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'''Talakaveri''' or '''Talacauvery''' is the place that is generally considered to be the source of the river [[Kaveri]] and a holy place for many [[Hindus]]. It is located on [[Brahmagiri (hill), Karnataka|Brahmagiri hills]] near Bhagamandala in [[Coorg district]], [[Karnataka|Karnataka State]]. It is located close to the border with [[Kasaragod district]]. Talakaveri 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 rivercourse except during the Monsoon.
[[File:Distant View Thala Cauvery Temple Coorg Feb24 A7C 09522.jpg|thumb|Talakaveri gate and temple]]
'''Talakaveri''' or '''Talacauvery''' is the place that is generally considered to be the source of the river [[Kaveri]] and a holy place for many [[Hindus]]. It is located on [[Brahmagiri (hill), Karnataka|Brahmagiri hills]] near Bhagamandala in [[Kodagu district]] (Coorg), in the [[South India]]n [[States and union territories of India|state]] of [[Karnataka]]. It is located close to the border with [[Kasaragod district]], [[Kerala]]. Talakaveri stands at a height of 1,276 meters above sea level. Despite its traditional status as the source of the Kaveri, there is no permanent visible flow from this place to the main rivercourse, except during the [[Monsoon of South Asia|monsoon]] rains.


A tank or {{transl|hi|kundike}} 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 mainly it is the worship place of kodavas. 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 [[Kaveri]] river some distance away.  The temple has been renovated extensively by the state government recently (2007).
A tank or {{Transliteration|kn|kundike}} is erected on a hillside, at the place that is said to be the river's 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 [[Kaveri]] river some distance away.  The temple has been renovated extensively, most recently in 2007 by the state government.


On Cauvery Sankramana (colloquial  changrandi) day (the first day of ''Tula Masa'' month , according to the [[Hindu calendar]], which normally falls in mid October) thousands of pilgrims from neighboring 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 cauvery changrandi (Sacred bath in the ''Tula'' month) is observed across pilgrim towns in Kaveri's banks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kaladarshana.com/sites/madikeri_royal_tombs/IMG00013.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526185140/http://www.kaladarshana.com/sites/madikeri_royal_tombs/IMG00013.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2017-05-26 |title=Talakaveri |access-date=2006-09-24 }}</ref>
On ''Kaveri sankramana'' (colloquially ''changrandi'') day, the first day of ''Tula Masa'' month of the [[Hindu calendar]], which normally falls in mid-October, thousands of pilgrims from neighboring 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 day is observed across pilgrim towns on the Kaveri's banks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kaladarshana.com/sites/madikeri_royal_tombs/IMG00013.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526185140/http://www.kaladarshana.com/sites/madikeri_royal_tombs/IMG00013.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=2017-05-26 |title=Talakaveri |access-date=2006-09-24 }}</ref>


Talakaveri is about 8&nbsp;km away from [[Bhagamandala]], 36&nbsp;km from [[Panathur]] ([[Kerala]]) and 48&nbsp;km from [[Madikeri]].
Talakaveri is about {{cvt|8|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from [[Bhagamandala]], {{cvt|36|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Panathur]] ([[Kerala]]) and {{cvt|48|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Madikeri]], the headquarters of Kodagu district.


==Pilgrim center==
==Pilgrim center==
The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kaveramma.  Other deities worshipped here are Lord Agasthiswara, which denotes the link between Kaveri and [[Wise old man|Sage]] [[Agastya|Agasthya]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visvacomplex.com/Rishi_Agasthya_Vinayaka.html |title=The Rishi Agasthya And Vinayaka |access-date=2007-06-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402045241/http://www.visvacomplex.com/Rishi_Agasthya_Vinayaka.html |archive-date=2007-04-02 }}</ref>
The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kaveramma.  Other deities worshipped here are Lord Agasthiswara, which denotes the link between Kaveri and [[Wise old man|Sage]] [[Agastya|Agasthya]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visvacomplex.com/Rishi_Agasthya_Vinayaka.html |title=The Rishi Agasthya And Vinayaka |access-date=2007-06-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402045241/http://www.visvacomplex.com/Rishi_Agasthya_Vinayaka.html |archive-date=2007-04-02 }}</ref>
[[File:Talacauvery Temple.jpg|thumb|300px|Talakaveri temple after renovation in 2010 by the state government]]


The link between Kaveri and Lord Ganesha  extends to [[Srirangam]], in Lord Ganesha's role in setting up the [[Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam|Ranganatha temple]] there.
The link between Kaveri and Lord Ganesha  extends to [[Srirangam]], in Lord Ganesha's role in setting up the [[Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam|Ranganatha temple]] there.


