Talacauvery

Talacauvery is the sacred source of the River Kaveri located on the Brahmagiri Hills near Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Karnataka, at an elevation of about 1,276 metres. It centres on a small sacred tank (Kundike or Brahma Kundike) and temples dedicated to Goddess Kaveri and Lord Agastheeswara. Revered as a major pilgrimage centre, it marks the river's origin and offers forested hill scenery and panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

Visitors can expect a hilltop pilgrimage complex on Brahmagiri Hills with a small walled sacred tank (Kundike) believed to be the origin of the River Kaveri, adjacent Agastheeswara and Kaveri temples, stone steps and paved courtyards, forested slopes and viewpoint over the Western Ghats. The site includes shrines, a large holy tank at Bhagamandala foothills, shops for offerings, and access to Brahmagiri trekking trails. The atmosphere is devotional with pilgrims performing rituals and taking holy water.

Traditionally associated with Sage Agastya, who is believed to have released the Kaveri from his kamandala at this spot. The temples at Talacauvery have historic links to Kodava heritage and the reverence for River Kaveri as a sacred river of South India. The site has been a pilgrimage centre for centuries.

Highly sacred for Hindus as the birthplace of River Kaveri, worshipped as Goddess Kaveri. The annual Tula Sankramana (Kaveri Sankramana) in mid-October draws thousands of pilgrims when the spring's water is believed to emerge at a predetermined moment. Pilgrims take holy water and perform rituals at the kundike and at Triveni Sangama in nearby Bhagamandala.