Talakadu Travel Essentials
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"Kashi of the South"
Talakadu Tourism
Nestled on the banks of the River Kaveri, Talakadu in Karnataka is a mystical place steeped with a rich past and cultural heritage. It is famous for the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town has been a witness to the rise and falls of several great kingdoms including Cholas, Pallavas, Gangas, Vijayanagar and Hoysalas.
The place derives its name from two local chieftains Tala and Kada and this called Talakadu. Famous among devotees of Lord Shiva, visitors can witness the legacy of the town that still reflects in its age-old antiquity. There are a number of temples that are buried under the sand and are excavated once in every 12 years for special worship called 'Panchalinga Darshana'.
The Panchalinga Darshana includes five major temples namely Vaidyeshwara temple, Arkeshwara temple, Vasukishwara or Pataleshwara temple Saikateshwara or Maraleshwara temple and Mallikarjuna temple. It is said that the Pataleshwara Shivalinga change colours according to the time of the day- red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white in the evening.
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Talakadu Panchalinga Darshana
Legends of Talakadu
Talakadu was once renowned for its more than 30 beautiful temples which were buried under the sand in the 16th century. According to the text, the burial was caused by natural disaster during the rule of Wodeyars. However, according to local folklore and myths, the town was buried under sand owing to a curse given by the queen of the region, Alamelu who drowned herself along with her jewels when the king of Mysore attacked her for her jewels.
Another legend dictates that an ascetic by the name of Somadatta was killed by elephants as he was on his way to Siddharanya Kshetra Talakadu to worship Shiva. It is believed that his disciples reincarnated themselves as elephants and went on to worship Lord Shiva at a tree in Talakadu. Two hunters Tala and Kadasstruck the holy tree only to find blood gushing out of its body. Upon the instructions of a heavenly voice, the two of them dressed the wounds of the tree after which the tree healed, and Tala and Kada were granted immortality. Since Shiva is believed to have cured himself through this incident, he is referred to as Vaidyeshwara. The Panchalingas here is all associated with this legend.
Another legend dictates that an ascetic by the name of Somadatta was killed by elephants as he was on his way to Siddharanya Kshetra Talakadu to worship Shiva. It is believed that his disciples reincarnated themselves as elephants and went on to worship Lord Shiva at a tree in Talakadu. Two hunters Tala and Kadasstruck the holy tree only to find blood gushing out of its body. Upon the instructions of a heavenly voice, the two of them dressed the wounds of the tree after which the tree healed, and Tala and Kada were granted immortality. Since Shiva is believed to have cured himself through this incident, he is referred to as Vaidyeshwara. The Panchalingas here is all associated with this legend.
History of Talakadu
Talakadu finds its very first mention in relation to the Ganga line of kings. The city of Talakadu, once known to house five famous Shiva temples, was the seat of power of Gangas and the Cholas. The beginning of the 11th century saw the overthrowing of the Gangas by the Cholas after which Talakadu was renamed as Rajarajapura. It was later captured by King Vishnuvardhana who established Hoysala dominance over the land for quite a few centuries. Under the rule of Vishnuvardhana, the Talakadu comprised of seven towns and five mathas. The Hoysalas were in charge of the town until the 14th century after which the town changed many hands such as the king of Vijayanagara and Wodeyars of Mysore.
Architecture of Talakadu
One of the most peculiar things of the temples in Talakadu is that they are covered in sand. A number of stone pillars can be found here scattered at different locations. The Vaidyeshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the magnificent architecture of the town built in the Dravidian style crafted out of granite. The doors of the Navaranga are carved with great details and huge Dwarapalakas decorate the entrance.
Most of the temples in the city are claimed to be built under the rule of the Vijayanagar Kings with several features added by the Hoysalas. The Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaidyanatheshwara and Mallikarjuna temples form the five revered Lingas of Talakadu and represent the five faces of Shiva. To celebrate the revered deity, a fair called the 'Panchalinga Darshan' is held every twelve years.
Most of the temples in the city are claimed to be built under the rule of the Vijayanagar Kings with several features added by the Hoysalas. The Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaidyanatheshwara and Mallikarjuna temples form the five revered Lingas of Talakadu and represent the five faces of Shiva. To celebrate the revered deity, a fair called the 'Panchalinga Darshan' is held every twelve years.
Restaurants and Local Food in Talakadu
Talakad does not have many eating joints or restaurants around. So mostly you will be eating at your hotel. South Indian cuisine is the predominant cuisine, the town being located in Mysore.
However, you may find the roadside vendors or small dhabas for lip smacking street food.
