Talakadu (also spelled as Talakkad) is a historic town, located on the banks of River Cauvery (Kaveri). This interesting town in Mysuru, Karnataka has a history of 30 temples buried under the sand, with lots of archaeological sightseeing. But what actually continues to intrigue archaeologists, historians, geologists, and travellers alike is a curse (Talakadu Curse), linked to the Wodeyar dynasty.
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Quick Facts About Talakadu
State: Karnataka
Located: Left bank ofRiver Cauvery
Landscape: Desert-like landscape with high sand dunes
Famous For: Buried temples, legendary curse and architecture
Story Behind The Talakadu Curse
The curse of Talakadu dates back to the 16th century, during the reign of the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysuru. The story of the curse revolves around Queen Alamelamma, temple jewels and the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore. It is a tale of abiding legend – an act of assault, a cryptic curse and the catastrophic fallout.
– It is popularly believed that the then Ruler of Wodeyar coveted the jewels that were with Alamelamma, after the death of her husband, the then chieftain (Viceroy) of the Vijaynagar Kingdom. – Raja Wadiyar I (1552-1617) sent men to get the jewels back from Almalemma.
– To avoid capture, she collected the jewels in her sari and fled towards River Cauvery.
– Before jumping into the river and committing suicide, she uttered a devastating curse.
What Is The Curse Of Talakadu
“Talakadu maralagali, Malangi maduvagali, Mysuru dhorege makkalilladhe hogali”
The 400 years old curse has three key aspects:
- May Talakadu be buried under sand
- May Malangi turn into a whirlpool
- May the kings of Mysuru be heirless
Did The Curse Of Talakadu Come True
Many believe the events described in the curse closely align with what followed.
- The whole of Talakadu was under thick sand dunes.
- The whirlpools in the river did originate around the time of Alamelamma’s curse.
- Even today the Mysore Kings historically adopted heirs instead of having natural successors.
- Many believe the curse continues to hold power even today.
The Mystery of this phenomenon is unclear as the area ought to have been fertile owing to its proximity to the river.
Talakadu Curse: Natural Phenomenon Or Mystery
Despite the many reasons to believe that the curse has come true, Geologists consider the environmental phenomenon as the cause of entire Talakadu to be blanketed by sand dunes. In short Geologists see it as an ecological disaster.
Environmental Reasons For Talakadu To Be Covered In Sand:
- Changes in the flow of the river
- Deforestation in earlier centuries
- Wind-driven
- Sand deposition over time
However, locals still attribute this transformation to the powerful Talakadu curse — one that supposedly altered the fate of an entire region.
Buried Temples Of Talakadu
Nearly 30 temples were buried beneath the sand dunes over centuries. There were whole Temples excavated from the sand; one could imagine the size of the sand dunes! Amongst the temples excavated, there are 5 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva called the Panchalingeshwara Temples.
- Vaidhyeshwara
- Pathaleshwara
- Maruleshwara
- Arkeshwara
- Mallikarjuna
The Talakadu temples are associated with the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky). Thousands of devotees visit Talakadu during Maha Shivaratri to show their deep respect and devotion.
How To Reach Talakadu From Major Cities
- From Mysuru: 50 km (1.5 hours by road)
- From Bengaluru: 140 km (3–4 hours by road)
It takes a few hours from Bangalore and about an hour from Mysore. As you travel, the entire region is abundant with green fields and water until you reach Talakadu, which is covered in dunes of sand.
Also Read: Travel guide to all the wonderful places to visit in Mysore
Top Things To Do In Talakadu
– Explore the Panchalingeshwara Temples
– Visit the Keerthinarayana Temple
– Have fun along the Cauvery Riverbanks
– See the excavated temple ruins
– Get an aerial view from the Madavamantri Dam Viewpoint
Travel Tips
- As Talakadu in Karnataka is a small town, it is best visited as a day-trip.
- October to March is the best time to visit Talakadu’s sand dunes.
- Private vehicles or taxis are recommended, as public transport is limited.
Suggested Reads: Top 11 reasons to visit Karnataka
Final Words
Today, Talakadu is more than just a cursed land. It’s a place where myth, history, and geography converge. Beyond curses and ruins, Talakadu is a peaceful village overlooking the Madavamantri Dam that is rich inhistory, spirituality, and rural charm. Whether the Talakadu curse is a myth or coincidence, it remains a destination that invites curiosity in travellers year after year.
FAQs
Yes, there are numerous temples that are still buried in the sand of Talakadu. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has excavated a few temples, that includes the Pataleshwara, Vaidyeshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, and Mallikarjuna temples.
Some nearby attractions to visit around Talakadu are Srirangapatna, Shivanasamudra Falls, Somnathapura, Biligiriranga Hills and Brindavan Garden.
While many believe in Alamelamma’s curse, one cannot deny the scientific cause as well. This intriguing site for both spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts remains a mystery for all.
