Coorg Bhagandeshwara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Coorg, Bhagamandala,

Kodagu district,

Karnataka 571201

Moolavar

Bhagandeshwara

Introduction

Bhagandeshwara Temple is located in the town of Bhagamandala in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. The temple is an important destination and is well known for the confluence of three rivers Kanike, Cauvery and Sujyothi. The temple reflects the Kerala style of architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The place has been named after Sri Bhaganda Maharshi who lived there along with his disciples. He did penance to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Lord blessed him and assured him of his presence. The Shiva linga was installed by Sri Bhaganda Maharshi, which is how the temple got its name.

Puranic Significance

A bath in the Triveni Sangama is considered auspicious and spiritually uplifting. It is known that the royal family of Mysore renovated the temple in 1790 A.D. The ceiling of the temple has intricate carvings that display mythological stories. The main deity in the temple is Lord Shiva, but there are also shrines of Lord Vishnu, Ganpati and Lord Subrahmanya.

Skanda Purana, a holy text belonging to religion, mentions the temple and the legend behind it. As per the legend, Bhaganda Kshetra which was the ancient name of Bhagamandala, a great saint Sri Bhaganda Maharshi used to reside in his ashram located at this place. The name Bhagamandala has also been derived from the sage’s name. Sri Bhaganda Maharshi, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and Lord Subramanya performed rigorous penance to please the Gods and receive their blessings. Lord Subramanya, pleased with his unrelenting devotion, blessed Bhaganda Maharshi and the place and named it as Skanda Kshetra. It is believed that he then promised his presence in the form of a stone image.

Lord Shiva too, pleased with the penance, blessed Bhaganda Maharshi. He also promised the saint that he will be present and bless all the devotees. Sri Bhaganda Maharshi, with the divine blessings, installed a Shiva linga, and invoked Lord Shiva. The Shiva linga later came to be known as Sri Bhagandeshwara, owing to the name of the saint Sri Bhaganda Maharshi. It is believed that the divinity still manifests in the Linga at Sri Bhagandeshwara temple. Hence, devotees visit this temple to seek blessings of the Lord.

Special Features

The architecture of Bhagandeshwara Temple is striking and rich. It reflects the famous Dravidian style of architecture and shows beautiful carvings on the wood ceiling, the granite walls are covered with floral motifs and murals are made from vegetable dyes.

This temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Bhagandeshwara, a form of Lord Shiva. However, idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Narayana and Lord Subramanya have also been kept and worshipped in this temple. Although there is no information on the exact date and time on the construction of the Sri Bhagandeshwara temple. As per the few historical records which are available, this temple has undergone renovation in 1790 AD, during the reign of Maharaja Veera Rajendra Wodeyar who was the then King of Kodagu. This temple is located quite close to the Triveni Sangama which is the meeting point of three holy rivers namely River Cauvery, River Kanika and River Sujyoti.

Festivals

The Maha Shivaratri Festival is celebrated with great gusto and glory at Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple. It is celebrated every year during the month of February or March. Many devotees visit the temple during this time.