Bhagandeshwara Temple, Bhagamandala – Legends

Bhagandeshwara Temple, Bhagamandala – Legends

Bhagamandala / Bhaganda Kshetra:

As per Skanda Purana, Bhaganda Maharshi used live in an ashram in this place along with his disciples. He installed Shiva Linga and performed penance on Lord Shiva here. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva assured him of his presence in this place. Thus, the place came to be called as Bhagamandala / Bhaganda Kshetra and the Linga came to be called as Bhagandeshwara. He even performed penance on Lord Kartikeya. Pleased with his penance, Lord Kartikeya blessed him and promised his presence in the form of a stone image. Thus, the place also came to be called as Skanda Kshetra.

Triveni Sangama:

Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Cauvery and the Kannike. It is said that a third river named Sujyothi join the confluence from underground. Hence, the place came to be called as Triveni Sangama and also considered as Dakshina Kashi. It is the local belief that Kaveri, revered as Dakshina Ganga, comes out of the matted hair locks of Shiva here. 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.