Talacauvery: Thousands of devotees from Kodagu, across the State and Tamil Nadu flocked to Talacauvery in Kodagu district to witness the Cauvery Theerthodbhava amid religious rituals. The holy event took place exactly at 12.33 pm in Dhanur Lagna with a battery of priests chanting Vedic hymns before sprinkling holy water on the devotees.

Priests said that this was the first time in the last 20 years that the Theerthodbhava that usually occurs in Tula Lagna occurred in Dhanur Lagna. They said that Tula Lagna ended at 12 pm and after that it is Dhanur Lagna.

The annual ritual to mark the gushing of water from Brahmakundike at Talacauvery — considered to be the source of river Cauvery — draws a large number of devotees not only from Kodagu and different parts of Karnataka, such as   Mandya, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, but also from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Today’s event was led by Chief Priest Anantha Krishnachar, assisted by Narayanachar and Sripadachar. As per traditions, chief of Bhagamandala Sri Bhangadeshwara Temple and Talacauvery Kodi Motaiah arrived at Talacauvery before the event.

The Brahmakundike was decorated with gold and silver ornaments. The ‘Bhandara’ offering was carried from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery as part of the age-old tradition. The Theerthodbhava Puja began at 9 am and the Mahamangalarathi was performed at 12.25 pm.

Parts of Talacauvery and Bhagamandala have been witnessing rains since yesterday morning. Today, the entire Talacauvery hill range was covered in thick mist with occasional drizzle.

Separate bathing platforms were reserved for devotees who took a dip in the river. LED screens were put up at two major venues for devotees witnessing rituals. Arrangements were made for parking, drinking water and temporary toilets. For devotees making offerings to the souls of their dear departed ancestors (pinda pradana) facility was arranged at Triveni Sangama from 6 am to 6 pm.

Over 40 CCTV cameras were installed at 40 points and nearly 50 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 600 constables and 8 KSRP platoons were deployed. Barricades were set up from the entrance of Talacauvery to the bathing point, to control rush. The Theerthodbhava was witnessed by Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, his wife Arpitha Simha, MLA Appachu Ranjan, MLCs Veena Achaiah, Sunil Subramani and others were present.