Bhagamandala is one of the
important pilgrimage destinations in Kodagu district. Bhagamandala is situated
on the river Cauvery in its upstream stretches. At this place, the Cauvery is
joined by two tributaries, the Kannike and the mythical Sujyoti River.
Bhagamandala is considered sacred as a river confluence of three rivers (also
called as Triveni sangama in
Kannada).
During Tula Sankramana (which generally
falls on October 17 or 18 every year), Pilgrims gather here in large numbers to
take the holy dip in the Triveni sangama and to perform rituals to their
ancestors before proceeding to Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery.
Annual Jatra
Famous Bhagandeshwara Temple is
situated in short distance from the Triveni sangama. This place is also known
as Bhagandeshwara Kshetra, from which the name Bhagamandala is derived.
The Bhagandeswara temple complex
though said to have been built by the Cholas prior to the 11th century follows
the gabled roof style of the Kerala temple architecture common on the west
coast.
A special annual jatra is held
here on this day at Bhagamandala with Kodava traditional style.
There are four temples in the
temple complex dedicated to Lord Ishwara, Lord Subrahmanya, Lord Mahavishnu and
Lord Ganapathi. The Bhagandeswara temple has a simple structure consisting of a
square Garbhagriha with a small Ardhamantapa. The cone shaped shikhara has the stupika and the golden pinnacle donated by Dodda Veera Rajendra.
An annual festival that falls in October/November invites a large number of devotees. Thousands of oil lamps are lit in the temples during the festival.