Holy River- Nethravathi

Nethravati, a holy river of Dakshina Kannada of Karnataka flows through the renowned pilgrimage place Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala. It has its origin at Bangarabalige valley of Yalnir Ghat in Kudremukh of Chikmagalur District. The river flows down through rocky masses encircling the hills and villages of Belthangady, Bantwal and Mangalore Taluks. On its way it merges with Kumaradhara river at Uppinangadi before joining Arabian Sea near Kodiyala of Mangalore. There is a mythical belief about its origin.

Saint Vadiraja, in his Theertha Prabhanda makes reference to its birth. It is believed that Lord Almighty in His embodiment as Varaha protected the land immersed in floods by raising it. Relieved, the land in the state of bliss, gratitude shed happy tears and the same is considered as Nethravathi’s birth.