How does the Hindu idea of tirtha describe a crossing between worldly and divine realms?

In Hinduism, the term tirtha literally translates to a "river ford" or "crossing place," serving as a profound metaphor for the transition between the worldly and divine realms.1

This concept describes a crossing in two primary ways:

• Metaphorical Transition: A tirtha is considered a place where one can cross over from worldly troubles or transcend the endless cycle of birth and death (samsara). It acts as a bridge between the profane, everyday existence and the sacred reality of the divine.12
• Geographic and Spiritual Locus: While many tirthas are physically located on riverbanks—which are naturally associated with crossing—the term applies to any site made sacred through its association with a deity, saint, or mythological event. These sites are viewed as "gates of heaven" or "navels of the world," where the divine is deemed especially accessible.3142

By journeying to these sites, pilgrims engage in rituals such as bathing (snana) and circumambulation (pradakshina), which facilitate a spiritual movement toward moksha and a deeper connection with the divine.314