Thousands of devotees witness 'Thirthodbhava'

Madikeri, Karnataka, Oct 17 (UNI) Thousands of devotees today witnessed the ''Thirthodbhava'' at Thalacauvery, the birth place of River Cauvery.

Cauvery sprung from holy 'Kundike' (small spring/pond) exactly at 1440 hrs, the prescribed ''Thula Sankramna Muhurtham.'' Devotees shouted 'Kaveramma Jai' and jumped into bathing pond breaking the police barricade with emotion amid tight security.

Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Hegde, Karnataka Minister for Fisheries Krishna Palemar and Deputy Speaker K G Bopaiah were present.

Bhajans and cultural recitals were organised by Kannada Culture Department. Mujrai Department had organised continuous pooja since early hours.

Mass feeding both in Bhagamndala and Thalacauvery were also arranged for devotees.

Thalacuvery, from where the Cavery River originates in the Brahmagiri hills, is considered among the most sacred places in Karnataka. It is at a height of about 1,276 m above sea level.

This is a sacred pilgrim centre for the Kodavas.

This place is marked by a ''tirtha kundike'' or ''Brahma kundike (small spring/pond) from where the river emerges as a small perennial spring, but flows underground again to emerge a short distance away.

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