Bhagamandala is a pilgrimage place in Kodagu district of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is situated on the river Kaveri in its upstream stretches. At this place, the Kaveri is joined by two tributaries, the Kannike and the mythical Sujyothi river. It is considered sacred as a river confluence. Official language of the place is Kannada and other languages are Arebhase and Kodava.
History and climate of Bhagamandala
During 1785–1790, the area was occupied by Tipu Sultan. The temple was burnt and destroyed. He renamed Bhagamandala to Afesalabad. In 1790 King Dodda Vira Rajendra took Bhagamandala back into an independent Kodagu kingdom. The Skanda Purana says that Bhagamandala was previously known as Bhaganda Kshetra in the ancient times. It was then renamed after a great sage named Sri Bhaganda Maharshi, who lived there in an ashram with his many disciples.
Bhagamandala experiences a Tropical monsoon climate under Koppen climate classification.
Location of Bhagamandala and temples to visit there
Bhagamandala or the abode of Lord Bhagandeshwara is located 133 km south-east of Mangalore. It has an average elevation of 898 m (2,946 ft). It is about 38 kms from Virajpet and is en route to Talakaveri. The temple is built in a Kerala-style architecture. There are temples for Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva or Bhagandeshwara, Lord Subrahmanya and Lord Vishnu. The temple is very serene and peaceful. The temple closes by 1.30 in the afternoon and opens again at 3 pm. There is a confluence of 3 rivers - Cauvery (or Kaveri), Kannike and Sujyoti, and Sujyoti is believed to be hidden. Typically, the pilgrims take a dip in this confluence before going to the temple. A short distance from Bhagamandala is the temple at Padi, which houses the deity Lord Igguthapp and is considered by many Arebhase people to be the most sacred shrine in their homeland. There is one more temple at Aiyangeri, named “Chinnathappa”, which houses the deity Lord Sri Krishna. There is a festival once a year in the month of February or March, where the “Golden Flute” will be brought out from the temple. A Hindu temple in Bhagamandala, Karnataka, well known as Triveni Sangama provides a peaceful atmosphere and good ambience.
Places to visit near Bhagamandala
Nishani Motte is a name which is synonymous with the word “euphoria”. The less frequented peak of the Brahmagiri forest range in Coorg district of Karnataka retains its beauty in the most pristine form calling for adventure buffs and environmentalists to trade into its core. The trekking trail of 15 Km begins from the untamed woodlands of Tala Cauvery forest range which is home to exotic wildlife including rare species of trees and animals. Trekking to Nishani Motte includes a number of adrenaline-charged activities including river rafting, wildlife photography, jungle hiking, campfire and nature gazing. The mixed aroma of cardamom and coffee from the plantations on either side of the trail is bound to intoxicate one’s senses as one climbs up. The final Blue Ridge uphill trek of 1 Km is a bit challenging but certainly, it is a bull’s eye for any adventure lover!
At a distance of 10 km from Bhagamandala and 35 km from Madikeri, Kopatty Hills is a mesmerizing hill range situated at Kopatty village near Cherambane on Madikeri - Bhagamandala Road. It is one of the lesser-known trekking destinations in the Western Ghats and among the must include places in Coorg Tour Packages. At an altitude of 4300 feet, Kopatty is one of the tallest peaks in the Talacauvery Range adjoining to Bhagamandala town. The hills are tucked amidst unbeatable serenity prevailing in Talacauvery range, which is home to a variety of flora, especially the wild herbs that are endemic to this region. Since this place is situated away from the hustle & bustle of the metropolitan cities, it is endowed with a soul-calming ambiance.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka state of South India. It is located in Kodagu district and is spread over 105 km². It borders with Ranipuram hills and Kottencheri hills in Kasaragod district of Kerala.
Mount Thavoor is a peak overlooking Bhagamandala and Mt. Koppatti, which may be considered its twin peak is nearby and both these serve as trekking routes for the Shola forest range.
Why should one visit Bhagamandala ?
Bhagamandala has a bee rearing Centre known as Madhuvana and it possesses a rare museum of objects related to beekeeping. The Centre is one of a kind in the entire state. A bath in the holy waters of the Bhagamandala is not only sacred but also a very spiritually uplifting and cleansing experience and has a positive effect on the mind, body and soul. The place enriches one’s spiritually, mentally and physically.
Distance from Coorg
At a distance of 36 kms from Coorg, Bhagamandala attracts a lot of tourists. A person visiting Coorg, must visit Bhagamandala which is on the way to Talacauvery (8kms) from Madikeri. There are two transportation options, that is bus and / or cab.
