TALACAUVERY
AT
KODAGU
Talacauvery, the birthplace of the sacred river Cauvery, is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty.Talacauvery is situated in the Brahmagiri hill which lies in the Kodagu district. Talakaveri lies about 1276 metres above the sea level. The entire panorama is scenic and very beautiful and many tourists come here for a holiday. Bhagamandala is the meeting of three rivers and is also referred to as Triveni Sangam. Dakshin Kashi is another name given to Talakaveri temples.
On Tula Sankaramana day in the middle of October, thousands of pilgrims flock to the river’s birthplace to witness a sudden upsurge of water in a small pond, at a predetermined time. Devout Coorgs take a holy dip in a nearby pond and take home the holy water from the small pond to perform worship on the day of Cauvery Sankramana, the holiest national day for the Coorgs. Pilgrims from neighbouring districts and Tamil Nadu visit Talcauvery for a month after Tula Sankramana. The gushing of water from the small pond at an auspicious moment is considered a miracle. After the holy dip, the pilgrims take a flight of steps leading up to the summit of the Brahmagiri Hill, which offers a feast for nature lovers.
There is a religious significance attached to the temple. It is said that if you take a dip in the holy river you will be healed of various physical and psychological miseries. The water here is supposed to have healing and miraculous powers. It is said that the Coorgies used the holy water and prayed to Goddess Cauveramma Devi Thayi.Talacauvery is about eight kilometres from Bhagamandala. There are many small temples here and many devotees visit this beautiful temple every year. The temple was constructed for Lord Agastheeswara.
The name Talakaveri implies the source of the river Cauvery. As per Hindu mythology, the river Cauvery is one of the most sacred rivers in India. It is about 4187 feet situated on the Brahmagiri hill slopes. Talakaveri is marked with Brahma Kundike or Tirth Kundike. A small spring of water originates from this place and hence it is referred to as Talakaveri.
There is a big tank and a shrine that have been constructed close to the Tirth Kundike at this holy place. The devotees take a bath in the holy waters of Talakavery. There are two temples, one of Lord Shiva which houses an ancient linga and the other of Lord Ganesha. The linga is supposed to have been installed by Sage Agastya.
The Tulasankaramma is celebrated in Talakaveri with great pomp and splendor. There is a water gush at the Brahma Kundike during this period and devotees come here in huge numbers to worship at the temple. The locals believe that this is a very auspicious occasion. The festival of Tulasankramma is celebrated in the month of October every year. The close by hills of Chambundi, Nilgiris, Kudremukh and Wayanad are good tourist spots. The best time to visit Talakaveri temple is from September to May. It is best to avoid going during the monsoon season.
The closest airport is Mangalore which is about 194 kilometres away. Bangalore airport is about 310 kilometres away. You can reach Mysore station which is about 160 kilometres from here.
From Mysore if you wish to go on road the route would be: Mysore – Hunsur- Periyapatna-Bylekuppe-Koppa-Kushal Nagara-Cauvery Nishadharma – Hosakote – Suntikoppa – Madikeri- Abey Falls-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery
There are State Road Transport Corporation buses that operate between Karnataka and Kerala. Also private buses operate or connect Madikeri with other cities. The best time to visit this temple would be during Tulam Sankrama in the month of October.