River Tungabhadra is considered sacred by many. It is identified with Goddess Pampa, the consort of Lord Shiva (known as Virupaksha or Pampapati). Goddess Pampa is believed to be the daughter of Lord Brahma. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is located at Hampi. In fact, the name Hampi itself is an anglicized version of the Kannada Hampe, derived from Pampa Tungabhadra finds a mention in the epic Ramayana as Pampathirtha. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the river and it is believed the dip in river at Harihar (a small town in Davanagere district in central Karnataka) will cleanse them of their sins.

River Tunga is the aspect of Lord Vishnu and the river Bhadra is the aspect of Lord Siva. Hence Tungabhadra, formed by the confluence of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva is said to be very sacred.