Description
The word Sangamam means confluence. In this temple the ruling deity of Sangamanatha Temple which is lord Shiva, is said to be the Lord of the merging rivers. Sri Sangamanatha Temple which is located in Kudalasangama of Bagalkot District in the state of Karnataka is significantly placed at the confluence of the Ghataprabha and Krishna rivers. The temple is situated some 15 kms away from the Alamatti Dam, Bagalkot District. People come here with great devotion and expectation.
History
When you visit the temple, you will come across an inscription in the temple which dates back to 1213 A.D. and is recorded to be a gift to the god Acheshvara. You will also come across another stone dating back to the 1160 A.D. This stone has reference about a land grant which was given to the deities, Kaleshvara and Achesvara.Legend tells us that during the twelfth century Jathaveda Muni Sarangamath had here created an education centre, and Akkanagamma as well as Basaveshvara, Channabasavanna were students. It was Basaveshvara who spent his boyhood here and, after his return from Kalyana, it is said that he became one with the God at this place. The vachanas who were sedated by him are committed to the controlling deity here, Sangamanatha.
Importance/Significance
The importance of the temple lies in the fact that it is an important pilgrimage center for the Lingayat community. It also serves as the samadhi of Basaveshwara who is a revered saint and founder of the Lingayat faith. Temple is a beautiful example of Hindu temple architecture.
Facts/Mythology
Kudalasangama consists of the Sangamanatha temple and was originally built during the Chalukyan period. The present edifice is able to highlight the Jain style of architecture. The shrine has been built in the memory of Lord Sangameshwara, in the form of a Linga. You will find that the entrance has been flanked by beautifully designed pillars having figures of flowers and animals. In the courtyard of the temple, you will come across images of Ganesha and Nandi and that of Basavanna and Neelamma. It is a beautiful temple located at the junction of the Krishna and Malaprabha rivers. t is in a cylindrical structure that the authentic Udhbhavalinga altar is enclosed here which was put up when the Upper Krishna Irrigation project was completed. It is very important for the Shaivites of Karnataka and more specifically for the Lingayat community. It is here that the sage Basaveshwara or Basavanna (as he was called) merged with the Lord. Inside the sanctum temple, there are idols of Neelamma, Ganesh, Basaveshwara and Nandi. All of the four deities can be found in the navagriha or the main temple. An inscription in this temple tells that it was erected in the year 1212. This holy temple has been built in the memory of the greatest amongst them all Lord Achesvara
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
When the festival of Mahashivratri is held many pilgrims take a bath at Kudalasangama before they go inside the Shiva Linga to get the blessings of Lord Shiva.
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