District: Kodagu
Town: Bhagamandala
Temple: Bhagandeshwara Temple
Bhagandeshwara Temple
Bhagandeshwara Temple – Overview
Bhagamandala is a popular tourist destination and it is the confluence of three rivers, Sujyothi, Kanike and Cauvery. The principal deity of the Bhagandeshwara temple is Lord Shiva. The temple is built in typical Kerala pattern. Bhagamandala is a sacred pilgrimage place as the three rivers join together. Talacauvery is about 5 kilometres from Bhagamandala.
The temple underwent renovation during the 17th century. It has been named after Sage Bhaganda. The ceilings have intricate wooden carvings on them. Vegetable dyes have been used for making murals. Hindu mythological stories and events have been depicted very beautifully in this temple.
Bhagandeshwara Temple – Religious Significance
The main God worshipped here is Lord Shiva. In addition to the shrine of Lord Shiva, there are other shrines of Ganapati, Mahavishnu and Lord Subrahmanya. At the time of the Tula Sankramana that falls on the 17th or 18th of October every year, there are thousands of pilgrims who come to take a dip in the holy river.
Bhagandeshwara Temple - Architecture
The architecture of the Bhagandeshwara temple is simply amazing. You will find the Dravidian style of architecture on the pillars and stone walls. Also, the beautifully sculpted floral motifs on the granite walls are a delight to watch. The ceilings are made of wood and the beautiful carvings on the wood are a rare sight nowadays.
Bhagandeshwara Temple – Mythology
The temple is considered to be very holy because of the confluence of the three pious rivers. Hindus take a dip at this confluence. It is presumed that your sins will be purged by taking a holy dip in the sangamam of the three rivers. The best time to visit the Bhagandeshwara temple is between July and October. Sage Bhaganda installed the Shivalinga at this holy place. This is why the Chalukyas and Hoysalas had their eyes set on this destination.
How to get to Bhagandeshwara Temple
The Bhagandeshwara temple is about 30 kilometres from Madikeri. It lies at an altitude of 2875 feet above the sea level. Madikeri is well connected from Virajpet. There are both state transport buses as well as private bus operators who operate on these routes. The best time to visit this place is during the Hutari festival. This usually takes place in October.
Bhagandeshwara Temple - Facts
- People come here, take a dip and perform the last rites and rituals of their ancestors. Shoal forests and hills surround the river.
- Bhagamandala also offers tourist attractions like trekking.
- During 1785 and 1790, Tipu Sultan ruled Bhagamandala after which King Dodda Vira Rajendra captured it.
- The other places that are worth visiting in and around are the Chinnathappa temple, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Talacauvery and Dubbare.
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