Sangameswarar Temple Bhavani - Baskara Shethram

Bhavani is a small town located on the banks of two rivers, the Cauvery and the Bhavani. It is also famous for this Shiva temple, where the main deity is in the name Sangameswarar and his consort Vedanayaki. The temple is located at the confluence of three rivers Cauvery, Bhavani and Agaya Gangai (an invisible underground water source). As it is in Sangam (confluence of the rivers) the God here is called Sangameswarar. This is one among the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva sthalams and ranks third in Kongu Nadu. The lingam here is in self-made form. It is believed that Kuberan (God of wealth) heard a voice from the sky saying that this was the place where the Vedas had originated and that he would find a Shiva Lingam beneath the Ilanthai tree. He was also advised to worship the Shiva Lingam and the people to come. Kuberan worshiped the Lord and was blessed with a darshan.

The tree is still there and bears a lot of fruits. Another legend associated with this place is that Sage Vishwamitra is said to have installed another lingam on the banks of the river and worshipped it. Since Lord Surya (Sun) worshipped Shiva here, it is also called as Baskara Shethram. There is a separate shrine for Lord Vishnu in this temple. Rock statues of this temple represent the beauty of stone carving and the culture of the people. There are two identical stone statues in front of the Goddess shrine. When water or milk is poured on them, it looks as if one of the idols is smiling while the other is shedding tears. This exemplifies the artistic excellence of the era. The First Pallava King Mahendra Varma is the person to lay the foundation of this temple. The temple is easily accessible by road thanks to its location close to Erode town.