Beach Vacations

Sauparnika River in Karnataka

Written by Sudhir Kumar

Souparnika River, a sacred river flowing through Kundapur and Gangolli in western India is one of the biggest rivers in Karnataka. Running down the foot hills of the Western Ghats, a dip in this holy river is believed to be very auspicious.

About Sauparnika River :

Souparnika River is a river flowing through Kundapur and Gangolli in western India. It joins with the Varahi River, Kedaka River, Chakra River, and Kubja River and merges into the Arabian Sea.
Sauparnika is a sacred river which emerges from a verdant mountain near Maravanthe in Udupi District of Karnataka. The legend associates this river with an eagle Garuda, also known by the name Suparna, who performed penance on the banks of this river and attained salvation. Thereafter, the river came to be known as ‘Sauparnika’. Along the banks of the river lie pilgrim centers, hills, cities and towns. Among these Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple, Kundapura and Kodachaadri hills are of great importance. Today boating facilities are also arranged at Maravanthe.

Kundapura is a town in Udupi district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the headquarter of the Kundapura taluk and is about 36 kilometres from Udupi.This name can be traced to the Kundeshvara temple built by Kundavarma in the vicinity of the Panchagangavalli river. Kundapur is also described as the ‘town of the sun’. The name may be derived from Kunda, meaning jasmine, owing to the abundance of jasmine-trees in the area. According to others, Kunda means ‘pillar’, and here refers to the traditional method of constructing houses. Kunda has another meaning, indicating a high place. Up to 18th century, nearby Basrur was important town and Kundapura (a place in high place) was built later, particularly during British period. Kundapur town is surrounded by water from three sides (North – Panchagangavali river, East – Kalaghar water, river, West – Kodi back waters, and further west, Arabian sea), leaving south side as main connecting land mass.

Attraction Sauparnika River in Karnataka :

Souparnika River is a river flowing through Kundapur and Gangolli in western India. It joins with the Varahi River, Kedaka River, Chakra River, and Kubja River and merges into the Arabian Sea. It is one of the biggest rivers in Karnataka. It is considered very auspicious to bath in this river. It is a very famous Holy river of Pilgrimages in Mookambika temple, Kollur

It is a believed that Garuda (eagle) called Suparna performed penance on the banks of the river and attained salvation hence the name Sauparnika. It is also believed that river absorbs the elements of 64 different medicinal plants and roots as it flows, therefore it cures all the diseases of those who bath in it.

It is a belied that Garuda (eagle) called Suparna performed penance on the banks of the river and attained salvation hence the name Sauparnika. It is also believed that river absorbs the elements of 64 different medicinal plants and roots as it flows, therefore it cures all the diseases of those who bathe in it.

History :

It was the principal port of the Rajas of Baindoor who came to prominence after the decline of the Vijayanagara power. The Portuguese and German Missionaries settled here in the 16th century and built a fort. A well-built redoubt constructed by Hyder Ali commands the entrance to the river. After the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the town was taken over by the British.

Location info:

Address : Sauparnika is a sacred river which emerges from a verdant mountain near Maravanthe in Udupi District of Karnataka.
District : Udupi District of Karnataka
Nearest City : Kundapur

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Sudhir Kumar

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