The temple at [[Tirumakudalu Narasipura]] (confluence of [[Kabini]], Kaveri and the legendary Spatika Sarovara)) is also dedicated to Agasthiwara.
The temple at [[Tirumakudalu Narasipura]] (confluence of [[Kabini]], Kaveri and the legendary Spatika Sarovara)) is also dedicated to Agasthiwara.
[[File:Talakaveri Temple during Mansoon.jpg|thumb|Talakaveri Temple during Monsoon 2016]]


== History of the temple priests of Talakaveri ==
== History of the temple priests of Talakaveri ==
It is believed that [[Mayurasharma|Mayura Varma]], and Narasimman the [[Kadamba dynasty|Kadamba King]] who ruled vast areas of southern and central India in the 4th Century A.D. brought Brahmins from Ahi Kshetra (or [[Ahichchhatra|Ahichatra]]) and put them in-charge of various temples in Tulu Nadu. Ahi Kshetra is mentioned in the Mahabharata as lying north of the Ganges, and as being the capital of Northern Panchala. It is apparently the Adisadra of Ptolemy, and its remains are visible near Ramnagar in [[Aonla, Uttar Pradesh|Tahsil Aonla]] in [[Bareilly district]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Allchin|first=Frank Raymond|title=The archaeology of early historic South Asia: the emergence of cities and states|year=1995|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Great Britain|isbn=0-521-37547-9|author2=George Erdosy |page=297}}</ref>
[[File:Talacauvery Temple.jpg|thumb|300px|Talakaveri temple after renovation in 2010 by the state government]]
It is believed that [[Mayurasharma|Mayura Varma]], and the [[Kadamba dynasty|Kadamba]] king Narasimman, who ruled vast areas of southern and central India in the 4th Century A.D., brought Brahmins from Ahi Kshetra and put them in charge of various temples in [[Tulu Nadu]].


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. It is from Shivalli and Tulu Brahmins, that the priests of Talakaveri temple have come from.
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. It is from Shivalli and Tulu Brahmins, that the priests of Talakaveri temple have come from.
[[File:Virajpet - Talakaveri travel views 39.JPG|thumb|Talakaveri Road]]


== Achar Family of Talakaveri ==
== Achar Family of Talakaveri ==
The beginning of the Achar family in Talakaveri starts ten generations or about 220 to 240 years ago. A Brahmin named Venkappayya and his two brothers, along with their families came to Talakaveri on a pilgrimage. Lingaraja the First was the ruler of Kodagu from 1780 to 1790 AD. One night God appeared in Lingaraja's dream and indicated that there was a Brahmin family currently visiting Talakaveri. God commanded Lingaraja to appoint this Brahmin to be the priest at the temple. After the king arose from his dream, he sent for this Brahmin family. The king's messengers found Venkappayya in Talakaveri and informed him about the king's desire. Venkappayya accompanied the king's messengers from Talakaveri to Madikeri, a distance of about 24 miles to meet the king. {{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}
The beginning of the Achar family in Talakaveri starts ten generations or about 220 to 240 years ago. A Brahmin named Venkappayya and his two brothers, along with their families came to Talakaveri on a pilgrimage. Lingaraja the First was the ruler of Kodagu from 1780 to 1790 AD. One night God appeared in Lingaraja's dream and indicated that there was a Brahmin family currently visiting Talakaveri. God commanded Lingaraja to appoint this Brahmin to be the priest at the temple. After the king arose from his dream, he sent for this Brahmin family. The king's messengers found Venkappayya in Talakaveri and informed him about the king's desire. Venkappayya accompanied the king's messengers from Talakaveri to Madikeri, a distance of about 24 miles to meet the king. {{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}


