Talakadu set to witness century's first festivities

The little town of sand dunes, Talakad, 48 kms from Mysore, is gearing up for the festival that comes once in a decade.

The coming together of five Mondays in the month of Karthika Bahula in the Hindu calendar when the last Monday is 'Amavasya' in the Vrischika Rashi of Vishaka star, is considered auspicious for the 'Panchalinga Darshana' or the worship of the five sacred Lingas in this ancient town, on the left bank of the river Cauvery.

This occurance takes place on November 20, when 4-5 lakh pilgrims are expected to pour into this town, the capital of the Ganga kings in the 4th century.

The celebrations give a big boost to the economy in and around this otherwise sleepy town.

Though the ceremonies begin at 2 am and the Mahabhisheka, the most auspicious of the event, is conducted from 4-30 am to 12 midnight on November 20, the religious rites begin on November 16 and end on November 25.

During the first five days, November 20, about a lakh pilgrims are expected, while on the remaining days around 75,000, according to Mysore DC Selva Kumar. However, the pilgrims have already begun visiting the town and they number 10,000-15,000 a day.

Though the celebrations are said to be from the age, records reveal the celebrations have been on since January 1, 1900. The last one was on December 12, 1993.

Located in the 'Gajaranya Kshetra' or the forest of elephants, Talakad is famous for its five Siva temples and many other temples.

Granite block walls are built around three Siva and other temples under the sand and pine trees too are planted around them, making them accessible all the 365 days.

The sand flow from the Cauvery has a historic background associated with the Mysore Maharajas. It is said to be a curse from Queen Alamelamma, wife of Srirangaraya, the representative of the Vijayanagar kings, who ruled from Srirangapatna in the 14th century.

To cater to around 20 lakh pilgrims coming to witness the century's first event, the state government has taken up massive works at a total cost of Rs 45.5 crore, including Rs 36 crore for PWD works and Rs 3.2 crore for gram panchayat roads.

Temporary water, electricity, toilets and bathing facilities, renovation and illumination of temples, dispensaries and temporary bus stand works are on briskly.

However, the roads will continue to provide a bone racking experience owing to delay in tender formalities.