Sangameswarar, Bhavani, Erode

Basic information about the temple

Moolavar:	Sangameswarar	Ambal / Thayar:	Vedambikai, Bhavani
Deity:	Siva	Historical name:	TIrunaNaa
Vriksham:	Ilanthai	Teertham:	Bhavani river, Kaveri
Agamam:		Age (years):
Timing:	to & to	Parikaram:
Temple group:	Paadal Petra Sthalam (Kongu Nadu)	–
Sung by:	Sambandar	Temple set:
Navagraham:		Nakshatram:
City / town:	Bhavani	District:	Erode
Maps from (click):	Current location	Erode (16 km)	Tiruppur (65 km)
	Salem (67 km)	Namakkal (73 km)

Location

Bhavani is located about 15km north of Erode.

Sthala puranam and temple information

Sage Parasara saved a little of amrit (divine nectar) that was churned out from the ocean of milk and kept it safe to be used for the welfare of the world. Four asuras tried to steal it but were driven away by Lord Siva after Sage Parasara prayed to Him. When Sage Parasara then tried to retrieve the pot, he found a swambhu Lingam inside. When he tried to lift the Lingam, a powerful jet of water (Amutha / Aagaaya Gangai) emanated and flowed like a river and joined the Bhavani and Kaveri rivers. As the Lord was found as a swayambhu at this place of confluence (sangam) of the rivers, He is named Sangameswarar. Since three rivers joined here, another historical name of this place is Mukkoodal (joining of the three).

As the river flows from north to south at this point, this is considered holy for conducting the last rites for the departed.

A Lingam installed by Sage Viswamitra called the Gayatri Lingam is on the banks of the river.

Kubera, God of wealth, was visiting many Siva temples on a flying chariot. When he came near this place, he noticed deer, tigers, elephants, snakes, rats and all other kinds of animals drinking water from a nearby Ilanthai tree, showing no signs of enmity. As he wondered about this, a divine voice explained to him that this was a place all the Vedas had visited, and hence a peaceful place.

It is said that as 1008 Lingams are there under the river bed the skulls of the bodies do not crack when cremated.

Sambandar and his disciples were struck with high fever when they visited. On praying to Jwarahareswarar here they were cured of the same. Arunagirinathar also had prayed here.

William Garrow, a British collector of Coimbatore, was a devotee of Bhavani Vedanayaki Amman but was not allowed inside the temple. He made three holes as windows opposite the Amman sannidhi and used to pray from outside. One day when he was asleep a little girl woke him up and asked to get out of the house. As soon as he came out the top floor of the building collapsed and he was saved and the girl was missing. Understanding that this was the blessing of the Goddess, he made a cradle of ivory and gave it to the temple.

Lord Vishnu is here as Adikesava Perumal and Thayar as Soundravalli. Lord Vinayaka is here as Sangama Vinayakar. Lord Muruga is in between Siva and Parvathi. The figure of a cow with two heads is popular here and is at the back of the temple.

The place is between four hills of Naga Giri, Mangala Giri, Veda Giri, and Sanga Giri.