Lingaraja received Venkappayya and requested him to start daily puja at the temple. The king set up an endowment to pay Venkappayya for his services at the temple. This was the beginning of the Achar family of Talacauvery. The priesthood bestowed by Lingaraja upon Venkappayya has passed on through many generations to his heirs. It is hereditary as most priesthoods are, and all male members of the family have the birthright to become priests at the temple. The current Achars are the ninth generation from Venkappayya.<ref>http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/a/c/h/Raj-Acharya-CA/PDFBOOK1.pdf</ref>
Lingaraja received Venkappayya and requested him to start daily puja at the temple. The king set up an endowment to pay Venkappayya for his services at the temple. This was the beginning of the Achar family of Talacauvery. The priesthood bestowed by Lingaraja upon Venkappayya has passed on through many generations to his heirs. It is hereditary as most priesthoods are, and all male members of the family have the birthright to become priests at the temple. The current Achars are the ninth generation from Venkappayya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.genealogy.com/ftm/a/c/h/Raj-Acharya-CA/index.html|title=Raj-Acharya-CA - User Trees - Genealogy.com|website=www.genealogy.com}}</ref>


Venkappayya came from Shivalli Halli (village) of South Canara district. The Brahmins here were called Putturayas, probably meaning priests from Puttur. This Puttur is near Udupi. Venkappayya Putturaya's descendants are the Achars. It is not known why the descendants of Venkappayya took on the surname of Achar. Although Venkappayya came to Talakaveri with his two brothers, only Venkappayya's descendants are documented.
Venkappayya came from Shivalli Halli (village) of South Canara district. The Brahmins here were called Putturayas, probably meaning priests from Puttur. This Puttur is near Udupi. Venkappayya Putturaya's descendants are the Achars. It is not known why the descendants of Venkappayya took on the surname of Achar. Although Venkappayya came to Talakaveri with his two brothers, only Venkappayya's descendants are documented.
[[File:Virajpet - Talakaveri travel views 32.JPG|thumb|Talakaveri gate]]


==Nearby==
==Nearby==
The Brahmagiri hill is situated right beside the temple. There are a series of steps leading to the top of the hill.
[[File:Mountains North Tala Kaveri Coorg India Feb24 A7C 09525.jpg|thumb|Mountain range to the northwest]]
 
[[File:Virajpet - Talakaveri travel views 39.JPG|thumb|Talakaveri Road]]
From there, one can have a 360 degree view of the surrounding hills. The nearest International Airport is in [[Kannur]] at a distance of {{convert|117|km|-1}},The nearest Railway station is in [[Kanhangad]] kerala at a distance of {{convert|72|km|-1}}.
The [[Brahmagiri hill]] is situated right beside the temple. There are a series of steps leading to the top of the hill.


[[File:Panoramic view from the temple during Mansoon 2016.jpg|center|thumb|681x681px|Panoramic view from the temple during Monsoon 2016]]
From there, one can have a 360 [[degree (angle)|degree]] view of the surrounding hills. The nearest [[International Airport]] is in [[Kannur]] at a distance of {{convert|117|km|-1}},The nearest [[Railway station]] is in [[Kanhangad]] [[kerala]] at a distance of {{convert|72|km|-1}}.


==Rainfall==
==Rainfall==
It is situated in the dense forests of the [[Western Ghats]] and gets very heavy annual rainfall of close to 7000&nbsp;mm and is among the wettest place in the state of Karnataka.
[[File:Talakaveri Temple during Mansoon.jpg|thumb|Talakaveri Temple during Monsoon 2016]]
It is situated in the dense forests of the [[Western Ghats]] and gets very heavy annual [[rainfall]] of close to {{cvt|700|cm|in|abbr=on}}. It is among the wettest places in the [[States and union territories of India|state]] of [[Karnataka]].


