Bhavani Sangameswarar Temple, also known as Thirunana and Thirukooduthurai, is a renowned Shiva temple in Bhavani, Erode district, Tamil Nadu. Situated at the confluence of rivers Kaveri, Bhavani, and the mystical Amutha, this temple holds significant religious importance. Located 15 km from Erode, the temple is also known as Dakshina Triveni Sangamam, symbolizing the meeting of the three rivers. Devotees frequently perform last rites for their ancestors along the sacred riverbank.
The temple has deep roots in mythology. Kubera, son of Vishrava, was granted an aircraft by Lord Shiva, allowing him to visit temples. While flying over the Kaveri river, Kubera witnessed a miraculous sight—a deer, tiger, cow, elephant, snake, and rat drinking water together peacefully. A voice from the sky informed him that the area was holy and advised him to worship the Shiva lingam under the Ilandhai tree, which still bears fruit year-round for temple rituals.
The temple is also a testament to harmony between Saivism and Vaishnavism, symbolized by the cow behind the Vishnu statue. Legends state that every inch beneath the temple contains a Shiva lingam, and the site was historically connected by caves to the Chidambaram temple. Puja rituals are still performed simultaneously in both temples, maintaining the temple’s historical and spiritual significance.
In 1804, William Karo, a British Collector, experienced a miraculous event at the temple. After being saved from a collapsing bungalow by a mysterious girl, later revealed to be Bhavani Vedanayaki Amman, Karo showed his gratitude by offering a gold plate to the temple. Three holes were bored in the temple wall where he prayed, and these relics are carefully preserved to this day.