Tala Cauvery:
The place Tala Cauvery is about 45 kms from Madikere and about 10 kms from Bagamandala in Coorg District.
This is the starting point of River Cauvery at Brahmagiri hills. We see a welcoming arch as we reach Tala Cauvery.
We climb steps to reach the original starting place of River Cauvery. There is a small tank known as Kundike which is the starting point of River Cauvery. There is a bigger tank attached to the small one were pilgrims take bath in the holy water of Cauvery. Here we find room for changing the dress.
None, other than the priest, is allowed to touch the holy water of Cauvery from the Kundike. After having bath in the tank they perform kumkum pooja for the piligrims who opt to do.
We find few more steps to climb and here we find sanctum for Ganesha, and Lord Siva. Here Lord Siva is known as Agastheeswarar. The Siva Lingam was worshiped by Agasthiya Muni. When he came to Bramagiri Hills, he made a Siva Lingam by mud, to worship. There is an Aswattha tree seen here and there is a small sanctum for Naga devar. Purana says Agasthiyar worshiped the Aswattha Tree, and was blessed with the darshan of Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva and Lord Brahma known as Tri moorthy.
Importance: On the first day of Tula month Cauvery sprouts out like a fountain and starts flowing. They have built the small tank where she emerges. Having bath during Tula Sankramana is considered auspicious. It was the day Cauvery started flowing as river from the Kamandala.
Purana says, once Lord Vishnu for the benefit of mankind he gave a girl to Lord Brahma. He did not reveal the secret. King Kaveran did not have child so he started penancing. Brahma was pleased by his worship and asked him reason for the penance. King asked for a daughter, and Brahma gave Lopamudra, to him. King went to Brahma Giri along with Lopamudra. She is also known as Cauveri, being the daughter of King Kaveran.
One day Agasthya muni on his way, came to Brahma Giri where he met Lopamudra and he wanted to marry the girl. Lopamudra was in confused state, at that moment Lord Vishnu answered “yes” through Lopamudra for Muni’s request with a condition that he should be with her always and should not leave her alone. Muni agreed to the condition and the marriage took place. They lived happily in Brahma Giri.
One day Muni had to leave for the other side of Brahma Giri to have bath, where River Kannika was flowing. He transformed Lopamudra to “water” and filled in his Kamandala and asked his students to take care of the Kamandala until he returns. Lopamudra was feeling uneasy in the Kamandala, and she came to know the secret of her birth.
Agyastiya munidid not keep to his words and gave up the condition to which he agreed. She thought this is the right time for her to leave. She throttled out of Kamandala and started flowing. Students of Muni tried to stop her, and she started flowing under ground as Antharvahini.
After her flow like this for sometime, Cauvery came up again at Naga teertha. Here Naga Devas requested her to go back to Agasthiyar. She told them she was created for the purpose of benefit to “Mankind” to flow as River. She said, Agasthiyar knew the cause of my birth and he only transformed her into water from human being. Naga Devas were convinced with her, and allowed her to flow. Cauvery joins with River Kannika and River Sujyothi which is Antharvahini.
View point from Tala Cauveri
Our next place of visit was to Bagamandala, which is about 40 Kms from Madikere.
The place Bagamandala is situated at the confluence of two Rivers, Cauvery, and Kannika.
Here another River Sujyothi flow as antharvahini, and join the two Rivers.
Hence the place is considered as Triveni Sangamam. The place is considered auspicious to have a dip and perform rituals for their ancestors.
There is a small Siva Lingam seen here.
There is a Peepul tree, here and we see lot of Nagar installed.
There is a Siva temple here, in Bagamandala near the sangamam. Lord Siva is known as Sri Bhagandeshwara. The temple was established by a Rishi known as Bagamandala.
We have to climb few steps to reach the main entrance of the Temple. There is a Raja Gopuram of three tiers for the temple. The temple is constructed in Kerala style.
Main deity is Lord Siva in Lingam form known as Bhagandeshwara. There are separate sanctums for Ganapathy, Ambaal, Mahavishnu and Subramanya. Here Subramanya Swamy is Swayambu Moorthy. In front of Lord Subramanya there is a mandapam with wodden carvings relating story of Subramanya
Sahasralingeswara Swamy temple :
On our way to uppinangady.
