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Courtesy:Sri.R.Gopalakrishnan
TALAKAVERI
Dear friends
I had been to Madikkeri on a short visit with my children on vacation during the last five days – tour arranged by Akbar tours at Bangalore including Hotel accommodation and complimentary break fast and dinner (buffet). The accommodation was excellent and charging was not very high by the operator.
Our first day visit was to Raja seat and seeing sunset in the area in the evening at Madikkeri. In fact we reached just at 3 PM . Grand children enjoyed the toy train journey in the park area . We also visited an exhibition A-Z near by to Park.
Next day morning we started to Talakkaveri. The journey took about two hours through uphill road accommodating all speedy vehicles or joining them. When the Program was told that Talakkaveri visit was there, my wife immediately said- We should perform pooja at Taalakkaveri and take water from there for Abhishekam in our local temple. I agreed to it.
The Pooja items are available in a shop close to the steps in the entrance (NO OTHER SHOP FOR CHOICE) and pooja ticket also given by an office close to it. Pooja items are priced 70-00 rupees and ticket 20-00 rupees. We can give Dakshina as we desire. Hundi is there near the temple.
Adequate facilities are there for cloth changing. The pond like area is better maintained, Steps are slightly slippery but water is only up to waist level. We have to take three dips with cloth in waist area. ON ANY ACCOUNT CLOTHS SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM WAIST while taking bath. Police are deployed for all help and guidance and warning . If we go near the priest crossing the pond like area, he will pour some water from the exact origin- Thalakkaveri on our head. After changing cloths we have to perform pooja. My wife collected water in her bottles from there, poured by the priest.
All family members has to be together, Gothra, star, rasi name etc has to be told. All family members have to join in Archana though chief are myself and wife.
The following is a COMPILATION about Talakkaveri from various websites including the one from the temple.
1 ABOUT SRI CAUVERY :
Sri Cauvery is the foster daughter of Sri Kavera Maharshi who had his ashrama in the enchanting valley of 'Brahma Giri' hill. Sri Kavera Maharshi had no children. Therefore he did severe penance to get a child through the blessings of Lord Brahma the God of the Universe. Lord Brahma who was pleased with the tapasya of Maharshi Kavera gave his 'Manasaputri'- foster daughter Lopamudra to him as a mark of special blessing. Lopamudra who was an incarnation of 'Aadi Parashakti', was given as a foster daughter to Lord Brahma by Lord Mahavishnu. Lopamudra had prayed to Lord Brahma and got his blessings for her to incarnate as a river and serve for the welfare of humanity.
Lopamudra was brought up by Maharshi Kavera with all affection, care and devotion. Accordingly she was named Cauvery. She was deeply devoted to her father and the ashram duties. As she grew up she earned the high esteem of all in and outside the ashram.
One day, sage Agastya Maharshi who was considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva came from his abode in Himalayas to Kavera Ashram in Brahmagiri hills. He was very much impressed by the beauty and chastity of Sri Cauvery. He thought of marrying Sri Cauvery and formally sought her hand in marriage. Sri Cauvery agreed for the marriage on one condition that SRI AGASTYA MAHARSHI WILL NEVER LEAVE HER ALONE AND BE AWAY FROM HER AT ANY TIME. Sage Adastya who was an incarnation of Lord Shiva saw through his yogic eye the Divine Mission and greatness of Sri Cauvery. The marriage of sri Cauvery and Maharshi Agastya was performed at Kavera Ashrama with all joy and the prevalent religious rites of the rishi ashrama.
One day Sri Agastya Maharshi went for a bath at the source of Kanika river, a place close to Talacauvery located on the other side of Brahmagiri hills. Before he went there, by his yogic powers Sage Agastya converted Sri Cauvery as water and filling her in his 'Kamandalu'(Yogi's handy water pot) kept it near the Brahmakundige at Kavera ashrama. He instructed his disciples to gaurd the Kamandalu wherein Sri Cauvery was in water form. The sage failed to turn up early to the ashrama.
Sri Cauvery waited for long and at the prolonged absence of Sri Agastya Maharshi got herself greatly annoyed. She decided to go in for her divine mission of life of incarnating as a river. Accordingly Sri Cauvery by her divine power jumped from the Kamandalu into the nearby Brahmakundige- a sacred pond- and emerged as a river. the inmates of the ashrama begged her not to go away but to wait until Sri Agastya Maharshi return to the ashrama. She did not listen to them and took an underground secret path stretching some metres and flowed away.
