Whistling woods. Winding roads. Fresh air - Bhagamandala. Kodagu.

Source of Cauvery - Talacauvery

Bhagamandala is a pilgrimage place in Kodagu district. It is situated on the river Kaveri in its upstream stretches. t is a common practice for pilgrims to take a dip in the triveni sangama and perform rituals to their ancestors before proceeding to Talakaveri, the birthplace of Kaveri.

Tucked away in some corner are things we are often so fond and protective of, and so deeply are they hidden that we ourselves forget where they are. Often is also the case with things that happen by the way.

And so it happened, that every time I visited Medikeri, Bhagamandala happened just by the way. I was even unaware of the history and myth associated with it and in that semi-unconsciousness I had made Bhagamandala a very sweet friend for life.

In between it’s winding roads, I slowed down my car speed to 30 to listen to the woods singing, stepped out to feel the raindrops which felt like they were produced right here and walked up to people who simply smiled and offered invitations to smile together. 

Vijay, the extra man

 Just like every story has a protagonist, mine turned to be Vijay who was the center of all awe around the village, and why not having appeared in over 100 South Indian movies, even if it’s just as an extra, is quite a mean feat. He didn’t smile, and decided to play the village celebrity a bit longer. Out came the lighter, and up went the cigarette, with a bit of Rajnikantesque effect, all eyes stuck to the cigarette flame and that first puff out of his lips, looking up at the mountains with his boots and jacket on, could vouch for any movie scene as an intro shot. 

Mesmerised somehow, quickly the main lane converted itself into a set scene with rain growing thicker, becoming aid to a director’s budget. Suddenly people started appearing out of nowhere; shopkeepers, tailor anna, school children with their neon umbrellas, and story tellers all gathered around warmly to form a family ring. 

Bhagamandala almost goes unnoticed, as visitors go up to Talakaveri, watch 2/3rd of the triveni sangam and pay their respects at Bhagamandala temple. Like it’s keeper, even Sujata canteen goes unnoticed that offers home meals that taste divinely healing. But like the notion that most trips are complete after reaching destinations, Bhagamandala is all about journey within the journey. At every turn and every corner nature has surprises and secrets for you. It’s up to me to pick my packet or wait for it to be gift-wrapped and posted to me.