Talakadu, Karnataka – Religious Significance

Talakadu, Karnataka – Religious Significance

Panchalinga Darshana:

The five Lingas of Pataleswara, Maraleshwara, Arkeshwara, Vaidyeshvara and Mallikarjuna temples in and around Talakadu were believed to represent the five faces of Lord Shiva. These temples were collectively called as Pancha Linga Sthalams. A fair called Panchalinga Darshana is held once every 12 years in honor of these five Shiva temples. Panchalinga Darshana is usually held once in 12, 7, 5 or 3 years at Talakadu and depends on specific astrological calculation. But the 12-year cycle is broken depending on astrological calculation. The Panchalinga Darshana is held on a new moon day in the month of Karthika when two stars conjoin, the stars of Khuha Yoga and Visakha.

On this day, tradition has it that pilgrims should first bathe in the Gokarna Theertha, worship Gokarneshwara and Chandika Devi, and then worship Vaidyeshvara, and then bathe in the northern, eastern, southern, and western stretches of the Kaveri and then worship Arkeshwara, Pataleswara, Maraleshwara and Mallikarjuna, returning to Vaidyeshvara after each worship, finally worship Keerthi Narayana and conclude the pilgrimage in one day. It is said that a devotee who performs this worship of five lingas is freed of all sins and attains the fruits of the famous Aswamedha Pooja. It is believed that a darshan of the five Shiva Lingas during the special occasion helps in attaining peace and prosperity. People also undertake the darshan to fulfill their desires.

Four Streams of River Cauvery:

The river Cauvery flows in four streams in this village. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared on the northern stream as Arkeshwara and removes all the troubles of the devotee. Similarly, Lord Shiva appeared on the eastern stream as Pataleswara to Vasuki (serpent) and appears evil in five different colors. He is said to remove ill effects of poison and serpents. On the bank of southern stream, Lord Shiva appeared to Lord Brahma and Saraswathi as Maraleshwara and is said to remove the sins of even Brahmahatya (Killing of Brahmins). On the banks of western stream, he appears as Mallikarjuna and grants all the wishes of devotee. At the centre of Talakad he appeared as Vaidyanatheshwara and on account of the two hunters he became visible to all.

Pancha Narayana Kshetrams:

As per legend, Ramanujacharya moved to Karnataka to escape persecution from the Chola King. During his journey to Karnataka, he established five  Vishnu temples known as Pancha Narayana Kshetrams. Keerthi Narayana Temple of Talakadu is one among them. The other four temples are Thirunarayana Temple at Melkote, Vijaya Narayana Temple at Thonnur, Veeranarayana Temple at Gadag and Chennakeshava Narayana Temple at Belur.