==Comparisons==
==Comparisons==
The table below compares rainfall  between Agumbe in Thirthahalli taluk in Shimoga district, Hulikal in Hosanagara taluk in Shimoga district, Amagaon in Khanapur Taluk in Belgaum district and Talacauvery in Madikeri taluk in Kodagu district, Kokalli of Sirsi Taluk, Nilkund of Siddapur Taluk, Castle Rock of Supa (Joida) Taluk in Uttara Kannada District to show which one can be called the "[[Cherrapunji]] of South India".<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/article2607630.ece Hulikal in Shimoga district is wettest in State] from ''TheHindu.com'' accessed 23 March 2013</ref>
The table below compares [[rainfall]] between [[Agumbe]] in [[Thirthahalli]] taluk in [[Shimoga]] [[district]], [[Hulikal]] in [[Hosanagara]] taluk in [[Shimoga]] [[district]], [[Amagaon]] in [[Khanapur]] Taluk in [[Belgaum]] [[district]] and [[Talacauvery]] in [[Madikeri]] taluk in [[Kodagu]] [[district]], Kokalli of [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]] Taluk, [[Nilkund]] of [[Siddapura, Uttara Kannada|Siddapur]] Taluk, Castle Rock of Supa (Joida) Taluk in [[Uttara Kannada]] [[District]] to show which one can be called the "[[Cherrapunji]] of [[South India]]".<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/article2607630.ece Hulikal in Shimoga district is wettest in State] from ''TheHindu.com'' accessed 23 March 2013</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Year
! Year
! Talakaveri Rainfall (mm) <ref>Amagaon has got over 10,000&nbsp;mm annual rainfall twice in the five years (2006-2010). The exact amount of rainfall is not available. See [http://www.deccanherald.com/pages.php?id=271493 Amagaon is now Cherrapunji of South] from ''DeccanHerald.com'' accessed 23 March 2013</ref>
!Surlabbi
Rainfall
(mm)
! Hulikal Rainfall (mm)
! Hulikal Rainfall (mm)
! Agumbe Rainfall (mm)
! Agumbe Rainfall (mm)
! Amagaon Rainfall (mm)
! Amagaon Rainfall (mm)
! Talacauvery Rainfall (mm) <ref>Amagaon has got over 10,000&nbsp;mm annual rainfall twice in the five years (2006-2010). The exact amount of rainfall is not available. See [http://www.deccanherald.com/pages.php?id=271493 Amagaon is now Cherrapunji of South] from ''DeccanHerald.com'' accessed 23 March 2013</ref>
!Kokalli Rainfall (mm)
!Kokalli Rainfall (mm)
!Nilkund Rainfall (mm)
!Nilkund Rainfall (mm)
!Castle Rock Rainfall (mm)
!Castle Rock Rainfall (mm)
|-
|2023
|4892
|5299
|5208
|5353
|4389
|
|
|
|-
|2022
|8763
|6808
|7733
|8122
|6825
|
|
|
|-
|2021
|7879
|6639
|7937
|7544
|6462
|
|
|6536
|-
|2020
|8856
|5570
|8401
|7560
|7496
|
|
|7152
|-
|2019
|7593
|5980
|8541
|7398
|9804
|
|
|8069
|-
|2018
|9098
|9161
|7577
|8422
|6570
|3944
|6204
|6501
|-
|-
| 2017
| 2017
| 5,859
|5328
| 5,700
| 5,700
| 6,311
| 6,311
| 4,733
| 4,733
| 5,859
|3130
|3130
|4981
|4981
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|-
|-
| 2016
| 2016
| 5,430
|
| 5,721
| 5,721
| 6,449
| 6,449
| 4,705
| 4,705
| 5,430
|2682
|2682
|4655
|4655
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|-
|-
| 2015
| 2015
| 5,319
|4135
| 6,035
| 6,035
| 5,518
| 5,518
| 4,013
| 4,013
| 5,319
|2730
|2730
|4367
|4367
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|-
|-
| 2014
| 2014
| 7,844
|
| 7,907
| 7,907
| 7,917
| 7,917
| 5,580
| 5,580
| 7,844
|8746
|8746
|6710
|6710
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|-
|-
| 2013
| 2013
| 8,628
|8378
| 9,383
| 9,383
| 8,770
| 8,770
| 8,440
| 8,440
| 8,628
|4464
|4464
|7082
|7082
|3667
|6165
|-
|-
| 2012
| 2012
| 5,722
|4870
| 8,409
| 8,409
| 6,933
| 6,933
| 5,987
| 5,987
| 5,722
|5036
|5036
|5398
|5398
|6165
|4930
|-
|-
| 2011
| 2011
| 6,855
|6028
| 8,523
| 8,523
| 7,921
| 7,921
| 9,368
| 9,368
| 6,855
|4437
|4437
|6593
|6593
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|-
|-
| 2010
| 2010
| 6,794
|5335
| 7,717
| 7,717
| 6,929
| 6,929
| 10,068
| 10,068
| 6,794
|4002
|4002
| -
| -
| -
| 4079
|-
|-
| 2009
| 2009
| -
|
| 8,357
| 8,357
| 7,982
| 7,982
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
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|-
|-
| 2008
| 2008
| -
|
| 7,115
| 7,115
| 7,199
| 7,199
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
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|-
|-
| 2007
| 2007
| 9,038
| -
|
| 8295
| 8,255
| 8,255
| -
| -
| -
| -
| -
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|-
|-
| 2006
| 2006
| -
|
| 8,656
| 8,656
| 8,457
| 8,691
| -
| -
| -
| -<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf|title=Govt of Karnataka Rainfall Statistics (Kokalli)|website=DES}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/|title=Rainfall Statistics of Karnataka|website=DES Karanataka|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-date=26 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126191613/http://des.kar.nic.in/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| -<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf|title=Govt of Karnataka Rainfall Statistics (Kokalli)|website=DES}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://des.kar.nic.in/|title=Rainfall Statistics of Karnataka|website=DES Karanataka}}</ref>
| -
| -
| -
| -
Line 252: Line 322:


