Bhavani Sri Sangameswarar Temple- Erode

Address

Bhavani Sri Sangameswarar Temple, Bhavani Kudal, Bhavani , Erode District- 638 301 Tele: (04256) – 230192.

Deity

Sangameswarar, Amman: Vedhambigai

Introduction

Sangameswarar temple (also called Thirunana and Thirukooduthurai) is a temple in Bhavani, in the Erode district, of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built at the confluence of rivers Kaveri, Bhavani and the mystic Amutha (Agaya Gangai). The temple was praised in old Tamil literature as Thirunana. The place is also known as Dakshina Triveni Sangamam and Kooduthurai indicating the confluence of three rivers. Devotees perform last rites for ancestors on the riverbank and offer prayers at the Sangameshwarar temple. Theertham (Holy water): Cauvery, Bhawani, Surya, Deva and Gayatri Theertham Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Ilanthai (Jujuba Tree)

Puranic Significance

Bhavani Sangameshwarar temple is an ancient one, having been built by the first Pallava King, Mahendra Verman. The bird’s eye view of this temple shows it as an island surrounded by the two rivers. It is also said that a British dignitary by the name of William Garo donated a swing / cradle (Oonjal) made of ivory after he miraculously escaped from the collapse of his Rest house in the year 1802. He felt that he was saved by the Goddess herself and became an ardent devotee after this incident. His signature can be seen on the frame of the cradle. The legend is that Kuberan, the lord of wealth was visiting various Shiva temples when he saw an Ilandhai tree on the banks of Cauvery. He was astonished to see that a deer, a tiger, a cow, an elephant, a snake and a rat were drinking water without any sign of enmity. He felt that the peace and prosperity of this place could be due to the worship and penance performed by the holy men (Gandharvas) who inhabited this place. It is believed that Kuberan heard a voice from the sky saying that this was the place where the Vedas had originated and that he would find a Shivalingam beneath the Ilandhai tree. He was also advised to worship the Shivalingam to seek the Lord’s blessings. Kuberan worshiped the Lord and was blessed with a darshan. The tree is still there and bears a lot of fruits. Another legend associated with this place is that Sage Vishwamithrar is said to have installed another lingam on the banks of the river and worshipped it by chanting the Gayathri Mantram. Hence this lingam is called “Gayathri Lingam”.

Beliefs

It is believed that those who take a dip at the confluence spot of rivers Cauvery and Bhavani during the Solar and Lunar Eclipse can attain moksham (salvation). It is also believed that worshiping the Amirtha Lingam in this temple can grant the boon of childbirth to couples.

Special Features

Bhavani is a famous Sthalam for performing rituals to satiate one’s ancestors. Here Parikarams are also conducted for all dhoshams, including Nagadhosham. During Adi Perukku day, large number of devotees can be seen taking a dip at the junction of rivers Cauvery and Bhavani. Daily Komadha Pooja (Cow pooja) is performed in this temple for the welfare of the populace. Cows are revered in Hindu mythology because every body part of a cow is attributed to a separate Hindu gods or goddesses. Saint Arunagirinathar in his Thirupugazh praised lord Murugan of this temple. Lord Dakshinamoorthy’s shrine is beautifully architected with intricate reliefs and iconographical sculptures. The procession idols of all the 63 Nayanmars are beautifully arranged on a few steps (displayed like a “Navratri Golu”). Surprisingly, Thirumuruga Kripananda Vaariyaar also finds his place as the 64th Nayanmar. There are two identical stone statues in front of the Ambal shrine. When water or milk is poured on them, it looks as if one of the idols is smiling while the other is shedding a tear. This exemplifies the artistic excellence of the era.

Festivals

The thirteen-day long Car festival (Ther) in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) is the most famous festival celebrated in this temple. It attracts lakhs of devotees from across of the country. Pradosham Pooja is conducted grandly. The 18th day of Tamil month Aadi (July-August) is called “Adiperukku” and it attracts large number of devotees who perform poojas on the river banks. Taking a dip in the river and performing rites during Amavasyas, especially Thai Amavasya and eclipse days are traditionally followed in this temple.