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By Nirmala Gowda
A field note from Ambutheertha, the spring where the Sharavathi originates, blending local legend with basin-scale observation.
The Sharavathi River rises as a spring at Ambutheertha in the Central Western Ghats of Shivamogga district. Flowing west for ~132 km, it drains into the Arabian Sea at Honnavar and is heavily harnessed for hydropower along its course
The temple priest shared the legend behind the name of the river and its origin. According to the story, while Lord Rama and Sita were travelling through the region, Sita became thirsty. To quench her thirst, Rama shot an arrow (ambu) into the ground, and water (thirtha) sprang forth, creating the spring at Ambutheertha. Since shara also means arrow, the river came to be called Sharavathi.
The elevation map of the river basin shows the three major dams—Linganamakki, Talakalale, and Gerusoppa—managed by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL). These dams are used for hydropower, and the basin contributes significantly to Karnataka’s hydroelectric power generation.
