Talacauvery (Kodagu): Thousands of devotees from Karnataka and neighbouring States thronged Talacauvery in the district, the birth place of River Cauvery on Friday to witness the annual Theerthodbhava.

On witnessing the holy water springing from the Brahma Kundike at 6.04 pm in the auspicious Meena Lagna, Thula Sankramana Muhurtham, the devotees went ecstatic shouting ‘Jai Kaverammna’ ‘Jai Jai Matha’, ‘Jai Jai Cauvery Matha’ etc., in praise of Goddess Cauvery, which reverberated along the Brahmagiri Hill range, as the priests collected the ‘theertha’ gushing out from the Kundike and sprinkled it over the crowds. Some devotees even jumped into the bathing pond breaking Police barricade.

The rituals at Talacauvery began after 4 pm, with the bringing of flowers and silver ornaments from Bhagandeshwara Temple at Bhagamandala, as per the tradition. A puja was offered to the Brahma Kundike by Talacauvery temple priests Narayana Achar, Prashanth Achar, Krishna Upadhyaya, Gopalakrishna Achar.

Devotees from across Karnataka and neighbouring States of Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, thronged Talacauvery in thousands from early morning.

The Maha puja and Mahamangalarathi took place at 5.50 pm ahead of the Theerthodbhava at 6.04 pm, which was 3 minutes earlier than the stipulated time of 6.07 pm.

The Kannada and Culture Department had organised bhajans and cultural events at Talacauvery. Kodava men in traditional attire, rendered the traditional ‘Dudikott pat.’

Mass feeding was arranged at the choultry near the shrine and other locations. The stretch of road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery was illuminated. The KSRTC operated special buses from Mysore and Madikeri for the benefit of devotees. The Police had made tight security arrangements at Talacauvery, with the deployment of Home Guards, KSRP and DAR platoons.

Kodagu District in-charge Minister K.J. George, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra, Irrigation Minister M.B. Patil, Madikeri MLA M.P. Appachhu Ranjan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Govt. moots construction of overbridge at Bhagamandala

“The Government is planning to construct an overbridge at Bhagamandala, which loses contact with the outside world during the rainy season,” according to Irrigation Minister M.B. Patil.

Speaking to press persons here yesterday, the Minister said Kodagu District in-charge Minister K.J. George had appealed for construction of an overbridge, following which Chief Engineer Srinivas Murthy has been assigned the task of preparing a blue print for the project.

However, the project will be executed so that the sentiments of locals would not be hurt. Chief Engineer Srinivas Murthy will make a spot inspection and will discuss with the local people, following which the project will be finalised, Patil said.