ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमः
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Talakaveri or Talacauvery is the place that is generally considered to be the source of the river Kaveri and a holy place for many Hindus. It is located on Brahmagiri hills near Bhagamandala in Coorg district, Karnataka. It is located close to the border with Kasaragod district of Kerala State.
Talakaveri stands at a height of 1,276 m. above sea level. However, there is not a permanent visible flow from this place to the main river course except during the Monsoons.
A tank or Kundike has been erected on a hillside, at the place that is said to be the origin of river Kavery. It is also marked by a small temple, and the area is frequented by pilgrims for worship mainly from the local Kodava tribes.
The river originates as a spring feeding this tank, which is considered to be a holy place to bathe on auspicious days. The waters are then said to flow underground to emerge as the Kaveri river some distance away.
On Cauvery Sankramana – the first day of Hindu Tula Maasam month , according to the Hindu calendar, which normally falls in mid October, thousands of pilgrims from neighboring places flock to the river’s birthplace to witness the rise of the fountainhead.
This is the time when water gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. The Cauvery Sankaramana / Changrandi (Sacred bath in the Tula month) is observed across pilgrim towns on the banks of Kaveri river.
Talakaveri is about 8 km away from Bhagamandala, 36 km from Panathur (Kerala) and 48 km from Madikeri.
Pilgrim centre :
The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kaveramma. Other deities worshipped here are Lord Agasthiswara, which denotes the link between Kaveri and Sage Agasthya.
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.
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.
Achar Family of Talakaveri :
The beginning of the Achar family in Talakaveri starts ten generations or about 220 to 240 years ago.
The Brahmagiri hill is situated right beside the temple. There are a series of steps leading to the top of the hill.
From there, one can have a 360 degree view of the surrounding hills. The nearest International Airport is in Kannur at a distance of 117 kilometres.The nearest Railway station is in Kanhangad Kerala at a distance of 72 kilometres.
It is situated in the dense forests of the Western Ghats and gets very heavy annual rainfall close to 7000 mm and is among the wettest place in the state of Karnataka.
Conclusion
Talakaveri, nestled in the serene Brahmagiri Hills of Karnataka, is not just a geographical landmark but a sacred haven that holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. As the revered source of the holy Kaveri River, Talakaveri draws countless devotees and nature enthusiasts who seek solace, divine blessings, and a deeper connection with nature. The site encapsulates the essence of India’s rich religious heritage, blending natural beauty with spiritual reverence.
Visiting Talakaveri is more than a pilgrimage; it is an experience that enriches the soul and enlightens the mind. The tranquil surroundings, the sacred waters, and the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kaveri collectively offer a sanctuary of peace and devotion. By preserving and respecting such sacred sites, we not only honor our cultural heritage but also contribute to the spiritual and ecological balance that places like Talakaveri embody.
As we reflect on the significance of Talakaveri, let us commit to preserving its sanctity and natural beauty for future generations. By doing so, we ensure that the legacy of the holy Kaveri River and the cultural heritage it represents continues to inspire and uplift those who seek its divine presence.
