Know the Untold Story of Talakadu


BENGALURU: Talakadu is a popular pilgrimage site in Karnataka which is situated on the bank of Kaveri River. The name ‘Talakadu’ was given after two hunters, ‘Tala’ and ‘Kada’, who attained enlightenment by worshipping ‘Vaidyanatheswara’. The place is also known for the sand dunes which gives the town a desert-like appearance which has buried most of the ancient monuments in sand.

The most impressive temples of Talakadu include Vaidyeshvara, Pataleshvara, Maruleshvara, Kirtinarayana, Gourishankara and the Anandeshvara. Interestingly, the Pataleshvara temple is said to change its colors from red in morning to black in the noon to white in evening. Kirtinarayana temple was built in 1117 A.D. to symbolize the victory of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana over the Cholas. Worshippers desperately wait for the moment which falls once in 12 years in the month of Karthika when they are able to visit ‘Panchalinga’. The Vaidyeshvara, the Arkeshvara, the Pataleshvara and the Maruleshvara temples and the Mallikarjuna temple together form Panchalingas.

According to an ancient legend, Talakadu was cursed by the wife of viceroy Srirangaraya —‘Alamelamma’. The legend says when the viceroy died Mysore Wodeyars declared war against Srirangapatna and sent soldiers after ‘Alamelamma’ to seize the jewels she had. While she was on run, it is said that she jumped into Kaveri River and uttered the curse, “May Talakadu be always covered with sand and may the kings of Mysore always remain without heirs.”  It is also said that since 1610s the royal family of Mysore faced problem in having a suitable heir to their throne. Furthermore, Talakadu was once an immensely fertile land but after the curse of viceroy’s widow the land transformed into a desert.

It is believed that around 30 temples are still buried under the sand depicting an architectural stamp left behind by every dynasty that ruled Talakadu.

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