The temple is in Uppinangady, on National High way from Bangalore to Mangalore. Distance from Mangalore it is about 55 kms
River Kumaradhara joins River Netravathy near sahasralingeswara swamy temple in Uppinanangady. During rainy season these two Rivers get united and the time is considered auspicious to take bath in the river and worship Lord Siva to attain Moksha.
This is main entrance of Sri Sahasralingeswara swamy temple.
As we enter in we see Dwajasthambam of the temple.
We come to main sanctum where Lord Siva in Lingam form, and known as Sahasralingeswra Swamy.
As we go around the temple there is a separate sanctum for Goddess Mahakali holding trisul, damru, bowl of beverage and kadga in her hands here.
We see Nagar under the sthala Vruksham near the bank of the River.
Sthala purana :
The temple is very old temple with history of about 2500 years. The original Lingam is coverd by sand of River Netravthy which is towards left of sahasralingeswara Swamy temple. During the annual festival, they rempve the sand covered on original Siva Lingam, and build a temparory structure to celebrate. Removing the complete mud is impossible. Every year during rainy season the mud covers the Siva Lingam again. The present structure of the temple that we see dates back to 13th century.
The temple is very old temple with history of about 2500 years. The original Lingam is coverd by sand of River Netravthy which is towards left of sahasralingeswara Swamy temple. During the annual festival, they rempve the sand covered on original Siva Lingam, and build a temparory structure to celebrate. Removing the complete mud is impossible. Every year during rainy season the mud covers the Siva Lingam again. The present structure of the temple that we see dates back to 13th century.
The story related to this temple is when Beemasena was performing Rajasooya yagam, he was attacked by a giant animal Purusha Mrugam. To keep the animal away Beemasena dropped a hair on the ground which turned into a Siva Linga.
Purusha Mrugam started worshipping Lord Siva. Every time when the animal started attacking, Beema observed the same tact of plucking and dropping a hair on the ground which turned into a Siva Lingam. Finally when Beema got vexed, he dropped a handful of hairs which turned into Siva Linga’s and the Purusha Mruga was kept busy worshipping the Siva Linga’s which were in thousands.
It is believed even now there are sahsra lingas, hidden in the mud of River Netravathy here.
While returning from the temple we crossed through Kumaradhara Bridge.
Sree Rama Kshetra:
After our visit to Dhrmasthala, we continued our journey towards Katteel Durga temple.
On our way we saw the arch of this temple as Sree Rama Kshetra.
Shri Shri Athmananda Saraswathy is founder of this temple. He is disciple of Sri Nityananda Swamiji. The temple Rama kshetra was built in Dharmasthala village as per the wish of his Guru.
The magnificent temple structure was so colourful and attractive; we stopped and visited the temple.
We have to climb steps to reach the main entrance. The temple was in the style of Iscon temple. We entered into a big hall with high ceiling.
To left we see steps leading to the main sanctum of Sri Rama and Seetha made of granite stone, which is very attractive. To other three sides we find about 36 small individual sanctums.
In these sanctums, we see Ganapathy, Hanuman, Brahami, Maheswari, Kowmari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Mahendri, Chamunda, Durga matha, Soorya, Chandra, Budha, Bruhaspathy, Sukra, Sani, Raghu, Kethu, Bairava, Lord Siva, parvathy, Vishnu, Brahma, Saraswathy etc.
We find steps leading us down from another side. In the main hall there are marble idols of Swamiji and Shiridi Baba.
The premises are clean and well maintained. Out side the main temple within the compound we see Navagraha’s with their vahana in individual small mandapam.
There is a separate mandapam with a small sanctum for Nagar.
Side view of the temple.
Katteel Durga
Katteel Durga is about 90 kms distance from Dharmasthala. We had to take a turn at Guruvayanakere towards Moodabidri, while traveling from Dharmathala and Mangalore highway. From here the place is about 40 kms.