On her way she was prevented by the 'Nagas'(inhabitants of Nagaloka) at place called 'Nagathirta' and they prayed to Sri Cauvery not to proceed as a river. Blessing them Sri Cauvery finally came to Bhagamandala where she was met and joined by the other two rivers called Kanika and Sujyothi. Thus 'Triveni Sangama' was formed and Bhagamandala became a 'Sangama Kshetra'.
My note- A large Siva temple is here at Bhaga mandala.
At Bhagamandala Sri Bhaganda Maharshi, Triguni a pious Brahmin prayed for the grace of Lord Shiva and tried to prevent the further march of Sri Cauvery. But Sri Cauvery was determined to move on her chosen path. Sri Cauvery blessed Bhagamandala to be a 'Punya Kshetra'- meritorious holy place, particularly to people to offer oblations to their departed ancestors and continued her river course towards the eastern direction.
Maharshi Agastya who came to know about the episode from his disciples hurriedly came to meet Sri Cauvery and prevent her from moving further as a river. He met Sri Cauvery at a place called Balamuri which is located at a distance of 37 K.M. away from Talacauvery. Sage Agastya expressed his feelings and desire to Sri Cauvery and asked her not to continue her river course. At Balamuri, the King of Kodagu, Sri Devakanta and his retinue, Kodava people in great number assembled to meet Sri Cauvery. Sri Cauvery was conscious of the feelings of her husband sage Agastya as well as the King Devakanta and other people of Kodagu. She told sage Agastya that she would divide herself into two bodies and in one part she would return to sage Agastya and live with him as his legitimate wife and in her other body she would live as river Cauvery and serve the cause of the welfare of humanity.
Sri Cauvery then promised that she would accompany Mother Ganga and other holy river deities and give special Darshan-divine manifestation to the devotees in the form of 'Theerthodbhava'-emerging of holy water-at Talacauvery Brahmakundika every year on the Tulasankramana muhurtam in the month of October. She then blessed the land and people of Kodagu and assured that they would be rich with peace and prosperity provided they followed the path of truth and righteousness and have devotion to her. That was a great promise and rare blessing from divine Mother Sri Cauvery particularly to the people of Kodagu and to all the devotees in general. THEREFORE KODAVAS ACCEPTED SRI CAUVERY AS THEIR KULA DEVATA- FAMILY DEITY.
Sri Agastya Maharshi followed Sri Cauvery in her course of flowing as a river till she joined the sea. He blessed her divine mission and as a mark of it founded several Shiva and Vishnu temples in different places throughout on the banks of Sri Cauvery river. He also proclaimed to the world the divine greatness of Sri Cauvery and the sacredness of her river water. Sage Agastya was not only a great yogi with divine powers but a deep scholar with practical knowledge of ancient Indian medicine, chemistry etc. He therefore easily found out the spiritual power, purity as well as medicinal potentiality of Sri Cauvery water and proclaimed it as a "Theerta"- that which frees one from the bonds of life.
Sri Cauvery continued her journey from Balamuri and flowed in the states of Karnataka and Tamilnadu and at last on completion of her river course joined the eastern sea-Bay of Bengal.
2 ABOUT BHAGAMANDALA :
According to Skanda Purana, Bhagamandala was known in ancient times as Bhaganda Kshetra. Long ago one great sage namely Sri Bhaganda Maharshi was living here in his ashrama with his disciples. Therefore, the place was named after the great rishi Sri Bhaganda as Bhagamandala.
Sri Bhaganda Maharshi did severe penance to invoke the special blessings of Lord Subramanya and Lord Shiva . Lord Subramanya blessed the Maharshi and the place. Lord Subramanya named the place as Skanda Kshetra and manifested in the form of a stone image. Lord Shiva blessed Sri Bhaganda Maharshi and assured him of his divine presence in the place. Sri Bhaganda Maharshi installed a Shiva Linga and invoked in it the divine presence of Lord Shiva and worshipped it. Since the holy Shiva Linga was installed by Sri Bhaganda Maharshi it became popular and known as Sri Bhagandeshwara. It is traditionally believed that a very special manifestation of divinity is present in Sri Bhagandeshwara Linga at Bhagamandala.