==External links==
==External links==
 
{{Portal|India}}
{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.india9.com/i9show/34486.htm Talakaveri]
*[http://www.india9.com/i9show/34486.htm Talakaveri]
*[http://www.paradisecoorg.com/Talakaveri.html Talakaveri Tourism Guide]
*[http://www.paradisecoorg.com/Talakaveri.html Talakaveri Tourism Guide] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910015112/http://www.paradisecoorg.com/Talakaveri.html |date=10 September 2019 }}


{{Kaveri River}}
{{Kaveri River}}

Latest revision as of 17:09, 17 October 2025


Talakaveri
Temple Village
Talakaveri - Source of Kaveri
Talakaveri - Source of Kaveri
Talakaveri is located in Karnataka
Talakaveri
Talakaveri
Talakaveri is located in India
Talakaveri
Talakaveri
Coordinates: 12°23′08″N 75°29′29″E / 12.385480°N 75.491432°E / 12.385480; 75.491432
Country India
StateKarnataka
DistrictKodagu
Elevation
1,276 m (4,186 ft)
Languages
 • OfficialKannada
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Talakaveri Temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictKodagu
DeityKaveramma (Kaveri Matha)
FestivalsTula Shankramana
Location
LocationBrahmagiri hills, Bhagamandala, India
StateKarnataka
CountryIndia
Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 197: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Elevation1,276 m (4,186 ft)
Talakaveri gate and temple

Talakaveri or Talacauvery is the place that is generally considered to be the source of the river Kaveri and a holy place for many Hindus. It is located on Brahmagiri hills near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district (Coorg), in the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is located close to the border with Kasaragod district, Kerala. Talakaveri stands at a height of 1,276 meters above sea level. Despite its traditional status as the source of the Kaveri, there is no permanent visible flow from this place to the main rivercourse, except during the monsoon rains.

A tank or kundike is erected on a hillside, at the place that is said to be the river's 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 Kaveri river some distance away. The temple has been renovated extensively, most recently in 2007 by the state government.

On Kaveri sankramana (colloquially changrandi) day, the first day of Tula Masa month of the Hindu calendar, which normally falls in mid-October, thousands of pilgrims from neighboring 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 day is observed across pilgrim towns on the Kaveri's banks.[1]

Talakaveri is about 8 km (5.0 mi) away from Bhagamandala, 36 km (22 mi) from Panathur (Kerala) and 48 km (30 mi) from Madikeri, the headquarters of Kodagu district.

Pilgrim center[edit | edit source]

The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Kaveramma. Other deities worshipped here are Lord Agasthiswara, which denotes the link between Kaveri and Sage Agasthya.[2]

The link between Kaveri and Lord Ganesha extends to Srirangam, in Lord Ganesha's role in setting up the Ranganatha temple there.

The temple at Tirumakudalu Narasipura (confluence of Kabini, Kaveri and the legendary Spatika Sarovara)) is also dedicated to Agasthiwara.

History of the temple priests of Talakaveri[edit | edit source]

Talakaveri temple after renovation in 2010 by the state government

It is believed that Mayura Varma, and the Kadamba king Narasimman, who ruled vast areas of southern and central India in the 4th Century A.D., brought Brahmins from Ahi Kshetra and put them in charge of various temples in Tulu Nadu.

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. It is from Shivalli and Tulu Brahmins, that the priests of Talakaveri temple have come from.

