KARNATAKA ONE STATE. MANY WORLDS

Hello   everyone i have posted mysore tourism in my blog  @ heritage.blogspot.combut i have not posted main tourist place of mysore district that is Talakadu. Because Talakadu is having different style it is filled with sand and it is also called as mini desert in karnataka which is filled with holy places and historical temples

so let us start our journey to Talakadu which is famously known as

"KASHI OF SOUTH"

Talakadu Tourism

Nestled on the banks of the River Kaveri, Talakadu in Karnataka is a mystical place steeped with a rich past and cultural heritage. It is famous for the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town has been a witness to the rise and falls of several great kingdoms including Cholas, Pallavas, Gangas, Vijayanagar and Hoysalas.

The place derives its name from two local chieftains Tala and Kada and this called Talakadu. Famous among devotees of Lord Shiva, visitors can witness the legacy of the town that still reflects in its age-old antiquity. There are a number of temples that are buried under the sand and are excavated once in every 12 years for special worship called 'Panchalinga Darshana'.

The Panchalinga Darshana includes five major temples namely Vaidyeshwara temple, Arkeshwara temple, Vasukishwara or Pataleshwara temple Saikateshwara or Maraleshwara temple and Mallikarjuna temple. It is said that the Pataleshwara Shivalinga change colours according to the time of the day- red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white in the evening.

Top Places to Visit In Talakadu

1.Somanathapura

Somanathapura Temple is a very famous attraction. It was one of the first and the best representation of the Hoysala architecture. It has an ancient structure marked by its beauty. Tourists from near and far come to visit the temple to get a view of the beautiful place. Somanathapura Temple has been nominated for the world heritage site status of UNESCO and is amongst three Hoysala temples which have been nominated for the same. It is very famous for its delicate carvings and sculptures bearing metal like polishing.

The temple was constructed by the general of King Narasimha III, Somanatha in the year 1268. It was built during the rule of Hoysala which was as old as 250 years at this time. A stone slab is present at the very entrance of the temple comprising of a detailed description of the temple. It is easy to read and understand for the general public visiting the temple.

It is believed that after a village was established on the bank of the Kaveri river, Dandanayaka Somantha took permission from King Narasimha III to build a temple and dedicate it to Lord Vishnu. The temple was not only made to seek blessings of the Almighty but also to represent the Hoysala architecture and its antique carvings

Architecture of the Somnathpura Temple 

The temple has been constructed on the bank of the Kaveri River in Hoysala architectural style. It has been built on a raised platform comprising of three shrines. All these three shrines are symmetrical and have been constructed in a 16 point star shape. Initially, idols of Lord Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala were present on the shrines, but today, the idol of Lord Keshava is missing.

There are two attics in the temple with towers present between them which are covered with a courtyard. The outer walls have beautiful carvings on them. One very distinctive feature of the temple is that it has 16 different types of ceilings each beautifully designed.

2.Panchalinga Darshana

It is an event where a fair is held to honour of five Shiva Temples present in the town. This fair take place once every twelve years on the day of full moon in the month of Karthika when the two stars of Vishaka and Khuha Yoga conjoins. Last time the fair was held in year 2006.

3.Mallikarjuna Temple

This is an ancient temple dedicated to a lingam of Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Brahmaraambigai. One can also witness the footprints on the lingam which are believed to be belonging to Kaamadhenu.

Veerabadrar, Sandhya Ganapathi sannadhis and Chamundeeswari are also housed within the complex. If you are visiting the temple during the months of January and February, you will get to attend a fascinating week-long agricultural fair. Anaadhi Vaikuntha Nathar and Veera Anjaneya Koli are two temples located in the proximity of this temple.

4.Keerthi Narayana Temple

Hidden beneath the layers of sand, Keerthi Narayana Temple was built by King Vishnuvardhan of Hoysala Dynasty and excavated in year 1911. The temple is a specimen of fine workmanship with statues of Keerthi Narayana and Ranganathar presided in the temple by the king.

The main temple premise is also installed by idols of Ramanujar, Nammazhwar and Vedantha desikar. One will also see the idols of Yoga Narasimhar in the 'ardha mandapan' while exploring the temple. However, the main attraction of the temple is 9 feet tall state of Lord Vishnu inside the temple complex in the standing position.

5.Pathaleshwara Temple

One of the oldest temples constructed by the Ganga kings in Talakadu, Pathaleshwara Temple has some uniqueness to it and one of the five lingams in the town. The Shiva lingam installed in the temple changes its hue with a different time of day. The Lingam is red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white at night, adding a mysterious touch to this ancient temple

 6.Tirumakudal Narsipur

Tirumakudal Narsipur is a town adorned with several ancient temples located in the vicinity of Talakad about 16 km away. A pilgrim hub, Gunja Narasimha is the most renowned temple in the area known for its splendid Dravidian style of architecture.

The presiding deity of this huge temple is Lord Narasimha. One can witness the idol within the temple premises. Adorned with a large 'gopuram' and 'mandapams with four pillars, the place is culturally rich and worth visiting.

7.Vaidyanatheshwara Temple

One of the most popular temples in Talakad, Vaidyanatheshwara Temple is a part of the five lingam pilgrim circuit. Constructed in 14th century by Chola Kings on the Granite stone, the temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The temple complex houses the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Manonmaniand Lord Murugan as well. Two imperial Dwarapalaks at the entrance welcome their visitors with all grace and poise.

8.Maruleshwara Temple

One of the last lingam temples in Talakad, Maruleshwara Temple is adorned with a huge Shivalingam installed by Lord Brahma. The temple was constructed by Ganga kings and houses idols of Surya, Maheswara, Ganapathi, Navagrahams, Thirumul, Shanmugar, Ambugai and Veerabhadra. This ancient temple is situated quite close to the temple of Keerthi Narayana.

9. Arkeshwara Temple

Another beautiful temple and one of the five lingams unearthed is Arkeshwara Temple located in a secluded area. It is a charming temple which is adorned with idols of Durgai and Bhairavar as well as of Abhayangara Lingam.

A Vasstu Yantram along with a rock is there at the doorway of the temple. It is common belief that if a cow suffering from any disease is tied to that rock can be cured.

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