Birth place of river Kaveri, Tala Kaveri is located on the Brahmagiri hill near Bhagmandala in Coorg district, Karnataka. It is generally considered to be the source of the river Kaveri and a holy place for many Hindus. It is located close to the border with Kasaragod district of Kerala state. 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 Kaveramma which is located next to the tank and bathing in it on special occasions is considered holy. The official languages of Tala Kaveri are Kannada, Arebhase, Kodava and Tulu.
History of Tala Kaveri
The Kaveri river was held in a Kamandalu (a container of sacred water) by Sage Agasthya. Vinaayaka (Lord Ganesha) took the form of a crow and perched on the kamandalu of Agasthya when Agasthya was meditating. When Agasthya realised this, he shooed away the crow. But the Divine Crow tipped the kamandalu and toppled it. Out poured Kaveri which started flowing. The crow disappeared and, in its place, stood a small boy. Agasthya thought that the boy was playing some prank and clenching both his fists, went to pound the head of the small boy. But the boy escaped and Agasthya gave chase. Finally, the boy vanished, and Lord Ganesha showed Himself to Agasthya. Agasthya was aghast at the realisation that he had just tried to knock the head of Ganesha Himself. As atonement, he knocked his own head with both of his clenched fists. The link between Kaveri and Ganesha also extends to Srirangam as well, in Lord Ganesha’s role in setting up the Ranganatha temple there.The temple at Tirumukkudal Narasipura (confluence of Kabini (aka Kapila river, Kaveri and invisible Spatika Sarovara (Crystal Lake)) is also dedicated to Lord Agastheeswara.
Location of Tala Kaveri and temples to visit there
Tala Kaveri stands at a height of 1,276 meters above sea level. However, there is not a permanent visible flow from this place to the main river course except during the Monsoon. It has small temple as well that is visited often by pilgrims. The timing to visit Tala Kaveri temple is specified to be from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. There is a small spring called as a tirtha kundike or Brahma kundike. It is believed that the river originates from this spring. This spring apparently flow underground and emerges after a short distance. Near the kundike, there is a shrine. In front of the shrine, a huge tank has been built where pilgrims take bath and offer prayers. The place has two temples. One temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has an ancient Shiva Linga. Another temple is of Lord Ganesha. At this temple, one will find a holy Ashwantha tree. According to legend, Lords-Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh gave the glimpses of their holy avatars to sage Agastya.
Places to visit near Tala Kaveri
A worth visiting place in Tala Kaveri is Brahmagiri hill view point. It is in the top of the Tala Kaveri temple. One needs to climb some steps to the view point. From here one can have a view of both Kerala and Karnataka. The serene view of the temple from the peak top cannot be expressed using words. After 6 pm, it is not allowed to visit the view point. Around the month of July, the entire temple gets covered with fog and mist, making it a mesmerizing sight.
Another tourist attraction which is a must visit in Tala Kaveri is Kaveri River Ugamasthana. The drizzling rain and the thick mist here are beyond words. The weather here provides a unique experience. The temple and Kaveri originating point provides a peace of mind. Also the road leading to this place gives one a glimpse of nature at its best. The crystal clear water brings about a refreshment. Breathtaking is an understatement to describe the place.
Festivals celebrated in Tala Kaveri
The Kodavas celebrate Kail Polud in the month of September, Kaveri Sankramana in October and Puttari in the month of November - December. Kaveri Sankramana is an auspicious festival celebrating the birth of the River Kaveri which originates at Tala Kaveri in Kodagu. Many devotees visit the shrine during the month of October on Sankramana day. During this time, it is said that one can see sudden bubbling and frothing of the small well which symbolises the appearance of the Goddess Cauvery.
What does Tala Kaveri offer it’s visitors?
With so much to lure one’s senses and offering recreation at its best, one can get drenched in the spirit of adventure that one gets to explore at Tala Kaveri, Coorg. The entire panorama is scenic and very beautiful, and many tourists come here for a holiday. It is a lovely spot. Visit Tala Kaveri during the rainy season and get greeted by the mesmerising sight of the origin of the Kaveri River. Coorg is not just the place for sightseeing, but it also enables you to steal a self-indulgent moment for yourself as well. Tala Kaveri, Coorg is the sure way to refresh and relax after a busy weekday.
Distance from Coorg
Located in the Brahmagiri hill which is at a distance of 8 km from Bhagamandala and 48 km from Madikeri, Tala Kaveri / Talacauvery is one of the popular tourist spots in Coorg. It holds high religious importance as well and thus attracts hordes of religious tourists. One can travel from Coorg to Talacauvery via Madikeri – Tala Kaveri road. There are bus tour packages covering two special spots, Tala Kaveri and Bhagamandala from Coorg. One can also travel via taxi or cars.
