Imagine you are on a quest to find the source of a legendary river that has shaped the lives and cultures of millions of people for centuries. A river that is worshipped as a goddess, a mother, and a giver of life. A river that has witnessed history, mythology, and mystery. You are looking for River Cauvery, the lifeline of South India.
But where do you start? How do you trace the origin of this mighty river that flows through three states: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala? How did it become so powerful and holy?
The answer is Talacauvery, a small village on Brahmagiri hills in Karnataka. Talacauvery is the place where River Cauvery originates from a spring or kundike.
In this article, we will tell you the story of Talacauvery, what you can see there, when to go there, and how to get there.
The Story of Talacauvery
Talacauvery (also spelled as Tala Kaveri or Talakaveri) means “head of Cauvery” in Kannada. It is the place where River Cauvery was born from a spring on Brahmagiri hills.
According to Hindu mythology, River Cauvery was originally a celestial river called Ganga, who lived in heaven. She agreed to come down to earth to bless the people with her water, but she was reluctant to leave her home. So she asked Sage Agasthya, a wise sage, to carry her in his water pot. Sage Agasthya agreed, but he warned her not to come out without his permission.
Sage Agasthya then traveled to South India with Ganga in his pot. He reached Brahmagiri hills and decided to rest there. He placed his pot on the ground and went to meditate.
Meanwhile, Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, decided to play a prank on Sage Agasthya. He took the form of a crow and tipped over the pot. Ganga came out of the pot and started flowing as River Cauvery. She was angry with Sage Agasthya for keeping her trapped in the pot, so she tried to run away from him.
Sage Agasthya realized what had happened and chased after Ganga. He caught up with her at Bhagamandala, where he prayed to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation, to help him. Lord Shiva appeared as Lord Agasthiswara and calmed down Ganga. He also blessed her with the name Cauvery, meaning “one who brings abundance”.
Since then, Talacauvery has been regarded as the origin and birthplace of River Cauvery, and a holy place for Hindus.
What You Can See at Talacauvery
Talacauvery has a temple complex that consists of two main shrines: one for Goddess Kaveramma (the goddess of River Cauvery) and another for Lord Agasthiswara (the form of Lord Shiva who pacified River Cauvery).
The temple for Goddess Kaveramma is located near the kundike or tank that marks the source of River Cauvery. The kundike has five openings from which water flows out. The water then goes underground and reappears as River Cauvery some distance away.
The temple for Lord Agasthiswara is located on a higher level than the kundike. It has a lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva) that is said to be installed by Sage Agasthya himself. The temple also has idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya (the son of Lord Shiva), and Nandi (the bull mount of Lord Shiva).
The temple complex also has a small museum that displays some ancient coins, inscriptions, sculptures, and photographs related to Talacauvery and River Cauvery.
When to Go to Talacauvery
The best time to go to Talacauvery is during the festival of Cauvery Sankramana or Tula Sankramana, which falls on the first day of the Tula month (mid-October) according to the Hindu calendar. This is the day when River Cauvery is believed to have emerged from the kundike at Talacauvery.
On this day, thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to Talacauvery to witness a miraculous phenomenon: water gushes up from the kundike at a predetermined moment, indicating the birth of River Cauvery. This moment is called Tirthodbhava, meaning “the emergence of holy water”.
How to Get to Talacauvery
You can fly to Mangalore Airport, which is the closest one to Talacauvery (around 140 km away). From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Madikeri. Alternatively, you can travel by train to Mysore or Hassan, or drive from nearby cities. Then, you can hire a taxi or a bus to Talacauvery on a scenic road.
Talacauvery is not only a place that will enrich your mind, body, and soul, but will make you appreciate the wonders of nature and the blessings of life.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Talacauvery today and uncover this hidden gem in Karnataka.
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