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About Kudalasangama
Kudalasangama is a popular pilgrimage destination for Lingayats and Veerashaivas. It is located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka about 15 km from the Almatti Dam. It was originally known as Kappadi sangama, where Basaveshwara’s teacher Ishanaguru lived, and was later renamed Kudalasangama. Sangama is the confluence of the Krishna and Malaprabha rivers. The main deity of Kudala Sangama is Sangameshwara. It also houses Aikya Mantapa or Basavanna’s samadhi. The Kudala Sangama development board oversees this temple.
Guide to Kudalasangama Premises
Sangameshwara temple
The architecture of the Sangameshwara temple is in the Chalukya style. The temple consists of a porch, navaranga, and the main shrine. It is to honor Lord Sangameshwara, an embodiment of Shiva. There are also Ganesha, Nandi, Basavanna, and Neelamma idols in Navaranga. Moreover, one has to follow the queue system to receive the blessings of Shiva.
Aikya mantapa or Basavanna’s Shrine
About Basavanna
Basavanna was a well-known philosopher and social reformer who founded the Lingayat sect. He was born in Bagewadi, now known as Basavana Bagewadi, in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district. His samadhi is in Kudalasangama. Basavanna’s vachanas are dedicated to the presiding deity Lord Sangamanatha.
Aikya mantapa structure
Aikya mantapa which is Basavanna’s samadhi is located in front of the Sangameshwara temple. It is a small underground stone mantapa with a Shiva Linga in the middle of the river. Further, a massive cement concrete dry well protects the mantapa from submersion. The shrine is accessible by approximately 100 steps. There are separate railings for climbing up and down the stairs to avoid rushing at the stairwell. They are not steep and have railings, so we can easily climb up and down. The conjunction of the Krishna and Malaprabha rivers is also visible from the top of the Aikya Mantapa stairs.
The entrance fee to the shrine is only 5 rupees per person. Along the way further, you can read vachana quotes from Basavanna, Akkamahadevi, Allamaprabhu, and others. In addition to Aikya Mantapa, there is a Ganesha and Neelamma temple. Neelamma is the consort of the Basavanna.
Sangama
Sangama, where the rivers meet, is considered sacred. It is the holy meeting point of the Krishna and Malaprabha rivers. As a river blessing, you can dip your feet and pour water on your head. Religious cleansing is also practiced in Sangama. Be cautious if you are near the water because the slope is steep and the stones are slippery. You can also spend time on the Sangama’s banks, overlooking the river.
Kudala sangama is extremely crowded during Basava Jayanti, Shivaratri, and Shravana masa.
How to reach Kudalasangama
From Bangalore
The proximity between Bangalore and Kudalasangama is 395 km.
By Road
Bike/Car:
- The shortest route from Bangalore to Kudalasangama on NH 48 and NH 50 is through Tumkur, Chitradurga, and Hospet. It will take approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes to get there.
Bus:
- During the day and at night, buses run from Bangalore to Kudalasangama. It will take approximately 10 hours.
By Rail
- From Bangalore, you can take a train to Almatti. Then, from Almatti, take a cab or bus to Kudalasangama. It will take roughly 13 hours in total.
By Air
- The nearest domestic airports are Belgaum (169 km) and Hubli (173 km), respectively.
Travel Tips
- It is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm and there is no entry fee.
- There is plenty of parking space near the temple.
- Additionally, there are drinking water and restroom facilities on the premises.
- There are many vegetarian eateries and restaurants nearby since it is a sacred site.
- A few shops in front of the temple premises sell essential items.
- Ashrama lodging is available for devotees near the temple. You can also return to Bagalkot or Vijayapura and stay there. Both Vijayapura and Bagalkot have numerous lodging options to suit all preferences. Check out our post on Vijayapura for more information on the city’s attractions.
- There are many trees and plants in the area, as well as places to sit and walk. Overall, it’s a peaceful setting to spend the day with family and friends.
- Further for a detailed itinerary of renowned places in North Karnataka, see our post here.