The River Netravathy is flowing around the temple. The shrine is like an island on the River Netravathy.
There is an arch near the entrance.
We have to cross the River Netravathy,through a small bridge, to enter into the temple.
We see the Gopuram of main inner sanctum of Durga Parameswari.
This is the corridor leading to the sanctum.
Inside the sanctum we to southern side we see Sri Maha Ganapathy and Sastha (Iyappan).In front of Ganapathy we find steps leading us to River Netravathy. They have put grill for safety purpose.
We come to the main sanctum of Goddess Durga Parameswari in sitting posture. The distance is a bit long from were public is allowed for darshan. We had good darshan, but it was not very clear to feel the full satisfaction.
This is the picture of Durga Parameswari to wall. We had a glimpse at it and then we had darshan of Durga Parameswari in the sanctum. We had a little satisfaction after that about our drshan of Matha.
As we go around we see a sanctum which is covered to all three side wall with silver. In it we see a picture of Durga Parameswari in gold sheet framed and hanged to wall.
To side walls we see pictures of Geethopadesam.
We see Kshetrapalakar to south west side within the temple. Beside it Naga Devata is seen.
As we come out this is the main entrance door covered with silver sheet.
Front view of the main temple.
Few yards away Nagaraja is seen on a platform.
Sthala Purana:
When Durga parameswari slew Sumba and Nisumba, Arunasuran, a rakshas ran out of the battle field and became the leader for Rakshas .Arunasura meditated and acquired boon from Lord Brahma. With this grant he lost fear of death. Goddess Saraswathy blessed with Gayatri Mantra. He started troubling Sages; Rishi’s when they were doing Yaga. There was no rain and the people had to suffer out of draught condition.
Looking at the draught condition Japali Maharishi decided to perform Yagna to please Devas. He approached Devandran and requested him to send Kamadenu with him to perform the Yagna. Since Kamadenu was not available at that moment he agreed to give Nandini the daughter of Kamadenu.
Japali Maharishi requested Nandini to come with him. Nandini was not happy with people living on earth and refused to come with him. When Japali Maharishi knew that she was very firm in her decision, he cursed her to flow as a River on Earth. She realized her mistake and prayed for his mercy. Maharishi asked her to pray to Goddess to get free from the curse.
Nandini meditated to Goddess Adi Sakthi. She was pleased with Nandini and asked her to flow as a River and in due course she will be born as daughter to her. She will be purified from the curse of Japali Maharishi She was happy with the assurance Adi Sakthi gave, and emerged from Kanakagiri and started flowing down as River.
Arunasura defeated Devas, who inturn pleaded Adi Sakthi to resque them. She says unless he stops chanting Gayatri Mantra he will not be put into trouble and no one can defeat him. She asked them to send Brahaspathy to distract his meditation from chanting Gayatri Mantra. Brahaspathy flattered him and was able to distract him from chanting Gayatri Mantra.
Goddess appeared as beautiful teenage girl. Arunasura went near her, then she reminde him, about the defeat of Sumba, Nisumban and how he ran away from the battle field. Arunasura got angry and tried to kill her with his sword. Goddess turned into a stone. His sword hit the stone, stream of bees emerged from the stone. He was surrounded by the bees and stung to death.
After entering from the main entrance we see a big rock to left. This rock is known a Rakteswari.
Maharishi Japali performed abisheka with tender coconut water here and requested Bramarambika (Queen of Bees) to bless mankind. Durga Matha appeared in her “Sowmya Roopam “ in the middle of the River. Temple is constructed in the same place.
Dharmasthala :
The place Dharmasthala is in Belthangady taluk of South kanara district of Karnataka. The temple is about 800 years old. Parama Poojya Sree Dr. Veerandra Heggade is Dharmathikari of Sree kshetra Dharmashala.
History says 800 years ago Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi, then a village in Belthangady. Here lived a Jain Chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Bellathi in a house called Nelliadi Beedu. Pergade couple was well known for their Simplicity, Affection, Generosity and Hospitality.
