Devotees throng the Brahmakundike at Talacauvery to collect the holy water during teerthodbhava on the occasion of Tula Sankramana on Thursday.
Credit: DH Photo/Rangaswamy
Madikeri: Amidst a vast expanse of mist, the Teerthodbhava occurred at Talacauvery at 7.40 am on Thursday. As the priests announced the event and sprinkled the holy water on the devotees, their joyous chants filled the air.
Lakhs of people, whose lives are intertwined with the Cauvery river, eagerly awaited this rare moment, sitting through the biting cold since Wednesday night. The event marked the beginning of the month-long Cauvery Sankramana festival at the sacred site.
Before the Teerthodbhava, devotees rushed to the 'Kalyani', the sacred pond with pots and cans to collect the holy water, celebrating in the water itself while chanting "Ukki Ba Taayi Ukki Ba" (Rise Mother, Rise).
Devotees from different parts of the state sang songs praising 'mother Cauvery' as they walked barefoot in traditional attire from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery late on Wednesday night.
Some devotees mentioned that the Teerthodbhava occurred at 7.41 am instead of the predetermined 7.40 am.
However, Talacauvery temple chief priest Kodi Motaiah clarified that the Teerthodbhava happened exactly at the predetermined time. “We hope everything will be good", he added.
District in-charge minister N S Boseraju, Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister's legal advisor A S Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr Mantar Gowda and others were present on the occasion.
Devotees faced difficulties due to traffic congestion on the route from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery in the early hours. Even the police had to leave their vehicles and walk alongside the devotees to reach the temple.