A holy bath in Triveni Sangama in Bhagamandala is not only enchanting but spiritually uplifting. The Triveni Sangama is formed out of the confluence of three rivers namely Sri Cauvery, Sri Kanika and Sri Sujyothi. Sujyothi of course, like river Saraswati at Ganga Triveni Sangama at Allahabad is 'Antarvahini'-subterranean-not visible to our physical eyes.
The exact date of the construction and dedication of Sri Bhagandeshwara and other temples in Bhagamandala is not known, because no historical records are available in that regard. But it is believed that the origin of the temples belong to the puranic age. According to the available historical records it is known that Maharaja Veera Rajendra Wadeyar, the King of Kodagu, renovated the temple in 1790 A D.
3 POOJA RATES AT TALAKKAVERI
Particulars Rate
1 Maha Pooja Rs. 200-00
2 Rudrabhisheka Rs. 50-00
3 Ksheerabhisheka Rs. 50-00
4 Dharabhisheka Rs. 40-00
5 Bilva Patre Archane Rs. 40-00
6 Tulasi Archane Rs. 50-00
7 Appakajjaya Rs. 30-00
8 Panchakajjaya Re. 1-00
9 Fruits and Coconut Re. 1-00
10 Karpoora Mangalarati Rs. 5-00
11 Sri Satyanarayana Pooja Rs. 100-00
12 Tila Homa Rs. 100-00
13 Shanti Pooja Rs. 100-00
14 Homa Rs. 250-00
15 Marriage / Thread Ceremony Rs. 250-00
16 Vehicle Pooja Rs. 25-00
My note- We were given an archana ticket and charged Rs 20-00
4 FESTIVALS
1 Mahashivaratri Festival at Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple February or March
2 Three day Annual Festival at Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple April
3 Talacauvery Annual Festival May
4 Talacauvery Tula Sankramana Festival (Teerthodbhava) On October 17th
5 Sri Subrahmanya Shashti / Huttari December
5 Temple Officer, Address and Telephone Number
Executive Officer,
Sri Bhagandeshwara - Talacauvery Temple,
Bhagamandala, Madikeri Taluk,
Coorg District - 571247.
Telephone Number : 08272 - 243272
E-mail address :
eo.bagandeshwaratkomtpl@gmail.com
My note- The above informations are compiled from temple website
Talacauvery is mostly preferred by travellers. The go to destination for types of travellers, be it family, kids and couples, Talacauvery is, however, mostly preferred. The best season or months to visit places in Talacauvery are February, March, April, October, November, December.
5 Madikkeri
Madikeri is a major destination of tourists visiting Talacauvery (Talakaveri), situated at a distance of about 48 km away at an altitude of 1525 m above the sea level.
Madikeri hill station was named as Muddurajakeri, after its founder Muddu Raja, the prince of the Haleri dynasty, in 1681. Madikeri, known also as the Scotland of India, is the district headquarters of Coorg.
The prime attractions of Madikeri are Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri Fort, Raja's seat, Raja's Tomb, Abbey falls and many more.
6 About Talacauvery (Talakaveri) Temple
Talacauvery (Talakaveri) temple is the prime attraction of Talacauvery. Talacauvery temple consists of shrines dedicated to Goddess Caveriamma, Lord Agastheeshwara and Lord Vinayaka.
Talacauvery temple is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges at an altitude of 1276 m above the sea level. It is believed that this place is the origin of the holy River Cauvery. River Cauvery, considered among Sapta Sindhu or seven holy rivers, is the Ganges of South India.
At Talacauvery there is a small square tank, the holy pond, called Cauvery Kundike or Brahma Kundike, which is the Ugama Sthana or the birth place of River Cauvery. Here, River Cauvery emerges as a perennial spring and disappears underground. River Cauvery again surfaces at Nagathirtha near Bhagamandala and joins with Kannike and Sujyoti at Triveni Sangam and meets the Bay of Bengal after her sojourn of 800 km through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
There is a small temple across the Cauvery Kundike and the adjacent larger tank, AT THE SPOT WHERE LORD SHIVA APPEARED BEFORE SAGE AGASTHYA. The deity here is known by the name Lord Agastheeshwara. There is also a small shrine dedicated to Lord Vinayaka at the premises of this temple.
Tula Sankramana of Makara Masa is the most auspicious day for visiting Talacauvery, as it is believed that on this day Goddess Cauvery appears on earth, which is indicated by a sudden upsurge of the water in the Cauvery (Brahma) Kundike.
