Bhagandeshwara Kshetra, or Sri Bhagandeshwara temple is situated at the height of 898 mtrs at the Bhagamandala village in Coorg, Karnataka.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhagandeshwara, a form of Lord Shiva. Believed to have been built during the Chola dynasty, the temple is easily a 1000 years old, and is remnant of the Karavali (west coast) style of architecture. Idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Narayana and Lord Subramanya are worshipped.
As the story goes, Sri Bhaganda Maharishi, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and Lord Subramanya, performed penance to please the Gods for their blessings. Lord Subramanya in return blessed the Maharishi and promised eternal presence through a stone image at Skanda Kshetra. Lord Shiva too was pleased and installed a Shiva Linga. Devotees believe that divinity still manifests in the Linga at the Sri Bhagandeshwara temple and come in large numbers to seek blessings here. The Maha Shivratri Festival is celebrated here in a big way.
The temple is just opposite the Triveni Sangama, which is the meeting point of three holy rivers… River Cauvery, River Kanika, and River Sujyoti - a must-stop while road-tripping through Coorg.
Sri Bhagandeshwara temple is about 35 kms from the town of Medikeri and easily accessible by road - roads that are well mettled, smooth as butter on toast and lined with coffee plantations on either side of the road. It’s a beautiful drive and a must do if you are in/around Coorg.