As per the Legend, when “Dharma Deiva’s” came in the form of human being, in search of a place where Dharma was practiced. “He” arrived at Pergade’s house Nelliadi Beedu.Pergade couple hosted the visitor who came to their place with great respect. Dharma Devia’s were pleased with their hospitality.
In the night Pergade’s dream the Dharma Daivas appeared and explained the reason for the visit to his house. They asked him to vacate the house for worship of Dharma Daivas and to dedicate himself for propagation of Dharma.
Pregade built a house for himself and started worshipping Dharma Deivas at Nelliadi Beedu. Once again they appeared before Pergade and asked him to construct separate shrines for four Deivas, “Kalaraghu, Kalarakayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari.” He was asked to appoint Brahmin priest to perform pooja and pergade to perform his duties as Executive head of the shrine.
In turn the “Deivas” promised to protect Pergade’s family and abundance charity for the renowned fame for the Kshetra.
Pregade constructed shrines for Deivas and invited priests to do the rituals. The priests requested him to install a Siva Linga beside the Daivas. “Annappa Swamy was sent by Dharma Deivas to procure Siva Linga from Kadiri near Manglore. Siva Linga was installed and named as Manjunadha Swamy.”
Manjunadha Swamy temple of Dharmasthala.
Main deity is Siva lingam known as Manjunadha Swamy. The Siva Lingam is gold. Goddess here in the temple is Parvathy known as Ammavaru.
As we enter we see Maha Ganapathy and proceed further to main sanctum of Manjunadha Swamy. There is a small mandapam in which we have darshan of Nandi. We next come to sanctum of Annappa swamy. As we go around the temple after having darshan of Manjunadhar, we see a sanctum for Annappa panjurlia local god.
There is a small sanctum for Maha Ganapathy and Ammavaru.
The day we went Ammavaru was decorated with Gold saree.
There is a silver chariot for the temple.
We see a pushkarani a little away from the temple
The place Dharmasthala is in Belthangady taluk of South kanara district of Karnataka. The temple is about 800 years old. Parama Poojya Sree Dr. Veerandra Heggade is Dharmathikari of Sree kshetra Dharmashala.
History says 800 years ago Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi, then a village in Belthangady. Here lived a Jain Chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Bellathi in a house called Nelliadi Beedu. Pergade couple was well known for their Simplicity, Affection, Generosity and Hospitality.
As per the Legend, when “Dharma Deiva’s” came in the form of human being, in search of a place where Dharma was practiced. “He” arrived at Pergade’s house Nelliadi Beedu.Pergade couple hosted the visitor who came to their place with great respect. Dharma Devia’s were pleased with their hospitality.
In the night Pergade’s dream the Dharma Daivas appeared and explained the reason for the visit to his house. They asked him to vacate the house for worship of Dharma Daivas and to dedicate himself for propagation of Dharma.
Pregade built a house for himself and started worshipping Dharma Deivas at Nelliadi Beedu. Once again they appeared before Pergade and asked him to construct separate shrines for four Deivas, “Kalaraghu, Kalarakayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari.” He was asked to appoint Brahmin priest to perform pooja and pergade to perform his duties as Executive head of the shrine.
In turn the “Deivas” promised to protect Pergade’s family and abundance charity for the renowned fame for the Kshetra.
Pregade constructed shrines for Deivas and invited priests to do the rituals. The priests requested him to install a Siva Linga beside the Daivas. “Annappa Swamy was sent by Dharma Deivas to procure Siva Linga from Kadiri near Manglore. Siva Linga was installed and named as Manjunadha Swamy.”
Manjunadha Swamy temple of Dharmasthala.
Main deity is Siva lingam known as Manjunadha Swamy. The Siva Lingam is gold. Goddess here in the temple is Parvathy known as Ammavaru.
As we enter we see Maha Ganapathy and proceed further to main sanctum of Manjunadha Swamy. There is a small mandapam in which we have darshan of Nandi. We next come to sanctum of Annappa swamy. As we go around the temple after having darshan of Manjunadhar, we see a sanctum for Annappa panjurlia local god.
There is a small sanctum for Maha Ganapathy and Ammavaru.
The day we went Ammavaru was decorated with Gold saree.
