Talacauvery in Coorg

Talakaveri is the place that is generally considered to be the source of the river Kaveri. It is located by Brahmagiri hill (not to be confused with the Brahmagiri range further south) near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka, 1,276 m. above sea level.

 However, there is not a permanent visible flow from this place to the main rivercourse except during the rainy season.The Kaveri River, also known as Cauvery, originates from a spring filling up this tank.

It?s a holy place to bathe in on special days. Beside the temple, there is a series of 356 steps which lead to the peak, from here the prepossessing hills can be viewed.

Pilgrim Center

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. 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.

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.

Achar Family of Talacauvery

The beginning of the Achar family in Talakaveri starts ten generations or about 220 to 230 years ago. 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.

How to Reach Talacauvery

You can take the several buses offered by both KSRTC and private buses towards Bhagadamandala. There are a few buses from Bhagadamandala to take you to Talacauvery, which is just 7km away.

Tips

Swimming is strictly prohibited in the water. Also, it is requested not to stay for long on the road leading up the temple when it gets dark.

Open Time: 

6:00 AM - 8:30 PM