In Hindu sacred literature, it is referred to as the physical holy water body associated with a temple or deity.

Also, most temples were centers of social and economic activities, making a waterbody very essential inside the premises.

[4] 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).

The four Dhams are, Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram as defined by Adi Shankaracharya consists of four Hindu pilgrimage sites along famour river banks.

[6] There are major tourist Theertha Yatra ciruits in India covering various historic and religious themes.

[9] The purificatory bath is believed to remove sins and after the dip, pilgrims offer charitable gifts in the hope of being rewarded in the current life and subsequent lives.