Achar Family of Talakaveri[edit | edit source]

The beginning of the Achar family in Talakaveri starts ten generations or about 220 to 240 years ago. A Brahmin named Venkappayya and his two brothers, along with their families came to Talakaveri on a pilgrimage. Lingaraja the First was the ruler of Kodagu from 1780 to 1790 AD. One night God appeared in Lingaraja's dream and indicated that there was a Brahmin family currently visiting Talakaveri. God commanded Lingaraja to appoint this Brahmin to be the priest at the temple. After the king arose from his dream, he sent for this Brahmin family. The king's messengers found Venkappayya in Talakaveri and informed him about the king's desire. Venkappayya accompanied the king's messengers from Talakaveri to Madikeri, a distance of about 24 miles to meet the king. [citation needed]

Lingaraja received Venkappayya and requested him to start daily puja at the temple. The king set up an endowment to pay Venkappayya for his services at the temple. This was the beginning of the Achar family of Talacauvery. The priesthood bestowed by Lingaraja upon Venkappayya has passed on through many generations to his heirs. It is hereditary as most priesthoods are, and all male members of the family have the birthright to become priests at the temple. The current Achars are the ninth generation from Venkappayya.[3]

Venkappayya came from Shivalli Halli (village) of South Canara district. The Brahmins here were called Putturayas, probably meaning priests from Puttur. This Puttur is near Udupi. Venkappayya Putturaya's descendants are the Achars. It is not known why the descendants of Venkappayya took on the surname of Achar. Although Venkappayya came to Talakaveri with his two brothers, only Venkappayya's descendants are documented.

Nearby[edit | edit source]

Mountain range to the northwest
Talakaveri Road

The Brahmagiri hill is situated right beside the temple. There are a series of steps leading to the top of the hill.

From there, one can have a 360 degree view of the surrounding hills. The nearest International Airport is in Kannur at a distance of 117 kilometres (70 mi),The nearest Railway station is in Kanhangad kerala at a distance of 72 kilometres (40 mi).

Rainfall[edit | edit source]

Talakaveri Temple during Monsoon 2016

It is situated in the dense forests of the Western Ghats and gets very heavy annual rainfall of close to 700 cm (280 in). It is among the wettest places in the state of Karnataka.

Comparisons[edit | edit source]

The table below compares rainfall between Agumbe in Thirthahalli taluk in Shimoga district, Hulikal in Hosanagara taluk in Shimoga district, Amagaon in Khanapur Taluk in Belgaum district and Talacauvery in Madikeri taluk in Kodagu district, Kokalli of Sirsi Taluk, Nilkund of Siddapur Taluk, Castle Rock of Supa (Joida) Taluk in Uttara Kannada District to show which one can be called the "Cherrapunji of South India".[4]

Year Talakaveri Rainfall (mm) [5] Surlabbi

Rainfall (mm)

Hulikal Rainfall (mm) Agumbe Rainfall (mm) Amagaon Rainfall (mm) Kokalli Rainfall (mm) Nilkund Rainfall (mm) Castle Rock Rainfall (mm)
2023 4892 5299 5208 5353 4389
2022 8763 6808 7733 8122 6825
2021 7879 6639 7937 7544 6462 6536
2020 8856 5570 8401 7560 7496 7152
2019 7593 5980 8541 7398 9804 8069
2018 9098 9161 7577 8422 6570 3944 6204 6501
2017 5,859 5328 5,700 6,311 4,733 3130 4981 5560
2016 5,430 5,721 6,449 4,705 2682 4655 4968
2015 5,319 4135 6,035 5,518 4,013 2730 4367 3667
2014 7,844 7,907 7,917 5,580 8746 6710 5956
2013 8,628 8378 9,383 8,770 8,440 4464 7082 6165
2012 5,722 4870 8,409 6,933 5,987 5036 5398 4930
2011 6,855 6028 8,523 7,921 9,368 4437 6593 7083
2010 6,794 5335 7,717 6,929 10,068 4002 - 4079
2009 - 8,357 7,982 - - - -
2008 - 7,115 7,199 - - - -
2007 - 8295 8,255 - - - -
2006 - 8,656 8,691 - -[6][7] - -

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Talakaveri". Archived from the original on 26 May 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2006.
  2. "The Rishi Agasthya And Vinayaka". Archived from the original on 2 April 2007. Retrieved 16 June 2007.
  3. "Raj-Acharya-CA - User Trees - Genealogy.com". www.genealogy.com.
  4. Hulikal in Shimoga district is wettest in State from TheHindu.com accessed 23 March 2013
  5. Amagaon has got over 10,000 mm annual rainfall twice in the five years (2006-2010). The exact amount of rainfall is not available. See Amagaon is now Cherrapunji of South from DeccanHerald.com accessed 23 March 2013
  6. "Govt of Karnataka Rainfall Statistics (Kokalli)" (PDF). DES.
  7. "Rainfall Statistics of Karnataka". DES Karanataka. Archived from the original on 26 November 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2019.

External links[edit | edit source]

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