Talakaveri or Talacauvery, the originating point of River Cauvery, is a holy pilgrimage site for the followers of Hindu religion. 1276 meters above the sea level, this site is placed amidst the Brahmagiri hills from whose eastern slopes, the holy river emerges. The covered spring called Gundige is attached to a small-sized pond, known as Kundike. Water from this pond gushes underground and emerges out from a site, around 1 km away from here. Right above the spring, there are 2 shrines, one of which is devoted to Goddess Kaveriamma.
Around the time of Tula Sankranti each year, the water from the springs overflows and is called Thirthodbhava. At this time, the visiting devotees carry holy water to their homes. They take a dip in the water of the pond, before offering prayers so that all their sins get washed away. It is said that this is the place where Sage Agastya got darshan of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh- the Trimurti at the Ashwantha tree.
The Legend
The legends state that a local hunter King of the region, Kavera, was a great follower of Lord Shiva. He got into deep meditation, worshipping the Lord, who appeared in front of him, granting his wish of happiness in the region. Shiva also blessed him with a baby girl who was named, Kaveri. The Lord said that all the wishes of Kavera would be fulfilled through his daughter. At the marriageable age, her father married Kaveri to Sage Agastya. That was the time when the earth was under the rule of Surapadma, a demon.
The Sage went southwards in search Lord Shiva. When the demon’s tyranny increased, in order to save his wife, Agastya Rishi turned his wife Kavri into water and put her into his holy pitcher or Kamandal. After sometime when the region was hit by a severe drought, Lord Ganesha took the form of a crow and turned the pitcher, the water came out gushing, forming River Kaveri. Though initially angry, when the Sage came to know about the real identity of the crow, he mellowed.
Other attractions
Talakaveri is around 8 km from Bhagamandala, the confluence of Rivers Kaveri, Kanake and Sujyoti. Other attractions near this sacred site include temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Subramanya and Lord Ganpathy. Talacauvery bustles with activity every year during the month of October/November when an annual festival is organized here (Tulasankramana day). At this time, the water overflows from the spring and thousands of visiting devotees carry the holy waters to their homes. The temple is decorated beautifully with lights at this time.
Talakaveri is not only visited for its religious importance but also for the scenic views that it offers. One of the main tourist attractions of Coorg, the temple site offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding area.
