Tunga River Ghats

The Tunga River Ghats at Sringeri, locally called Matsya Tirtha, are as essential to the town's spiritual identity as the temples themselves. Thousands of large golden fish inhabit the sacred stretch of river beside the temple complex and are believed to be divine protectors of Goddess Sharadamba. Pilgrims have fed them puffed rice and corn for centuries, and the fish come right to the river's edge in dense schools. Fishing is strictly prohibited. In a rare tradition, devoted pilgrims whose prayers are answered gently pierce a fish's nose with a small gold or silver ring before releasing it back into the river.