kotitirtha, Gokarna. Enjoy together all the points of popular interests and bring back several memorable moments. Kotitirtha, Gokarna is not just the place for sightseeing, but it also enables you to steal a self-indulgent moment for yourself as well purifying one’s mind and soul. World standards, extraordinary architecture, innovative layouts, and well-thought execution make place a highly coveted point of tourist interest. Kotitirtha, Gokarna is the sure way to refresh and relax after a busy weekday. It is the best way to have a memorable time with kids and family. So, enjoy a fulfilling outing at kotitirtha in Gokarna.
