Talakaveri, Coorg - Bath Timings, Temple

Talacauvery, Coorg Overview

Talakaveri is the source of the river Kaveri, located on the Brahmagiri hill (not to be confused with the Brahmagiri range further south) near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka. Kodavas erected a tank which is now considered as its origin. It is believed that the river originates as a spring feeding a tank or a Kundike and then flows underground to re-emerge as Kaveri some distance away. The place has a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kaveriamma is located next to the tank and bathing in it on special occasions is considered holy.

On the Cauvery Changrandi day, thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to the stream to witness the rise of the spring's fountainhead, when the river water gushes up at a predetermined moment. One can climb the 407 steps to the top of the hill to get a birds-eye-view of the evergreen forested land and the misty hills of Coorg. The most exciting thing about the hills is that even when one is standing on the uppermost step, one can still hear the temple bells ringing down below in the temple. If one visits Talakaveri during the rainy season, one will be greeted by the mesmerising sight of the origin of the Kaveri River.

Goddess Kaveriamma Temple

The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma. Another deity worshipped here is Lord Agasthiswara, who acts as the link between Kaveri River and Sage Agasthya and Lord Ganesh. Legends say that the Kaveri River was held in Sage Agastya's Kamandalu (a container of sacred water); when Lord Ganesha took the form of a crow and perched on it. When Agastya realised this, he tried shooing it away but to no success. Instead, the Kamandalu toppled it, and thereby Kaveri started flowing.

Agasthya saw that the crow had disappeared. Instead there stood a small boy, who Agasthya thought was responsible for spilling the contents of his Kamandalu and hence, started chasing him with the aim to pound his head. Agasthya was aghast at the realisation that he wanted to pound the boy's head when finally the boy vanished and Lord Ganesha showed himself to Agasthya. As punishment, he knocked his own head.

Festival of Tula Sankaramana

The festival of Tulasankaramma is celebrated in the town with grand pomp and show, usually in October. During this period, there is a sudden gush of water in the Brahma Kundike, the tank from where spring of River Kaveri emerges. Thousands of pilgrims swarm the place during this time to take a holy dip into the water and purify their souls.

Tips For Visiting Talacauvery

1. Do remember to pack light and comfortable clothing, socks and walking shoes during summer.
2. While visiting during winter, pack warm jackets and windcheaters as the temperature may fall below 0 degrees.
3. Swimming is strictly prohibited in the tank water.
4. Try to not travel down the temple road after nightfall.
5. There are no shops available near the summit and the temple, so it's best to carry enough food and beverages to last the day.

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.