Talakadu Temple History - Story

Talakadu Temple at Talakad in Mysuru in Karnataka is dedicated to Shiva. There is a cluster of temples on the banks of Kaveri River that are known as Talakadu Temples.

Talakadu Temple History - Story

Talakadu – The Town of Sand and Sacred Legends

When you look around, all you see is sand—vast stretches of it, forming towering dunes, covering the entire town in a golden hue. Temples, homes, forests, fields, and even the roads are intertwined with sand. This is the very nature of Talakadu—step on it, and it’s sand beneath your feet; reach out, and it’s sand in your hand!

Origin Story of Talakadu

Sage Somadatta of the Vasishtha lineage performed penance in Varanasi for liberation in human form. Lord Vishweshwara appeared and directed him to a place even holier than Kashi—Siddaranya Kshetra on the banks of the Kaveri, now Talakadu.

While traveling there with his disciples, they were attacked by a herd of elephants and died in fear, repeatedly chanting “elephant.” Reborn as elephants, they bathed daily in the Gokarna lake and worshipped a Shalmala tree near a Shiva Linga.

Two hunters, Tala and Kada, curious about the scene, tried to cut the tree. Blood spurted from the Linga. Terrified, they heard a divine voice instructing them to grind the tree’s leaves and apply the paste to the Linga. They obeyed, drank the sacred water, and attained liberation, along with Somadatta and his disciples.

Hence, the town was named Talakadu after the hunters, and the forest became known as Gajaaranya (Elephant Forest). Lord Shiva here is called Vaidyanatheshwara, the divine healer.

The Curse Story Behind Talakadu’s Sand

The origin of this unique landscape lies in a tale of a curse. During the reign of Srirangaraya, the representative of the Vijayanagara Empire ruling from Srirangapatna, he was afflicted by a severe spinal disease. In hopes of healing, he and his wife Alamelamma visited the Sri Vaidyanatheshwara Temple in Talakadu to offer prayers. However, his condition worsened, and he died in Talakadu itself.

Seizing the opportunity, the Wodeyars of Mysore took over Srirangapatna. After Srirangaraya’s death, Alamelamma took refuge in Malangi, a village near Talakadu. The Mysore kings, seeking to seize her precious jewelry—including a priceless pearl nose ring—attempted to strip her of her belongings. Angered, she is said to have cursed:

"May Talakadu be forever buried in sand,
May Malangi become a whirlpool,
And may the kings of Mysore never have heirs!"

She then leapt into the river Kaveri with her jewels and ended her life. To this day, the town remains covered in sand, and the legends surrounding Alamelamma’s curse continue.

Talakadu: A Sacred, Historical, and Cultural Landmark

Talakadu is not only rich in myth but also in history, culture, folklore, and spiritual significance. Once known by names like Siddaranya Kshetra, Gajaranayak Kshetra, Talavanapura, and Rajapura, Talakadu was the glorious capital of the Ganga Dynasty as early as 247 CE. Over time, it came under the rule of various powerful dynasties including the Hoysalas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagara rulers, and the Wodeyars of Mysore.

The Sacred Abode of Panchalingas

Nicknamed “Dakshina Kashi” (The Kashi of the South), Talakadu is most famous for the Panchalinga Darshana, a rare and auspicious religious event celebrated with grandeur, comparable in fame to the Mysore Dasara festival. Devotees from across India and abroad gather in large numbers during this occasion.

It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested in five different forms here, represented by five lingas (Shiva idols), each symbolizing a different aspect of the divine. These are:

1. Vaidyanatheshwara (center, Ishanya face)

2. Rakteshwara (north side, Tatpurusha face)

3. Pathaleshwara (east side, Aghora face)

4. Maraleshwara (south side, Sadyojata face)

5. Mallikarjuneshwara (west side, Vamadeva face)

According to ancient scriptures, these five together represent the Pancha Brahma forms of Lord Shiva.

