The visit to this Shri Bhandeshwara Temple, at Bhagamandala,
in Kodagu District, Karnataka, was a part of “Kodagu Heritage Walk”, from 22nd
to 24th May 2026, organised by “எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடைக்குழு”. This temple is at the
confluence/ “Triveni Sangama” of the three rivers Kaveri, Kannike and the
mythical river Sujyoti.
Moolavar : Shri Bhagandeshwara
Consort : Sri Parvati
Some of the Salient
features of this temple are…
The temple faces east
with a 4-tier Rajagopuram and a 2-tier Rajagopuram on the west side, built in
Kerala style on the east and west sides. The temple complex consists of the
Shri Bhagandeshwara, Maha Vishnu, Subramanya, and Vinayagar temples. A Big
balipeedam is at the east side entrance of the temple.
In the outer praharam, Chamundi kallu (Erected on 10th April 2009), Annadhana mandapam,
office rooms, Tantri Room, and Prasad preparation rooms.
ARCHITECTURE
The total temple was
built in Kerala-style temple architecture. The temple complex consists of Thiruchuttambalam, nalambalam,
pradakshinapatha, Sree Kovil, Namaskara Mandapam, dwajasthambam, and
balipeedam. The east-facing temple, the
sanctum sanctorum, is enclosed with Thiruchutrambalam and Nalambama and huge
walls.
The wooden carvings are
noteworthy, which are present in the Sabha Mantapa situated right in front of
Sri Subramanya and Sri Narayana temples.
The sanctum sanctorum
is square in shape, and the vimana is of two tiers. A door is also kept on the
backside of the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum is on a pada bandha
adhistanam with Jagathy, vrudha kumudam, mathalam, pattikai. The bhitti starts
with vedikai. The pilasters are of Brahmakantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam,
mandi, palakai, and pothyal. The vimanam is of pyramidal shape, paved with copper
plates as tiles.
Provisions are made to
light thousands of lamps around the temple complex during festival seasons.
HISTORY AND
INSCRIPTIONS
The Bhagundeshwara
temple complex is said to have been built by the Cholas before the 11th
century, following the Kerala temple architecture. Later, the temple received
contributions from various dynasties, including the Wodeyars of Mysore.
During Muslims invasion
in1785-1790 CE, the area was under the control of Tipu Sultan, and he renamed this
place Bhagamandala as “Afesalabad”. The King Dodda Veerarajendra took Bhagamandala
back into an independent Kodagu in 1790 CE.
LEGENDS
It is believed that
Bhagamandala is at the confluence of three rivers, Kavery, Kannike, and the third
river, the Sujyothi from underground. Hence, this place is a Triveni Sangama and is considered equivalent to Kasi/ South Kasi.
Hence, the devotees carry out the Shradha and last rites for the departed souls
of their family.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular
poojas, special poojas are conducted on Maha Shivaratri.
During Sankaramana Jatra and the Thula month (October – November), devotees from all over the
country used to come and worship Shiva at this temple and take a bath in the
Triveni Sangamam.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept
open from 06.00 hrs to 13.30 hrs and from 15.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS
The mobile number
+918272 243272 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH
The Bhogamandala is 9
km from Talacauvery and 36 km from Madikeri, and 154 km from Mysore.
The nearest Railway Station is Mysore.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE:
CLICK HERE
On the inscription
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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