When visiting religious places in Coorg, it's advisable to dress modestly and respectfully, covering shoulders and legs. Many temples in Coorg require visitors to remove footwear before entering the premises as a sign of respect. Maintaining silence and refraining from disruptive behavior is also appreciated to uphold the solemn atmosphere of these sacred sites. Additionally, it's customary to avoid touching sacred objects or idols without permission and to participate in rituals with reverence and mindfulness. These observances contribute to a sense of harmony and respect within the religious spaces of Coorg.
Places Near Madikeri
OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE
The Omkareshwara Temple, showcases a fusion of architectural styles, blending red tile-roofed Kerala architecture with Islamic-style domes. The Linga housed within this Shiva Temple is believed to have originated from Kashi.
Constructed by King Lingarajendra II in the early 19th century, legend holds that the king commissioned this temple as an atonement for the accidental killing of an innocent during his Kingdom Expansion campaign. Tormented by guilt and plagued by nightmares, the king sought counsel from his Royal Priests, who advised him to build the temple to absolve his wrongdoing.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Omkareshwara Temple boasts a distinctive architectural blend of gothic and Islamic influences. The temple's visual allure is further accentuated by a sizable water tank with a central mantap. Unlike traditional Hindu temples, Omkareshwara Temple does not feature pillared halls, setting it apart in its design.
Distance: 0.5 km from Madikeri town
Timings: 06:30 am to 12:00 pm & 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Entry: Free
TALACAUVERY
Talacauvery, the revered birthplace of the River Cauvery, holds deep spiritual significance for Hindus, drawing pilgrims from afar. Nestled atop the Brahmagiri Hills in Bhagamandala town, at an elevation of 1276 meters in Karnataka's Kodagu district, it is revered as the very source of the Cauvery. Dedicated to Goddess Kaveramma, with Lord Agasthiswara also venerated, it marks the emergence of the river from a spring, before it vanishes underground, reemerging near Bhagamandala to merge with the Kannike and Sujyoti rivers at Triveni Sangam. Local lore attributes Talacauvery's waters with miraculous healing properties, making a dip in its sanctified waters a revered ritual for seekers of healing.
According to the Hindu calendar, the onset of the Tula month, typically around October 17th, marks the observance of the Tula or Cauvery Sankramma festival. This vibrant celebration sees throngs of devotees flocking to partake in rituals, including bathing in the sacred waters and seeking blessings from Goddess Cauvery. Festivities unfold in a grand spectacle, featuring lively processions, bustling fairs (Jatre), and local vendors offering delectable treats alongside souvenir shops. Traditional puja ceremonies are enhanced by the melodious strains of local folk music, adding to the auspicious ambiance of the event, ensuring an enchanting and memorable experience for all attendees.
Distance: 44 km from Madikeri
Timings: 06:00 am to 8:00 pm
Entry: Free
BHAGAMANDALA
Bhagamandala, situated 39 km from Madikeri, holds profound religious significance. It is renowned for its Triveni Sangama, where the Cauvery, Kannike, and Sujyoti rivers converge. The majestic Bhagandeshwara Temple, constructed in the Kerala style with distinctive red-tiled roofs, dominates the landscape. Symbolizing the union of three rivers, the Triveni Sangama is revered as a sacred confluence, bringing together the Kaveri, Kannike, and mythical Sujyoti rivers. Pilgrims flock to this holy site to perform various rituals for their ancestors before proceeding to Talakaveri, believed to be the source of the River Kaveri.
Perched at an elevation of approximately 898 meters, Bhagamandala is home to the revered Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple, attracting pilgrims from far and wide. While primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple also houses idols of Lord Subramanyam and Lord Ganesha. Beyond its architectural splendor, the temple serves as a spiritual sanctuary, welcoming devotees seeking solace and divine blessings. Offering prayers here instills a sense of tranquility, providing a respite from the chaos of daily life.
Distance: 39 km from Madikeri
Timings: 06:00 am to 7:00 pm
Entry: Free
Places Near Napoklu
PADI SRI IGGUTHAPPA TEMPLE, KAKKABE
The Padi Sri Igguthappa Temple in Kakkabe is a prominent Hindu temple located in the picturesque town of Kakkabe in Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka, India. Dedicated to Lord Igguthappa, a deity revered by the Kodava community, this temple holds deep cultural and religious significance in the region.
Legend has it that Lord Igguthappa is the deity of rain and harvest, worshipped by the Kodava people for prosperity and abundance in agriculture. The temple is especially revered during the annual festival of Kaliyarchi, a grand celebration marked by rituals, processions, and cultural performances.
Architecture-wise, the Padi Igguthappa Temple showcases traditional Kodava architectural style, featuring a simple yet elegant design. The temple complex is nestled amidst the lush greenery of Coorg's hills, offering visitors a serene and spiritual ambiance.
Devotees and tourists flock to the temple not only to seek blessings from Lord Igguthappa but also to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Kodava community. The tranquil surroundings and religious fervor make a visit to the Padi Igguthappa Temple in Kakkabe a truly enriching and memorable experience.
Distance: 33 km from Madikeri
Timings: 5:30 am – 2:00 pm; 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Entry: Free
Religious Places in South Coorg
SRI MRUTHYUNJAYA TEMPLE, BADAGARAKERI
The Sri Mrithunjaya Temple is situated in the quaint village of Badagarakeri within the Virajpet Taluka. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it holds considerable local significance. Nestled amidst lush coffee plantations, the temple occupies a spacious and picturesque setting, exuding beauty and tranquility in its serene surroundings.
Various poojas are conducted at this temple, encompassing rituals such as Navagraha pooja, Rudrabisheka, Sri Sathya Narayana pooja, Vasantha pooja, Ekhadasha pooja, and Vahana pooja. Additionally, the temple hosts homas, including Sri Maha Mrithunjaya Homa, Sri Mrithunjaya Homa, Karu Homa, and Panchamarisha Homa.
Distance: 45 km from Virajpet
Timings: 08:00 am – 1:00 pm
Entry: Free
SRI IRUPU RAMESHWARA TEMPLE, IRUPU
The Rameshwara Temple, situated in Kurchi village near Iruppu Falls, is steeped in legend. It is believed to have been the abode of Lord Rama and Sita during their exile in the forest. Legend has it that during their stay, Sita expressed her desire to worship Lord Shiva. In response, Rama dispatched Hanuman to retrieve a Shiva linga from Kashi. However, as Hanuman did not return by noon, Sita fashioned a linga out of sand and installed it at the site of what is now the Rameshwara Temple. To facilitate Sita's worship, Lakshmana, Rama's brother, created a water source by shooting an arrow into a mountain, giving rise to what is known today as Lakshmana Theertha.
Irupu waterfalls is closeby to this temple.
Distance: 47 km from Virajpet
Timings: 7:00 am to 8:30 am; 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 06:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Entry: Free