This place is about 40km from Madikeri, Coorg. Being a holy place, there is a dress code that needs to be followed by visitors - no sleeveless, 3/4ths, shorts allowed. If you are in one of these, you'll be provided with clothes to cover them at a nominal charge of Rs. 10
Apart from temple here, the other attraction is the path of 350+ steps one needs to take barefooted over stone steps to reach the sightseeing spot. At the top a mesmerizing view of the valleys awaits you. The ground at the top is rocky with pebbles rubbing against your feet. Also, I found arrays of "towers" of small stones/rocks (8-10 storeys high) which I believe visitors made and considered "good omen".
My note- We ot satisfied viewin from the large grounds before the temple
It is around 30 km - 40 km from Madikeri city. It is very mesmerisingly beautiful place. It is a place where Kauvery took birth. There is a pond right before the temple. Devotees can either get into the pond and cross it to reach the deity or just use the sideways. In the Month of November water was ice cold. Holy water is also stored in huge tanks. It's very cold and sweet to taste. From mid of October to Mid November there is free lunch in the temple, it's tasty and awesome.
6A ANOTHER LEEND ABOUT TALAKKAVERI
The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma. Other deities worshipped here are Lord Agasthiswara, which denotes the link between Kaveri and Sage Agasthya and Maha Ganapathi.
The legend goes that the Kaveri river was held in a Kamandalu (a container of sacred water) by Sage Agastya. Vinaayaka (Lord Ganesha) took the form of a crow and perched on the kamandalu of Agasthya when Agasthya was meditating. When Agastya realised this, he shooed away the crow. But the devine crow tipped the kamandalu and toppled it. Out poured Kaveri which started flowing. The crow disappeared and in its place stood a small boy. Agasthya thought that the boy was playing some prank and clenching both his fists, went to pound the head of the small boy. But the boy escaped and Agasthya gave chase. Finally the boy vanished and Lord Ganesha showed himself to Agasthya. Agasthya was aghast at the realisation that he had just tried to knock the head of Lord Ganesha himself. As atonement, he knocked his own head with both of his clenched fists.
The link between Kaveri and Lord Ganesha also extends to Srirangam as well, in Lord Ganesha's role in setting up the Ranganatha temple there. The temple at Tirumakudalu Narasipura (confluence of Kabini, Kaveri and the legendary Spatika Sarovara) is also dedicated to Agasthiwara.
7 History of the temple priests of Talakaveri
It is believed that Mayura Varma, and Narasimman the Kadamba King who ruled vast areas of southern and central India in the 4th Century A.D. brought Brahmins from Ahi Kshetra (or Ahichatra) and put them in-charge of various temples in Tulu Nadu. Ahi Kshetra is mentioned in the Mahabharata as lying north of the Ganges, and as being the capital of Northern Panchala.
The Brahmins who first landed in Shivalli in Tulunadu and then spread across 31 villages came to be known as Shivalli Brahmins or Tulu Brahmins. It is from Shivalli and Tulu Brahmins, that the priests of Talakaveri temple have come from.
7a Achar Family of Talacauvery
The beginning of the Achar family in Talakaveri starts ten generations or about 220 to 230 years age before which it was worshiped only by kodavas and the priests being amma kodavas A Brahmin named Venkappayya and his two brothers, along with their families came to Talakaveri on a pilgrimage. Lingaraja the First was the ruler of Kodagu. One night God appeared in Lingaraja's dream and indicated that there was a Brahmin family currently visiting Talakaveri. God commanded Lingaraja to appoint this Brahmin to be the priest at the temple. After the king arose from his dream, he sent for this Brahmin family. The king's messengers found Venkappayya in Talakaveri and informed him about the king's desire. Venkappayya accompanied the king's messengers from Talakaveri to Madikeri, a distance of about 24 miles to meet the king.
Lingaraja received Venkappayya and requested him to start daily puja at the temple. The king set up an endowment to pay Venkappayya for his services at the temple. This was the beginning of the Achar family of Talacauvery. The priesthood bestowed by Lingaraja upon Venkappayya has passed on through many generations to his heirs. It is hereditary as most priesthoods are, and all male members of the family have the birthright to become priests at the temple. The current generation of Achar priests at the temple is the ninth from Venkappayya. Although Venkappayya came to Talakaveri with his two brothers, only Venkappayya's descendants are documented.
