Agastheeswarar Temple, Talakaveri – The Temple

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.