Bhagandeshwara Temple, Bhagamandala, Karnataka

Bhagandeshwara Temple, Bhagamandala, Karnataka

Bhagandeshwara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Bhagamandala Village in Madikeri Taluk in Kodagu District in the Indian state of Karnataka. This temple is situated close to the Triveni Sangama, the confluence of Cauvery, Sujyothi and Kannika rivers. Bhagamandala is one of the famous pilgrimage place in Kodagu District.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/08/bhagandeshwara-temple-bhagamandala-legends.html

History

The temple is believed to be built in 11th century CE by the Cholas. The temple was burnt and destroyed by Tipu Sultan during his occupation of the area in 1785 CE. He renamed Bhagamandala to Afzalabad. The temple was renovated in 1790 CE during the reign of Maharaja Dodda Vira Rajendra Wodeyar of Mysore Kingdom as per the inscription in the temple.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with three tiered rajagopuram.  The temple follows Kerala style of architecture. The temple is enclosed within a massive compound wall. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Bhagandeshwara in the form of Shiva Linga. Shrines of Ganesha, Narayana and Subramanya can be seen in the temple premises. All these shrines are facing towards east. The ceiling of the temple has intricate carvings that display mythological stories. The wooden ceilings are carved with scenes from Hindu epics and puranas.

The granite walls of the temple are carved with floral motifs and murals. Padi Temple is situated close to the Bhagandeshwara Temple. This temple houses Lord Igguthappa in its sanctum. This temple is considered as one of the most sacred shrines of Kodava people. Chinnathappa Temple is situated at Aiyangeri near Bhagandeshwara Temple. This temple houses Lord Krishna. A festival is celebrated in the month of February or March, where the golden flute will be brought out in procession from this temple.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 06.30 AM to 08.30 AM and 03.00 PM to 08.30 PM.

Pooja Timings

Schedule	Timings
Abhisheka	06:30 am to 07:00 am
Rudrabhiseka	08:15 am to 09:30 am
Maha Mangalarathi	11:45 am to 12:20 pm
Ganapathi Pooja	07:15 pm
Maha Mangalarathi	07:30 pm to 08:30 pm

Festivals

Thula Sankramana Jatra (Oct-Nov) and Maha Shivaratri (Feb-Mar) are the festivals celebrated here. Samuhika Satyanarayana Pooja is conducted at the temple on every full moon day and a Gana Homa on every Chathurthi.

Prayers

It is a common practice for pilgrims to take a dip in the Triveni Sangama and perform rituals to their ancestors before proceeding to Talakaveri, the birthplace of Kaveri. It is considered auspicious to take a dip in Triveni Sangama during the Tula Sankramana, which generally falls on the 18^th of October every year.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 500 metres from Bhagamandala Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Karike, 8 Kms from Tala Kaveri, 36 Kms from Madikeri, 85 Kms from Puttur Railway Station, 136 Kms from Mangaluru, 136 Kms from Mangaluru Airport and 153 Kms from Mysuru. The temple is situated on Madikeri to Tala Kaveri route.

Location