The auspicious and vintage architecture of Talakadu will drive you crazy with its beauty and historical stories.  It is situated on the banks of Kaveri River, around 24 kilometers from the Somnathpur and 49 kilometers from the Mysore, this mystical place is rich with cultural heritage.  

Talakadu is a historical destination which is very famous as a pilgrimage site and known as the Kashi of the South. A must-visit destination while you are planning a trip to Mysore. At the destination, Talakadu there are over 30 temples which are majorly buried under the sand. There are few of the excavated ones which are open for the public view.  

Talakadu Panchalinga Darshana 

Among all, five of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva, called Panchalinga Darshana. These are named as Mallikarjuneshwara Temple, Pathaleshwara, Arkeshwara, Maruleshwara, and Vaideeshwara temple. The temple Keerthinarayana was mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu; it has lovely wood carvings on it.
 
As per the popular sayings, Pathaleshwara Shivalinga is considered to be changing the colour as per the time of the day. It is red in the morning and black in the afternoon and even white in the evening. 

At Talakadu several rulers have ruled from time to time. Starting from the Gangas to Hoysalas, to Rastrakootas, to the Vijayanagara Kings everyone has made their mark from time to time. The culture of the Talakadu is mixed due to the historical background, as numerous kings have ruled in their way.  

Talakadu is also known as the Curse of Talakad by Queen Alamelamma of the Wodeyar Dynasty, Mysore.  The place was named by chieftains named Tala and Kada. It is thus called as Talakadu.  

Talakadu temple timings

The temple timings are 6 am to 6 pm on all the days of the week. 

Talakadu sand beach

The wonderful place Talakadu is a historical site. It is considered to be a place which is partially covered by sand. The city was cursed by the queen Alamelamma of the Wodeyar Dynasty of Mysore.  The ruling king of this place was much affected by a deadly disease and further went to the temple of the Vaidyesvara in the Talakadu leaving all the errands to the queen. 

The queen quickly left for Talakadu on hearing the loss of the king’s life. Later gave all the liabilities to the Raja of Mysore. The iniquitous kings always aspired to detain the properties and jewels. She later drowned into the River of Kaveri and cursed the town of Talakad to turn into sand.  The strangest things are the city actually drowned in the sand in the later period.    

Talakadu boating

Boating is one of the top activities explored by the travelers here on the course of the River Kaveri. The vast area near the bank of the river is filled with sand offering a lovely view. Often the devotees take bath in this river Kaveri before offering puja to the God at the Panchalinga Darshana. 

Talakadu is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore which must be explored if you are on a nearby trip. Its rich history, stories and culture will mesmerize you.