Shri Bhagandeshwara Temple - Bhagamandala Kodagu
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🛕 Temple Info
Nestled in the serene hills of Kodagu, Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple is a revered pilgrimage site located at Bhagamandala, the confluence of spiritual energy and natural beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery and sacred rivers, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Bhagandeshwara), along with sanctums for Sri Subramanya, Sri Vishnu, and Sri Mahaganapathi.
The temple is deeply rooted in the divine presence of sages and gods, offering a spiritually enriching experience for devotees. Located near the Triveni Sangama, where rivers Cauvery, Kanaka, and the mystical Sujyothi meet, this temple is not only a place of worship but a powerful spiritual destination.
🛕 Architecture
- Built in Kerala-style Dravidian architecture, reflecting the strong cultural ties between Kodagu and Kerala.
- Temples for Subramanya and Vishnu flank the main shrine.
- The rituals follow traditional Kerala Tantric customs, and the temple’s tantri (spiritual advisor) still hails from Kerala.
🧘 Special Notes
- The Sri Chakra and Saligrama were discovered and worshipped here by Bhaganda Maharshi himself.
- The temple is part of Coorg's sacred geography and remains a tranquil retreat for sadhus, seekers, and spiritual travelers.
- The site is also mentioned in historical records such as copper plate inscriptions and local legends.
💫 Importance
- Triveni Sangama is considered highly sacred—bathing here is believed to cleanse sins and grant tapasiddhi (spiritual merit).
- Performing ancestral rituals (pitrukarya) at Sangama is believed to bless the souls of the departed.
- The temple is a center for Shaiva and Skanda worship, recognized as a Skanda Kshetra and a Pretaranya (sacred land for ancestral liberation).
- Pilgrims from Karnataka, Kerala, and across South India visit this site for its spiritual potency and peaceful atmosphere.
📜History
According to the Skanda Purana, the sage Sri Bhaganda Maharshi performed penance here and was blessed by Lord Subramanya and Lord Shiva, who promised to reside in this sacred place. Sage Bhaganda installed a Shiva Linga, which came to be known as Sri Bhagandeshwara. This makes the temple a rare and ancient Shivalaya tied directly to Puranic legends.
In 1790 CE, during the rule of Dodda Veera Rajendra Wodeyar, the temple was rebuilt with sculptural grandeur after the region was reclaimed from Tipu Sultan, who had renamed the area Afzalabad during his invasion. Later, King Veera Rajendra restored its sanctity and reinforced its cultural prominence by rebuilding its roof with silver tiles—still visible today.
🪔 Pooja Timings
| S.No. Pooja Name Timing | ||
| 1 | Abhisheka Pooja | 07:30 AM – 07:40 AM IST |
Temple Hours:
- Morning: 06:00 AM – 01:30 PM IST
- Evening: 03:00 PM – 08:00 PM IST
All devotees are allowed darshan during temple hours.
🚌 Transfort Options
📍 Distance from Madikeri: 35.4 km (Approx. 1 hour by road)
🚌 Regular buses from Bangalore (243 km), Mysore (110 km), and Coimbatore connect to Madikeri.
🚗 Taxis and private vehicles are easily available to reach Bhagamandala.
🏙️Near By Cities
Madekeri
Kushalnagar
Bengaluru
Coimbatore
Chikamangaluru
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