Talakaadu - Kirthi Narayanaswamy Devalaya

This historical town was hailed as prime Hari-Hara kshetra and it enjoyed the status of capital for the Ganga dynasty for sometime. It is surrounded by river Cauvery on all four sides. Its name is derived from two Kirata sisters called Tala and Kadu, who lived in the dim past. Moreover, it was popular as Gajaranya kshetra due to Maharshi Somadatta, who attained emancipation here. Its long legendary episodes link themselves with kings, sages and divinities. During the Chola regime, many temples for Hari and Hara were built and their extensive patronage turned it into a pilgrim centre. Later it was annexed to Hoyasala empire by Vishnuvardhan, the valorous Hoyasala emperor who built and renovated temples many. He was conferred with the honorific title of Talakadugonda for defeating the Chola king. After the fall of Hoyasalas, it enjoyed Vijayanagara rule for sometime and lastly came under Odayars.

Its countless shrines along with the famous Pancha Sivaalayas were washed away by the fury of Cauvery many times. To add to this, the potent curse of Alimelamma, wife of Tirumalaraya, completely submerged its glory in the sand dunes. Among the temples worthy of visitation, the first is Kirthi Narayana temple built by Hoyasala Vishnu Vardhan in token of his victory over Chola king. Known for his passion for building of temples, he made it a jewel among temples of this region. It has all the parts in vast dimensions and imposing statures adorned with superb sculpture and excellent architectural designs.

The image of Chaturbhuja Kirthi Narayana is ten feet in height and chiselled to perfection. It raises the visitors hands at first sight itself. The facial features mirror the ace artistry of the sculptor. Its mini-shrines contain several adorable deities, like Iakshmb Nammalwar; Vedantacharya etc.

It is 42 km off Mysore in the T.Narsipur taluq, accessible by bus.

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