The Talakad Temple Complex outside of Mysore is an ancient forest that has been inundated with sand. Among the dunes, temples have been unearthed and restored. Some are dating back nearly 1,000 years.

I saw four temples of the more than thirty that are believed to be below the sand in the area. This one is one of the older ones. They were positively amazing to see.

Later on this day I got blessed at one of the temples devoted to Shakti. It involved receiving a blessing, a bindi, touching fire and a receiving a final splash of holy water by a boy that could have been no more than 10. I even bought a protective amulet from him for about 20 rupees to help me on my travels. I made it back safe and sound, who knows...perhaps it worked!