TALAKAVERI
Dear friends
I had been to Madikkeri on a short visit with my children on vacation during the last five days – tour arranged by Akbar tours at Bangalore including Hotel accommodation and complimentary break fast and dinner (buffet). The accommodation was excellent and charging was not very high by the operator.
Our first day visit was to Raja seat and seeing sunset in the area in the evening at Madikkeri. In fact we reached just at 3 PM . Grand children enjoyed the toy train journey in the park area . We also visited an exhibition A-Z near by to Park.
Next day morning we started to Talakkaveri. The journey took about two hours through uphill road accommodating all speedy vehicles or joining them. When the Program was told that Talakkaveri visit was there, my wife immediately said- We should perform pooja at Taalakkaveri and take water from there for Abhishekam in our local temple. I agreed to it.
The Pooja items are available in a shop close to the steps in the entrance (NO OTHER SHOP FOR CHOICE) and pooja ticket also given by an office close to it. Pooja items are priced 70-00 rupees and ticket 20-00 rupees. We can give Dakshina as we desire. Hundi is there near the temple.
Adequate facilities are there for cloth changing. The pond like area is better maintained, Steps are slightly slippery but water is only up to waist level. We have to take three dips with cloth in waist area. ON ANY ACCOUNT CLOTHS SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM WAIST while taking bath. Police are deployed for all help and guidance and warning . If we go near the priest crossing the pond like area, he will pour some water from the exact origin- Thalakkaveri on our head. After changing cloths we have to perform pooja. My wife collected water in her bottles from there, poured by the priest.
All family members has to be together, Gothra, star, rasi name etc has to be told. All family members have to join in Archana though chief are myself and wife.
The following is a COMPILATION about Talakkaveri from various websites including the one from the temple.
1 ABOUT SRI CAUVERY :
Sri Cauvery is the foster daughter of Sri Kavera Maharshi who had his ashrama in the enchanting valley of 'Brahma Giri' hill. Sri Kavera Maharshi had no children. Therefore he did severe penance to get a child through the blessings of Lord Brahma the God of the Universe. Lord Brahma who was pleased with the tapasya of Maharshi Kavera gave his 'Manasaputri'- foster daughter Lopamudra to him as a mark of special blessing. Lopamudra who was an incarnation of 'Aadi Parashakti', was given as a foster daughter to Lord Brahma by Lord Mahavishnu. Lopamudra had prayed to Lord Brahma and got his blessings for her to incarnate as a river and serve for the welfare of humanity.
Lopamudra was brought up by Maharshi Kavera with all affection, care and devotion. Accordingly she was named Cauvery. She was deeply devoted to her father and the ashram duties. As she grew up she earned the high esteem of all in and outside the ashram.
One day, sage Agastya Maharshi who was considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva came from his abode in Himalayas to Kavera Ashram in Brahmagiri hills. He was very much impressed by the beauty and chastity of Sri Cauvery. He thought of marrying Sri Cauvery and formally sought her hand in marriage. Sri Cauvery agreed for the marriage on one condition that SRI AGASTYA MAHARSHI WILL NEVER LEAVE HER ALONE AND BE AWAY FROM HER AT ANY TIME. Sage Adastya who was an incarnation of Lord Shiva saw through his yogic eye the Divine Mission and greatness of Sri Cauvery. The marriage of sri Cauvery and Maharshi Agastya was performed at Kavera Ashrama with all joy and the prevalent religious rites of the rishi ashrama.
One day Sri Agastya Maharshi went for a bath at the source of Kanika river, a place close to Talacauvery located on the other side of Brahmagiri hills. Before he went there, by his yogic powers Sage Agastya converted Sri Cauvery as water and filling her in his 'Kamandalu'(Yogi's handy water pot) kept it near the Brahmakundige at Kavera ashrama. He instructed his disciples to gaurd the Kamandalu wherein Sri Cauvery was in water form. The sage failed to turn up early to the ashrama.
Sri Cauvery waited for long and at the prolonged absence of Sri Agastya Maharshi got herself greatly annoyed. She decided to go in for her divine mission of life of incarnating as a river. Accordingly Sri Cauvery by her divine power jumped from the Kamandalu into the nearby Brahmakundige- a sacred pond- and emerged as a river. the inmates of the ashrama begged her not to go away but to wait until Sri Agastya Maharshi return to the ashrama. She did not listen to them and took an underground secret path stretching some metres and flowed away.
