Theertham
Theertham (Theertha or Tirtha) literally refers to water. In Hindu sacred literature, it is referred to as the physical holy water body associated with a temple or deity. As per Hindu religious belief, water is the principal purification mechanism. While external purification is believed to be through a dip in sacred water bodies, internal purification is through truthfulness. Most Hindu temples are associated with bodies of water, which are called Theertham. In Vishnu temples, devotees are offered a few drops of sacred water called Theertham. There are various Hindu legends which mention that the temples tanks are usually created by celestial bodies or have been propitiated off their curse by taking a holy dip in such bodies of water. The names of such bodies of water are usually named after the celestial bodies or the characteristics of the sin propitiated. Etymology The word Theertham as in "Theertha Tatra" has its roots in Tamil. Tamil prospective provides a much better and acceptable analogy. Theertham came from a Tamil word Theervu which stands for solution (for any kind of problem faced by humans). It is from this word we have words like Theermanam, thiruppam came in. The word Thirthankara used in Jain faith also has its roots in the same Tamil word. Thirthankara actually means Theervu + Thanda + Karangal where Theervu is solution, Thanda is providing and Karangal is hands. Therefore, to refer to people who used to provide solution for day to day problems, usually saints sitting in temples and provide such solutions, were called "Theervu Thanda Karangal" which over a period of time became Thirthangarar or Thirthankar. As per Hindu mythology, Hindu temples are usually associated with the trio of Moorthy (image), Stalam (sacred place) and Theertham (a body of water). While most temples are located near rivers or lakes, the temples are usually associated with them. Temple tanks and wells are dug inside or outside the temple for all religious purposes. Also, most temples were centers of social and economic activities, making a waterbody very essential inside the premises. There are various Hindu legends which mention that the temples tanks are usually created by celestial bodies or have been propitiated off their curse by taking a holy dip in such bodies of water. In Vishnu temples, devotees are offered a few drops of sacred water called Theertham. The names of such bodies of water are usually named after the celestial bodies or the characteristics of the sin propitiated. The Theerthams in the famous Tirupathi Venkateshwara Temple are Markandeya Theertham (relating to longevity), Agneya Theertham (redeems sins) and Yama Theertham (avoid hell). Theertha Yatra Theertha Yatra is the pilgrimage associated with Hinduism. Rig Veda and Atharvaveda have detailed mention about the famous pilgrimage sites in India. Mahabharata identifies around 300 religious sites related to Theertha yatra. In Hinduism, the yatra (pilgrimage) to the tirthas (sacred places) has special significance for earning the punya (spiritual merit) needed to attain the moksha (salvation). Due to political issues, the Tirthas in India