Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)
Madikeri, Oct 18: 'Theerthodbhava,' the annual occasion being celebrated at Talakaveri, the place from where river Kaveri originates fell on Friday October 17. As Goddess Kaveri made an appearance in the pond at around 2.39 pm by springing out from the ground in the form of holy water, people hailed her by chanting her name besides that of various gods and felt a sense of fulfillment by getting drenched in the holy water. It may be recalled that river Kaveri is considered as a holy river and is worshipped by people from south India as the Ganges of the south.
Goddess Kaveri has since long been worshipped as the family deity by Kodavas. The 'Theerthodbhava,' or the appearance of holy water, was scheduled to ooze out at 2.42 pm. Normally, the incident happens after midnight. As this year's 'Theerthodbhava' was scheduled in the afternoon, large number of pilgrims had come from Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. About a lac devotees converged to participate in this religiously important occasion and a long line of vehicles had been formed for several kilometres on the road leading to Talakaveri.
At about 1.45 pm, the things of worship were brought to the spot from Bhagamandala under the leadership of Balladka Appaji and Kodi Motaiah. Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, district-in-charge minister Krishna Palemar, MLC M C Nanaiah, taluk panchayat president Nagesh Kundalpadi, zilla panchayat president Deerghakeshi Shivanna, deputy commissioner Baldevkrishna, superintendent of police Suresh, several religious heads, peoples' representatives, officials and dignitaries graced the occasion.
For the first time in the history, metal detectors were used at this holy place in addition to police security. Community feast was arranged.
Dr Heggade explained his experience here, by saying that his heart is full. "This is the day on which all the gods and goddesses come together at this holy land. I am happy that the place has seen tremendous developments during the last 10 years, the gap between my last and the present visit here," he said.