Agastheeswarar Temple,
Talakaveri – The Temple
The temple complex houses
shrines dedicated to Shiva and Ganesha, a large pond and steps leads to the top
of the hill. This temple has been renovated by the state government recently. Lord
Shiva shrine houses an ancient Linga. The Linga is supposed to have been
installed by Sage Agastya. The Temple Tank, called as Brahma Kundike or Tirth
Kundike, of about 2 sq. ft. is considered as origin of River Cauvery. Pilgrims
throw coins into this tank and make a wish.
It is believed that Goddess
Cauvery appears in the form of a sudden upsurge of water from this tank to give
darshan to the large devotees gathered here. This event known as Theerthodbhava
which falls on October 17th every year and is celebrated with much festivity in
Kodagu. During this festival, the area becomes very attractive with thousands
of lights lit in the temples.
Though one cannot see any stream
flowing out though it is believed the water from the pond goes underground and
emerge above the ground after about one kilometer down the hill. This temple
has a holy Ashwantha tree where, according to legend, the Trimurtis
- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva gave darshan to sage
Agastya.
A flight of steps takes one up
to the nearby Brahmagiri peak, where the 7 great sages called the Sapta
Maharishis were believed to have performed a special yagna. A picturesque
stretch of blue Brahmagiri hills feasts the eyes of the tourists from the peak
as well as on the drive to Talakaveri. A temple guest house and the
nearby Ashram provide
accommodation to the pilgrims.
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