River Cauvery is the lifeline of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well. It is a matter of pride from many from the State that River Cauvery took her birth in Karnataka’s Scotland i.e Kodagu District. The birth place of River Cauvery is known as Talakaveri.
The place is located 1,276 metres above sea level. However, there is not a permanent visible flow from this place to the main rivercourse except during the rainy season. A tank has been erected on a hillside, at the place that is said to be the origin. It is also marked by a small temple, and the area is frequented by pilgrims. The river originates as a spring feeding this tank, which is considered to be a holy place to bathe on special days. The waters are then said to flow underground to emerge as the River Cauvery some distance away. The Temple has been renovated extensively by the State Government recently.
On Tulasankramana day (the first day of Tula Masa, a month according to the Hindu calendar, which normally falls in mid October) thousands of pilgrims flock to the River’s birthplace to witness the rise of the fountainhead, when water gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. The Tula Snanam (Sacred bath in the Tula month) is observed across pilgrim towns in Cauvery’s banks.
The Temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kaveriamma. Other deities worshipped here are Lord Agasthishwara, which denotes the link between Kaveri and Sage Agasthya and Maha Ganapathi. The link between Kaveri and Lord Ganesha also extends to Srirangam as well with Lord Ganesha’s role in setting up the Ranganatha Temple there. The Temple at Tirumakudalu Narasipura is also dedicated to Agasthishwara.
It is believed that Mayura Varma, and Narasimhan 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 made them in-charge of various Temples in Tulunadu. Ahi Kshetra is mentioned in the Mahabharata as lying north of the Ganges, and as being the capital of Northern Panchala. 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.
Madikeri, Bhagamandala, Abbe Falls, and Dubare are the near by places one can visit during Madikeri trip. September to April is the best time to visit Talakaveri.
