Bhagamandala, Coorg

Bhagamandala is a holy pilgrimage for the Hindus. Situated at the confluence of Cauvery and its tributary Kannike, the mythical river Sujyoti is said to have joined from underground at this point. It is considered as a sacred river confluence and called Triveni Sangama.

During the Tula Sankramana, pilgrims take a dip at the Bhagamandala before proceeding towards Talacauvery. At a short distance from the Triveni Sangama, there is a famous temple known as Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple, where Bhagandeshwara, Subramanya, Mahavishnu and Ganapati idols are worshipped. This place is also known as Bhagandeshwara Kshetra, from which the name Bhagamandala has been derived.

The temples in this area are built in Kerala style. During 1785–1790, this area was occupied by Tipu Sultan. He renamed Bhagamandala to Afesalabad. In 1790, King Dodda Vira Rajendra took Bhagamandala back into an independent Kodagu kingdom and Bhagamandala got back its ancient glory. Bhagamandala is 33 km from Madikeri and well connected to Virajpet and nearby places of Kerala.