Vrishabhavathi River: Origin, Course, & Map

Vrishabhavathi River is a major tributary of the Arkavathi River, flowing through the southwestern parts of Bengaluru and Ramanagara. Further, the Vrishabhavathi River originates in Malleswaram and has a length of 69 kilometers.

This article provides an in-depth, map-based overview of the Vrishabhavathi River, covering its origin, course, tributaries, challenges, and ongoing government efforts for its restoration.

Geographical Features of Vrishabhavathi River

Where does the Vrishabhavathi River originate?

Vrishabhavathi River is said to originate in the Malleswaram area of Bengaluru, although the exact source is debated. Some sources indicate the river begins near Sankey Tank, while others suggest the Nandi Teertha Temple in Basavanagudi as its origin.

Various authorities report differing locations of its origin:

• Bull Temple, Basavanagudi (Bangalore District Gazetteer)
• Sankey Tank, Sadashivanagar (IISc Report, 2017)
• Nandi Teertha Temple, Malleswaram (common public belief)
• Peenya or Yeshwanthpura suburbs (Central Pollution Control Board, 2019)

Based on topographic and geospatial analysis, Sankey Tank overflow and the nearby Nandi Teertha Temple (elevation: 906 m) are considered the most likely origin points.

From here, the river flows for about 69 km, covering Bengaluru Urban (58%) and Ramanagara (42%), finally joining with the Arkavathi River near Ganalu village, close to Kanakapura, and then meets the Cauvery River at Sangama.

Vrishabhavathi River – Map

Drainage Basin & Rainfall

• Basin Area: 383 km²
• Average Annual Rainfall: ~1024 mm
• Highest: 1480 mm (2005)
• Lowest: 563 mm (1982)
• Rainfall is gradually increasing post-2000, but infiltration is limited due to paved surfaces.

Temples Along the River

Vrishabhavathi River holds great cultural significance, especially in the Bengaluru region. Several ancient temples are located along the river:

• Dodda Ganesha Temple
• Dodda Basava Temple
• Gali Hanumantha Temple (constructed in 1425 AD)
• Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
• Kadu Malleshwara Temple
• Ishwara Temple at Kengeri (dating back to 1050 AD)

The Gali Hanumantha Temple, constructed by Sri Vyasaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire, is particularly noteworthy. It is located at the confluence of the Vrishabhavathi and Paschimavahini rivers and has been an important religious site for centuries.

The Big Bull Temple in Basavanagudi, housing a large Nandi statue, is another iconic site. The river is believed to originate at the feet of this monolithic Nandi statue, giving it the name Vrishabhavathi (derived from “Vrishabha” meaning “bull”).

Deterioration and Pollution Challenges

Vrishabhavathi River is often labeled “Bangalore’s most polluted river”.

“The sacred river, fabled to have originated from the Bull Temple in Basavanagudi area in Bengaluru, is polluted and not fit for usage. The river will be revived, and the treated water will be used for irrigation and filling lakes in the outskirts of the city.”
— C.P. Yogeshwar, Minister for Environment, Ecology, and Tourism, Karnataka

Key Challenges:

• Industrial & Sewage Waste: The river is overloaded with untreated sewage and effluents, especially from Peenya and Rajajinagar industrial areas.
• Heavy Metal Contamination: Studies at T.G. Halli Reservoir found high levels of DDT, mercury, and PAH.
• Solid Waste Dumping: Illegal dumping from urban settlements significantly reduces flow and degrades water quality.
• Urbanization: 23% of the river basin lies within BBMP, now completely concretized, blocking natural recharge.

📌 Read More: CPCB Report on Polluted River Stretches

Government & NGT Interventions

Notable Actions:

• ₹553 crore allocated by Karnataka Govt. for Arkavathi-Vrishabhavathi rejuvenation.
• ₹1,500 crore project to clean Vrishabhavathi.
• NGT (National Green Tribunal) has issued multiple directives regarding unchecked pollution and has mandated restoration plans.
• Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are being upgraded, but capacity gaps remain.

📌 Reference: NGT Order on Vrishabhavathi River Pollution

Conclusion

Vrishabhavathi River was once sacred and clean, but today it faces serious pollution problems. The government is working to clean and restore it so that the water can be used again for farming and filling lakes. Saving this river is important for the health of all rivers of Karnataka and for the people who depend on them.