View Top Restaurants in Talakadu
However, you may find the roadside vendors or small dhabas for lip smacking street food.
View Top Restaurants in Talakadu
Suggested Itinerary for Talakadu
Talakad is mainly a pilgrim site where you can explore the relics of the several great kingdoms. Since all the temples in the village have same opening time at 8:00 AM in the morning, try and cover as many temples possible in a day. However, make sure to visit the five lingam temples excavated in the town. If left with time, do visit the small village of Somanathapura laying the proximity.
Best Time to Visit Talakadu
Nearby Places
How to Reach Talakadu
How to Reach Overview
The nearest airport is in Bangalore, which is 120 km away. The nearest railway station is in Mysore, at a distance of about 45 km. Talakad is well connected by buses to nearby cities like Bangalore and Mysore.
How to reach Talakadu by flight
Bangalore Airport is the nearest airport to Talakad located about 120 km away. The Bangalore airport is connected to almost all the major cities of India. Taxis are easily available outside the airport and if possible pre-book a cab for more convenience.
How to reach Talakadu by road
Talakad is a village area which can be easily accessible via either Mysore (25 km) or via Bangalore (120 km). Both private, as well as the state, owned buses i.e. by KSRTC regularly runs between the cities. However, the roads are not in very good conditions and may be worn out and patchy.
How to reach Talakadu by train
Mysore, located 45 km from Talakad, serves as the nearest railway head for the town. Buses and taxis are available outside the railway station to the required destination.
How to reach Talakadu by bus
Talakadu is located close to two major cities, about 43 km from Mysore and almost 120 km from Bangalore. Karnataka state government (KSRTC) and private buses are available to Talakadu from both the cities. If you wish to drive from Bangalore to Talakadu, there are three alternate routes, first one is from Kanakapura via NH209, the second one is from state highway (SH33) connecting Maddur with Kanakapura and finally onto NH209 and the third one is via Srirangapatna. From Mysore, reach T.Narasipura which is 25Kms from the city and then proceed towards Talakad via Hemmige. In the city, local buses and auto-rickshaws are available to ferry you from place to another.
Local transport in Talakadu
Talakad is a small village where commuting between the places in not really a big task. However, the best option is to hire a private cab for the trip. Also make sure you avoid travelling during peak summers owing to the scorching heat.
Talakadu Photos
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FAQs on Talakadu
Who should visit Talakad?
An ideal destination for those with a historical bent of mind. Can be visited by religious people as it houses five sacred Shivalingas.
What are the places near Talakad?
The top places near to Talakad are Mysore which is 43 km from Talakad, Ooty which is located 94 km from Talakad, Coorg which is located 142 km from Talakad, Kabini which is located 37 km from Talakad, Bheemeshwari which is located 29 km from Talakad
What are the things to do in Talakad?
The top things to do in Talakad are Somanathapura, Panchalinga Darshana, Mallikarjuna Temple, Keerthi Narayan Temple, Pathaleshwara Temple, Tirumakudal Narsipur. You can see all the places to visit in Talakad here
What is the best way to reach Talakad?
The nearest airport is in Bangalore, which is 120 km away. The nearest railway station is in Mysore, at a distance of about 45 km. Talakad is well connected by buses to nearby cities like Bangalore and Mysore.
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What is the local food in Talakad?
Talakad does not have many eating joints or restaurants around. So mostly you will be eating at your hotel. South Indian cuisine is the predominant cuisine, the town being located in Mysore.
However, you may find the roadside vendors or small dhabas for lip smacking street food.
Read More
However, you may find the roadside vendors or small dhabas for lip smacking street food.
Read More
What is the best time to visit Talakad?
The cooler winter months of October to March is the best time to visit Talakadu. Talakad is a small ancient town which experiences sweating hot summers. The weather is quite unpleasant for the vacation purpose. Winters, however, are quite pleasant and enjoyable.
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What is not so good about Talakad?
Does not have many eating joints.
What is famous about Talakad?
Talakad is known for its sand dunes and exquisitely carved temples. It is a home to five sacred Shivalingas.
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Popular Questions And Answers on Talakadu
Talakadu Reviews
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Rohit Shroff
6 years ago
- Make sure you carry a camera to capture the essence of charm and romanticism oozing out of the city and also beware of the mischievous monkeys lurking around.
- Do hire a local guide to indulge (Read More)in all local folklores and secrets hidden in the sand and curses of the village.
- The timing for all the temples are same i.e. 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Do hire a local guide to indulge (Read More)in all local folklores and secrets hidden in the sand and curses of the village.
- The timing for all the temples are same i.e. 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, so plan your trip accordingly.