On her way she was prevented by the 'Nagas'(inhabitants of Nagaloka) at place called 'Nagathirta' and they prayed to Sri Cauvery not to proceed as a river. Blessing them Sri Cauvery finally came to Bhagamandala where she was met and joined by the other two rivers called Kanika and Sujyothi. Thus 'Triveni Sangama' was formed and Bhagamandala became a 'Sangama Kshetra'.
My note- A large Siva temple is here at Bhaga mandala.
At Bhagamandala Sri Bhaganda Maharshi, Triguni a pious Brahmin prayed for the grace of Lord Shiva and tried to prevent the further march of Sri Cauvery. But Sri Cauvery was determined to move on her chosen path. Sri Cauvery blessed Bhagamandala to be a 'Punya Kshetra'- meritorious holy place, particularly to people to offer oblations to their departed ancestors and continued her river course towards the eastern direction.
Maharshi Agastya who came to know about the episode from his disciples hurriedly came to meet Sri Cauvery and prevent her from moving further as a river. He met Sri Cauvery at a place called Balamuri which is located at a distance of 37 K.M. away from Talacauvery. Sage Agastya expressed his feelings and desire to Sri Cauvery and asked her not to continue her river course. At Balamuri, the King of Kodagu, Sri Devakanta and his retinue, Kodava people in great number assembled to meet Sri Cauvery. Sri Cauvery was conscious of the feelings of her husband sage Agastya as well as the King Devakanta and other people of Kodagu. She told sage Agastya that she would divide herself into two bodies and in one part she would return to sage Agastya and live with him as his legitimate wife and in her other body she would live as river Cauvery and serve the cause of the welfare of humanity.
Sri Cauvery then promised that she would accompany Mother Ganga and other holy river deities and give special Darshan-divine manifestation to the devotees in the form of 'Theerthodbhava'-emerging of holy water-at Talacauvery Brahmakundika every year on the Tulasankramana muhurtam in the month of October. She then blessed the land and people of Kodagu and assured that they would be rich with peace and prosperity provided they followed the path of truth and righteousness and have devotion to her. That was a great promise and rare blessing from divine Mother Sri Cauvery particularly to the people of Kodagu and to all the devotees in general. THEREFORE KODAVAS ACCEPTED SRI CAUVERY AS THEIR KULA DEVATA- FAMILY DEITY.
Sri Agastya Maharshi followed Sri Cauvery in her course of flowing as a river till she joined the sea. He blessed her divine mission and as a mark of it founded several Shiva and Vishnu temples in different places throughout on the banks of Sri Cauvery river. He also proclaimed to the world the divine greatness of Sri Cauvery and the sacredness of her river water. Sage Agastya was not only a great yogi with divine powers but a deep scholar with practical knowledge of ancient Indian medicine, chemistry etc. He therefore easily found out the spiritual power, purity as well as medicinal potentiality of Sri Cauvery water and proclaimed it as a "Theerta"- that which frees one from the bonds of life.
Sri Cauvery continued her journey from Balamuri and flowed in the states of Karnataka and Tamilnadu and at last on completion of her river course joined the eastern sea-Bay of Bengal.
2 ABOUT BHAGAMANDALA :
According to Skanda Purana, Bhagamandala was known in ancient times as Bhaganda Kshetra. Long ago one great sage namely Sri Bhaganda Maharshi was living here in his ashrama with his disciples. Therefore, the place was named after the great rishi Sri Bhaganda as Bhagamandala.
Sri Bhaganda Maharshi did severe penance to invoke the special blessings of Lord Subramanya and Lord Shiva . Lord Subramanya blessed the Maharshi and the place. Lord Subramanya named the place as Skanda Kshetra and manifested in the form of a stone image. Lord Shiva blessed Sri Bhaganda Maharshi and assured him of his divine presence in the place. Sri Bhaganda Maharshi installed a Shiva Linga and invoked in it the divine presence of Lord Shiva and worshipped it. Since the holy Shiva Linga was installed by Sri Bhaganda Maharshi it became popular and known as Sri Bhagandeshwara. It is traditionally believed that a very special manifestation of divinity is present in Sri Bhagandeshwara Linga at Bhagamandala.
