Talakaveri

Talakaveri, also spelled Talacauvery, is a Hindu pilgrimage site located at the top of the Brahmagiri hills in Kodagu (Coorg) district, Karnataka, India. It is traditionally regarded as the source of the River Kaveri, and a temple near the source is dedicated to the river goddess. The site features a small temple complex and a sacred spring known as the Kundike, from which the water of the Kaveri is believed to originate. Pilgrims commonly bathe in or collect water from the Kundike as part of their visit and offer prayers at the temple.

Geographically, Talakaveri sits within the Western Ghats's Brahmagiri hill range and is associated with nearby towns such as Bhagamandala and Madikeri. The surrounding area includes forested slopes and coffee plantations, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors in addition to its religious significance.

An annual festival called Pushotsava is observed at Talakaveri, during which devotees perform rituals, participate in processions, and mark auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. The festival contributes to the site's status as a major pilgrimage destination, attracting both devotees and tourists.

Significance and context: Talakaveri marks the traditional origin of the Kaveri River, which flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and is central to regional agriculture, culture, and history. The site remains a focal point for worship of the river goddess and a popular destination for those exploring the Western Ghats and the cultural landscape of the Kaveri basin.