Explore Pampa Lake and the Sacred Tungabhadra River

Located near the Hampi World Heritage Area, Pampa Lake, also known as Pampa Sarovar, holds historical and religious significance. A team from the Karnataka State Archaeological Museum and Heritage Department has discovered rock shelter paintings that are about 2,500 years old near the lake.

About Pampa Lake:

1. Significance in Hindu Mythology:

   1. Pampa Lake is one of the five sacred lakes, known as Panch-Sarovar, in Hindu mythology.
   2. It is believed to be the place where Pampa, a form of Shiva’s consort Parvati, performed penance to show her devotion to Shiva.
   3. The lake is also mentioned in the Ramayana as the place where Shabhari, a devotee of Lord Rama, waited for his arrival.

2. Geographic Location:

   1. Pampa Lake is situated in the Koppal district of Karnataka, near Hampi.
   2. It is located to the south of the Tungabhadra River.

3. Scenic Beauty:

   1. The lake is surrounded by hills and temples, creating a serene and tranquil ambiance.
   2. It is known for its abundant lotus flowers, adding to its natural beauty.

Key Facts about Tungabhadra River:

1. Geographical Significance:

   1. The Tungabhadra River is a major river in the south Indian peninsula.
   2. It is a significant tributary of the Krishna River.

2. Origin:

   1. The river is formed by the confluence of two rivers, Tunga and Bhadra, hence its name.
   2. Both the Tunga and Bhadra Rivers originate on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.
   3. The two rivers merge at Koodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka to form the Tungabhadra River.

3. Course and Length:

   1. The river flows in a northwesterly direction before joining the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
   2. The Krishna River eventually ends in the Bay of Bengal.
   3. The Tungabhadra River has a total length of 531 km and a catchment area of 28,000 sq. km.

4. Tributaries and Dams:

   1. The river is influenced primarily by the South-West monsoon.
   2. Major tributaries of the Tungabhadra River include the Varada River and Hagari (Vedathy) River.
   3. Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed on the river, including the Tunga Anicut Dam, the Bhadra Dam, the Hemavathy Dam, and the Tungabhadra Dam.

5. Main Tributaries of Krishna River:

   1. The principal tributaries joining the Krishna River are the Ghataprabha, the Malaprabha, the Bhima, the Tungabhadra, and the Musi.