A holy bath in Triveni Sangama in Bhagamandala is not only enchanting but spiritually uplifting. The Triveni Sangama is formed out of the confluence of three rivers namely Sri Cauvery, Sri Kanika and Sri Sujyothi. Sujyothi of course, like river Saraswati at Ganga Triveni Sangama at Allahabad is 'Antarvahini'-subterranean-not visible to our physical eyes.
The exact date of the construction and dedication of Sri Bhagandeshwara and other temples in Bhagamandala is not known, because no historical records are available in that regard. But it is believed that the origin of the temples belong to the puranic age. According to the available historical records it is known that Maharaja Veera Rajendra Wadeyar, the King of Kodagu, renovated the temple in 1790 A D.
3 POOJA RATES AT TALAKKAVERI
Particulars Rate
1 Maha Pooja Rs. 200-00
2 Rudrabhisheka Rs. 50-00
3 Ksheerabhisheka Rs. 50-00
4 Dharabhisheka Rs. 40-00
5 Bilva Patre Archane Rs. 40-00
6 Tulasi Archane Rs. 50-00
7 Appakajjaya Rs. 30-00
8 Panchakajjaya Re. 1-00
9 Fruits and Coconut Re. 1-00
10 Karpoora Mangalarati Rs. 5-00
11 Sri Satyanarayana Pooja Rs. 100-00
12 Tila Homa Rs. 100-00
13 Shanti Pooja Rs. 100-00
14 Homa Rs. 250-00
15 Marriage / Thread Ceremony Rs. 250-00
16 Vehicle Pooja Rs. 25-00
My note- We were given an archana ticket and charged Rs 20-00
4 FESTIVALS
1 Mahashivaratri Festival at Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple February or March
2 Three day Annual Festival at Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple April
3 Talacauvery Annual Festival May
4 Talacauvery Tula Sankramana Festival (Teerthodbhava) On October 17th
5 Sri Subrahmanya Shashti / Huttari December
5 Temple Officer, Address and Telephone Number
Executive Officer,
Sri Bhagandeshwara - Talacauvery Temple,
Bhagamandala, Madikeri Taluk,
Coorg District - 571247.
Telephone Number : 08272 - 243272
E-mail address :
eo.bagandeshwaratkomtpl@gmail.com
My note- The above informations are compiled from temple website
Talacauvery is mostly preferred by travellers. The go to destination for types of travellers, be it family, kids and couples, Talacauvery is, however, mostly preferred. The best season or months to visit places in Talacauvery are February, March, April, October, November, December.
5 Madikkeri
Madikeri is a major destination of tourists visiting Talacauvery (Talakaveri), situated at a distance of about 48 km away at an altitude of 1525 m above the sea level.
Madikeri hill station was named as Muddurajakeri, after its founder Muddu Raja, the prince of the Haleri dynasty, in 1681. Madikeri, known also as the Scotland of India, is the district headquarters of Coorg.
The prime attractions of Madikeri are Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri Fort, Raja's seat, Raja's Tomb, Abbey falls and many more.
6 About Talacauvery (Talakaveri) Temple
Talacauvery (Talakaveri) temple is the prime attraction of Talacauvery. Talacauvery temple consists of shrines dedicated to Goddess Caveriamma, Lord Agastheeshwara and Lord Vinayaka.
Talacauvery temple is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges at an altitude of 1276 m above the sea level. It is believed that this place is the origin of the holy River Cauvery. River Cauvery, considered among Sapta Sindhu or seven holy rivers, is the Ganges of South India.
At Talacauvery there is a small square tank, the holy pond, called Cauvery Kundike or Brahma Kundike, which is the Ugama Sthana or the birth place of River Cauvery. Here, River Cauvery emerges as a perennial spring and disappears underground. River Cauvery again surfaces at Nagathirtha near Bhagamandala and joins with Kannike and Sujyoti at Triveni Sangam and meets the Bay of Bengal after her sojourn of 800 km through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
There is a small temple across the Cauvery Kundike and the adjacent larger tank, AT THE SPOT WHERE LORD SHIVA APPEARED BEFORE SAGE AGASTHYA. The deity here is known by the name Lord Agastheeshwara. There is also a small shrine dedicated to Lord Vinayaka at the premises of this temple.
Tula Sankramana of Makara Masa is the most auspicious day for visiting Talacauvery, as it is believed that on this day Goddess Cauvery appears on earth, which is indicated by a sudden upsurge of the water in the Cauvery (Brahma) Kundike.
