Kavery Sankramana

Kodavas observe 3 festivals at a grand scale. The first festival is Kailpod that comes after the transplantation of paddy i.e. on September 3^rd. Next comes the festival of kavery Sankramana.  Shree Kavery is Kodavas presiding deity. Each and every family in Kodagu observe Kavery Sankramana with great reverence. Kavery Sankramana comes after the clearance of weed in the paddy fields which is observed on the first day of Tholiar tie on the 17^th of October (i.e Thula Sankramana).

Ages ago, there were 3 three Choultries near the sangama. One was Kodhandayengda Choultry near Sangama, second was Koluvandayengda Choultry behind the temple and third was temple Choultry in the front.

Earlier, as travelling great distances were difficult, and Kodavas from far off places had to walk to Bhagamandala to take a holy dip in the river Kavery. So, they used to halt in the Choultries constructed by Philanthropic people in Kodagu. One such family was Chepudira Seethavva from Virajpet, who constructed Choultries for the people who used to walk from Kiggatnad. They were supplied with free food in the night. Next day they used to start their journey and reach Cherambane and halt at Siddaruda Mutt. After reaching Bhagamandala, people used to halt at Bhagamandala Choultries constructed by Koluvanda and Kodanda family. They were supplied with free Utensils, rice, etc., for them to cook and have their Supper.Next day they used to take holy dip in the sangama i.e. joining point of 3 Rivers Kaveri, Kanikke and Sujyothi.

Another important ritual the Kodavas perform is offering pinda to their parents if they are not alive and to shear hair from the head as a symbol of respect to their forefathers. Another Custom among Kodavas is, all the newly married couple should go together, and holding their hands they should take a holy dip in the River Kaveri. Single ladies should not take a dip in the river without her partner. Then they go to the temple offer Pooja and proceed to Talakavery.

There are 44 steps to Tala Kavery. On the way, there is a stone called as “Salam Kall”. People who go by walk should show their respect to that stone and proceed to Talakavery. In Talakavery, there are 2 ponds, one is the big one where people take holy dip and another is the small pond where goddess Kavery is worshipped. At a particular time (Which is calculated by Priest) the holy theerthodbhava will take place in the small pond. In Thala Cauvery the couple should take three holy dips holding their hands and then go near the priest and get the holy water sprinkled on their heads. Anybody who is suffering from any spirit possessment will be relieved if they take holy dip in Talakavery. Another belief of the people (Was or is) that if you stand on hill top of Bhrama giri you can see a place called “Kanaka Kajend”

Those families who could not go to Kavery before Theerthodbhava would do “Bothu Kuthuvo” to their paddy field, house, cattle shed and Kala. The next day morning i.e. on 18^th of October, all families would worship Mother Kavery. Some will keep Cucumber or Coconut on a bronze plate and decorate with Ornaments and flower in the Nellakki Nadubaade. In this hall,lamp called Thooke Bolcha is lighted and on another Tripod (i.e. Mukkali) Kavery holy water is kept and worshiped. Afterwards the holy water is sprinkled all over the rooms and all the members in the family throw rice grains on the goddess. The younger members in the field bow and touch the feet’s of elders and take their blessings.