Descriptions of the Five Lingas

1. Vaidyanatheshwara

Lord Shiva, in the form of Vaidyanatheshwara, is said to have appeared here to grant moksha (liberation) to Sage Somadatta, his disciples, and two hunters named Tala and Kada. He became their divine healer, hence the name "Vaidya" (doctor). Worshipping here is believed to cure all ailments. The most auspicious day for worship is Vaishaka Purnima (Full Moon Day in April-May).

2. Rakteshwara

Worshipped even by Surya (Sun God) to attain supremacy over planets, this linga is known to remove all kinds of troubles. Located about 3 miles east of Vaidyanatheshwara in Vijayapura, it is most sacred on Magha Shuddha Saptami.

3. Pathaleshwara

This linga was worshipped by Vasuki, the king of Nagaloka, and is also known as Vasukishwara. Situated deep in a hollow east of Vaidyanatheshwara temple, it is known for changing its color to five different hues daily. The most auspicious day to visit is Shravana Shuddha Panchami.

4. Maraleshwara

This temple is also called Saikateshwara and is associated with Lord Brahma. It is famed for granting boons and blessings. The most favorable day to worship here is Magha Bahula Chaturdashi.

5. Mallikarjuneshwara with Bhramaramba Devi

Worshipped by Kamadhenu (the divine cow), this shrine is located on the Mudukutore hill, about 3-4 miles north of Vaidyanatheshwara. It is referred to as the Southern Srisaila, and the best time to visit is Kartik Shuddha Ashtami. The uniqueness of this temple lies in the Kaveri River flowing in all four directions—a rare natural phenomenon.

When Does Panchalinga Darshana Happen?

The Panchalinga Darshana occurs only under a rare planetary alignment: when Amavasya (New Moon) of Kartik month falls on a Monday, and both Sun and Moon are in Scorpio (Vrischika Rashi), forming a rare Kuhoo or Padmak Yoga during dawn. This alignment occurs only once every 3 to 14 years.

According to the Skanda Purana, worshippers who offer prayers with a pure heart during this event will attain liberation (Shiva Sayujya).

Ritual Procedure for Panchalinga Darshana

1. Begin with a holy dip in the ancient Gokarna Sarovara and worship Gokarneshwara.

2. Proceed north to pray at the Chowdeshwari Temple.

3. Then seek permission for the pilgrimage at the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple.

4. Visit Rakteshwara in the northern direction and return to Vaidyanatheshwara to report the darshan.

5. Next, head south to visit Maraleshwara, then return to Vaidyanatheshwara again to complete the ritual.

6. For those unable to visit all five, a dip in Gokarna Sarovara and darshan of Vaidyanatheshwara suffices to receive the blessings.

Gokarna Sarovara

The holy lake where pilgrims begin their ritual journey. Considered older than the Kaveri River itself, it is believed that during Tulasaṅkrama (October–November), the sacred Ganga River flows into this lake from Kashi. A dip here is considered to cleanse all sins.

Past Occurrences of Panchalinga Darshana

Although it's believed that the festival dates back to 247–266 CE under Ganga King Harivarma, confirmed historical records only begin in the 20th century. The event occurred in:

• 1908, 1915, 1925, 1938, 1952, 1959, 1966, 1979, 1986, 1993

• 2006 (Nov 20), 2009 (Nov 16), 2013 (Dec 2), and 2020 (Dec 10)

The next occurrence depends on the rare planetary alignment explained earlier.

Historical Significance of Talakadu

The Ganga Dynasty has the closest association with Talakadu, often referred to as the Gangas of Talakadu. The capital city flourished under King Harivarma (247–266 CE), and later under King Sripurusha in the 8th century.

In the 10th century, the Cholas briefly captured it, renaming it Rajapura. However, the Hoysalas, under Vishnuvardhana, defeated them, reclaimed Talakadu, and built the famed Keerthinarayana Temple.

Even today, Hoysala architecture dominates the sacred town. In the 14th century, it passed to the Vijayanagara Empire, and by 1634, it became part of the Mysore Kingdom. Until 1868, Talakadu was a taluk headquarters before being shifted to T. Narasipura in 1882.