This place is about 40km from Madikeri, Coorg. Being a holy place, there is a dress code that needs to be followed by visitors - no sleeveless, 3/4ths, shorts allowed. If you are in one of these, you'll be provided with clothes to cover them at a nominal charge of Rs. 10
Apart from temple here, the other attraction is the path of 350+ steps one needs to take barefooted over stone steps to reach the sightseeing spot. At the top a mesmerizing view of the valleys awaits you. The ground at the top is rocky with pebbles rubbing against your feet. Also, I found arrays of "towers" of small stones/rocks (8-10 storeys high) which I believe visitors made and considered "good omen".
My note- We ot satisfied viewin from the large grounds before the temple
It is around 30 km - 40 km from Madikeri city. It is very mesmerisingly beautiful place. It is a place where Kauvery took birth. There is a pond right before the temple. Devotees can either get into the pond and cross it to reach the deity or just use the sideways. In the Month of November water was ice cold. Holy water is also stored in huge tanks. It's very cold and sweet to taste. From mid of October to Mid November there is free lunch in the temple, it's tasty and awesome.
6A ANOTHER LEEND ABOUT TALAKKAVERI
The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma. Other deities worshipped here are Lord Agasthiswara, which denotes the link between Kaveri and Sage Agasthya and Maha Ganapathi.
The legend goes that the Kaveri river was held in a Kamandalu (a container of sacred water) by Sage Agastya. Vinaayaka (Lord Ganesha) took the form of a crow and perched on the kamandalu of Agasthya when Agasthya was meditating. When Agastya realised this, he shooed away the crow. But the devine crow tipped the kamandalu and toppled it. Out poured Kaveri which started flowing. The crow disappeared and in its place stood a small boy. Agasthya thought that the boy was playing some prank and clenching both his fists, went to pound the head of the small boy. But the boy escaped and Agasthya gave chase. Finally the boy vanished and Lord Ganesha showed himself to Agasthya. Agasthya was aghast at the realisation that he had just tried to knock the head of Lord Ganesha himself. As atonement, he knocked his own head with both of his clenched fists.
The link between Kaveri and Lord Ganesha also extends to Srirangam as well, in Lord Ganesha's role in setting up the Ranganatha temple there. The temple at Tirumakudalu Narasipura (confluence of Kabini, Kaveri and the legendary Spatika Sarovara) is also dedicated to Agasthiwara.
7 History of the temple priests of Talakaveri
It is believed that Mayura Varma, and Narasimman the Kadamba King who ruled vast areas of southern and central India in the 4th Century A.D. brought Brahmins from Ahi Kshetra (or Ahichatra) and put them in-charge of various temples in Tulu Nadu. Ahi Kshetra is mentioned in the Mahabharata as lying north of the Ganges, and as being the capital of Northern Panchala.
The Brahmins who first landed in Shivalli in Tulunadu and then spread across 31 villages came to be known as Shivalli Brahmins or Tulu Brahmins. It is from Shivalli and Tulu Brahmins, that the priests of Talakaveri temple have come from.
7a Achar Family of Talacauvery
The beginning of the Achar family in Talakaveri starts ten generations or about 220 to 230 years age before which it was worshiped only by kodavas and the priests being amma kodavas A Brahmin named Venkappayya and his two brothers, along with their families came to Talakaveri on a pilgrimage. Lingaraja the First was the ruler of Kodagu. One night God appeared in Lingaraja's dream and indicated that there was a Brahmin family currently visiting Talakaveri. God commanded Lingaraja to appoint this Brahmin to be the priest at the temple. After the king arose from his dream, he sent for this Brahmin family. The king's messengers found Venkappayya in Talakaveri and informed him about the king's desire. Venkappayya accompanied the king's messengers from Talakaveri to Madikeri, a distance of about 24 miles to meet the king.
Lingaraja received Venkappayya and requested him to start daily puja at the temple. The king set up an endowment to pay Venkappayya for his services at the temple. This was the beginning of the Achar family of Talacauvery. The priesthood bestowed by Lingaraja upon Venkappayya has passed on through many generations to his heirs. It is hereditary as most priesthoods are, and all male members of the family have the birthright to become priests at the temple. The current generation of Achar priests at the temple is the ninth from Venkappayya. Although Venkappayya came to Talakaveri with his two brothers, only Venkappayya's descendants are documented.