Unsolved Mystery: Strange Sound in Suvarna River Every Time You Bathe

Devotees gather on the auspicious occasion of Krishna Chaturdashi, on Tuesday (17-03-2026), to take a holy dip in the sacred Suvarna River near Udupi in Karnataka. The ritual is believed to cleanse devotees of their sins and grant spiritual purification.

When devotees take a holy dip at this particular spot on this day (Krishnangaraka Chaturdashi) in the river while immersed in water, they can hear a distinct spluttering sound. According to Tirtha Prabandha of Vadiraja Swamy (Sode Mutt, Udupi), this sound symbolizes the burning away of accumulated sins, similar to the crackling noise heard when sesame seeds are poured into a fire during rituals.

Krishnangaraka Chaturdashi Snana Ghat is situated on the banks of the Suvarna River along the road connecting Manipal and Kallianpur, near Shivalli Shimbra.

Because of the sanctity of this occasion, the Acharyas of the Ashta Mutta’s of Udupi traditionally visit the site along with their disciples to take the sacred dip. The revered saint Vadiraja Tirtha also refers to the spiritual significance of this place in his writings. In one of his verses, he describes the Suvarna River as “Vedachalam Sambhutham” originating from the sacred Veda mountain and praises its divine power.

The sacred location lies close to Manipal, about five kilometers away, where the revered Shivalli Shimbra Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple is situated, adding to the spiritual importance of the region.

Tradition also recalls that Vadiraja Tirtha himself took a holy bath in the river on a Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi that fell on a Tuesday, a day remembered as Krishnangaraka Chaturdashi. Devotees believe that the mysterious sound can be heard only at the exact spot where the saint bathed with his disciples and only on this sacred day.

Interestingly, the sound cannot be heard if one bathes in any other part of the river on the same day. Also, on the previous or the next day of this event, the sound cannot be heard. This unique phenomenon highlights the spiritual significance and greatness of this sacred location on that particular yoga, making it a deeply revered pilgrimage site for devotees.