What is the difference between a Tīrtha and a Kṣetra?

 

Sacred shrines situated on the banks of rivers or along seashores are known as Tīrthas. Temples located on the banks of holy rivers such as the Ganga, Krishna, Godavari, and Tungabhadra—like Varanasi, Gokarna, and Rameswaram—are regarded as Tīrthas.

Temples established on land or atop hills are called Kṣetras. These are further classified into two types: Sthala Kṣetras and Giri Kṣetras. Temples located on plains are known as Sthala Kṣetras, while those situated on hills are called Giri Kṣetras. Examples of Giri Kṣetras include Tirumala, Mangalagiri, and Simhachalam.