Ambuthirtha — Local services in Karnataka

Sharavati is regarded as one of Karnataka's lifeline -- one of the important rivers of the state, which originates and flows entirely within the state of Karnataka.

The river Sharavati originates at a place called Ambutheertha, in Nonaburu Village, in Thirthahalli taluk, in Shimoga District. There is a small temple of Lord Shiva at this spot above the source of water, accompanied by a small pond. Interestingly, the water level in this pond remains the same all year round due to the Sharavathi river which originates underneath it.

According to ancient legend as narrated by the priest in the Ambutheertha temple, Lord Rama shot at the ground with his Ambu (his bow and arrow in Kannada) because his wife Sita, who was thirsty, asked for water

When his arrow hit the ground, the water poured out (Theertha) to help Sita quench her thirst. That water gushing out has resulted in the creation of the river Sharavathi, in which Shara translates to arrow.

The famous Jog Falls, the third highest waterfall in India and located about 24 km from Sagara, are formed by this river, where the river water falls from a height of 253 metres. It is located at a distance of 17 Kms from Thirthahalli, 25 kms from Sringeri, 76 kms from Shimoga and 87 kms from Udupi.

Nearest Airport: Bajpe Airport near Mangalore. From there it is a three hour journey by road to Ambutheertha where you get to cross the picturesque Agumbe Ghat.

Nearest Railway station: Shimoga. From there is a one hour journey via road to...

Ambutheertha will appeal to the spiritually inclined and to nature lovers too. The temple, with its Shivalinga, attracts many devotees. Beneath the Shivalinga is where the holy River Sharavathi originates. The area here is thickly wooded and beautiful – a great place to forget you day-to-day worries and just chill in the lap of nature. Bayyappanagadde, about 8 km from Ambutheertha, is where the river takes its first leap. It is a picturesque spot but access is difficult. Close by are Mandagadde and Gudavi bird sanctuaries, so bird lovers can take a trip to these charming places and get their fill of winged beauties! The River Sharavathi forms the Jog Falls, a famous and popular tourist attraction. Jog Falls is the highest plunge waterfall in India and it is also the 7th deepest in the world. Ambutheertha is a tranquil, beautiful place about 15 km north-west of Theerthahalli Town. This is where he Sharavathi River originates and there is a Shivalinga here. Ambutheertha is a picturesque town with the winding river, its shimmering waters, tree-lined shores and the temple.Ambutheertha’s history is steeped in legend. It is believed that Lord Rama pierced the earth with his ambu (arrow) to obtain water to satiate his wife Sita’s thirst. This is how the place got the name Ambutheertha and since the river originated because of Rama’s arrow (shara), it is...

Yesterday, we had been to Ambuthirtha,birth place of Sharavathi river. Altitude of this place may be around 2200 feet. The place is serene sorrounded by lush green forest. Maa seetha was very thirsty and to quench her thirst Lord Srirama with his arrow drew the water from underground and thus started SHARAVATHI river. It is a blessed place by Lord Srirama and Maatha Seetha devi. This story was told to us by the archak of the temple, a very simple and pious person who performed the aarathi on behalf of us. The place is just 69 kms from Shivamogga via Ripponpet, Humcha ( Hombuja ) a famous Jain basadi, Shankaralli and Nonabur. May be because of lack of touriststs and pilgrims,there are no facility for the tourists. We feel blessed by Lord Sri Rama after visiting the place. Please be there and enjoy the divine presence of god and be blessed. Please take with you the food etc because you will not get anything there.Nearest place is Ripponpet which is about 30...