There is a silver chariot for the temple.
We see a pushkarani a little away from the temple
- Govardhan :
The hill Govardhan is popularly known as “Giriraj”.
Purana says Govardhan Mountain is son of Dronachala Mountain. Once when Pulasthya Maharisii was passing through Dronachala Mountain, he was attracted by the fame of Govardhana Mountain. He wanted to take the Guardian Mountain to Varnasi and meditate there. So he requested Pulasthya Maharishi to permit him to take his son Govardhana Mountain. Dronachala Mountain agreed to send. Pulasthya Maharisi had to agree, to a condition of Govardhan. He should not rest him any where in the middle of his journey. Otherwise, he will stay back at the place he was rested by Maharishi.
Pulasthiya Rishi agreed and lifted the Mountain to shoulder with his power of “Thapas” (penance). When they were proceding towards Varnasi, they had to cross Vrindhavan.
Govardhan Mountain became heavy due the vibration and thought of Krishna leela while crossing Brindvan. Maharishi was tired and he rested the Govardhana Mountain here, in Kamyavanam. After sometime when he lifted the hill he was not able to do it due to the agreement between them.
Maharisi in anger cursed the mountain to gradually become smaller in size. Every year Govardhana Giri looses its height by size of a “Thill.” Now the height of the Govardhana Mountain is only 80’.
Previously people residing here, used to prepare and offer variety of food in large quantity to Indra. Kannan convinced the residence residing there, to offer food hereafter to Govardhana Giri which is full of herbs and medicinal plant which helps in growth of cow.
Indra became angry by this change in offering to Govardhana Giri. Rain started pouring heavily for seven days, Krishna lifted up Govardhana Giri as an umbrella to give shelter for cows and people living there.
Parikrama around the Govardhana giri is about 21kms distance. There are some places to see when we go around.
- Kusum Sarovar:
Kusum Sarovar from where Lord Krishna used to pluck flowers and give them to Gopika’s. There is a sanctum for Uttdavar near the sarovar. Uttdavar came to this place to see Kannan, and he was pleased at the surrounding and the vibration there.
- Govinda kund :
Main entrance known as Vallabacharya dwar, leads us to Govind Kund. We have to walk a little to Govind kund from here.
Govind kund.
After having darshan of Govind Kund, we had to walk about 5-6 kms to reach the Govardhana Giri.
- During our stay at Brindavan for Bagavadha sapthagam on 6th day Annakooda utsavam was celebrated in front of Govardhana Giri.
This is the ground in front of Govardhana giri, where Annakooda utsavam was performed.
Here Lord Krishna was decorated like Govardhan Giridhar.
Gathering at Annakooda Utsavam.
Peacock dance
Peacock dance
We had few cultural programs in the evening in the ground. There was a Music program and Dance program by local residence. The peacock dance performance was really good and everyone enjoyed the dance.
A stone from the mountain was taken and installed on a dais representing Govardhana Giri.
starting abishekam was with water for Govardhana Giri
We see abishekam with milk for Govardhna Giri.
Next we seeabishekam with sandal paste for Govardhana Giri.
Nakshatra Aarathi Given for Govardhana Giri after the completion of abishekam.
Sodasoupacharam was done and variety of offerings were given to Govardhana giri here.We were thrilled while watching the function.
When food offering was refused to Indra, he was hungry and he poured down heavy rain to punish them. Govardhana Giri was lifted by Kannan to protect cows and others. Indra realised his mistake and performed Govinda pattbishekam for Govardhana Giri and Kannan. Since the cow and calves were protected by Kannan, he was known as Govindan.
- Rukmani Kalyanam :
Last day Rukmani kalyanam was celebrated in the morning. Sankalpam was done by every one of us who joined the yatra. All rituals were performed as we do in marriages.
Main entrance of the ground, were Rukmani kalyanam was performed.
Devotees assembled to take part in Rukmani Kalyana Utsavam function.
Rukmani and lord Krishna decorated for the kalyana utsava function in bridal dress .
Offerings like variety of fruits, dry frits, flowers, and Garland along with clothing displayed in Kalyana Mandapam
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