BHAVANI - SANGAMESWAR TEMPLE

According to it - the river Amuda, one of three, owes its existence to Parasara maharshi, who was given a small quantity of Amrit, emerged during the churning of Ksheerasagara. The grateful maharshi wanted to utilize it for lokakalyana after penance. Burying that small pot on the bank of Bhavani, he started penance. Four wicked demons, who watched the maharshi burying the pot stealthily attempted to unearth the pot to drinking that elixir, that bestows eternal freedom from death - makes the drinker immortal.

The maharshi knowing of the attempt at theft by his antarchakshu - inner eve, implored Lord Siva to protect and restore it. That Karunyamurti instantly descended and chased away the wicked asuras thousands of yojans afar. Expressing gratitude, the maharshi completed his tapas and dug out the spot for the pot. But lo! the nectar pot was found converted into Sivalingam. It was an exhilirating experience. His joy crossed all bounds. Another miracle - when he lifted the Sivalinga there sprouted a jet of water from the pit. This amazed him most. Instantaneously, the two rivers Bhavam and Cauvery changing their course surged forward and taking in the jet of water submerged the whole spot. That joining of the three went by the name of sangam. The cup of Maharshi's joy overflowed and his anandabhashpas merged in the confluence. This is the origin of Dakshina Prayag.

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