Koodala Sangama,

Koodala Sangama is a renowned pilgrimage center and historic site located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. Situated at the holy confluence (Sangama) of the sacred Krishna and Malaprabha rivers, it holds deep spiritual significance as the resting place (Aikya Mantapa) of the 12th-century social reformer, philosopher, and saint, Lord Basaveshwara.

History & Spiritual Importance

Basaveshwara, the founder of the Anubhava Mantapa and leader of the Lingayat movement, spent his early years and received his spiritual guidance here under his guru, Jataveda Muni at the Sangameshwara temple. After leading a transformative social equality movement in Kalyana (now Basavakalyan), Basaveshwara returned to Koodala Sangama, where he spent his final days and attained Linga-Aikyatha (merging with the Divine) in 1196 CE.

Key Highlights

• Sangameshwara Temple: Built in the Chalukyan architectural style, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sangameshwara. Features an intricately carved garbha griha, navaranga, and mukhamantapa.
• Aikya Mantapa: The sacred spot where Basaveshwara attained Samadhi. To protect it from the rising backwaters of the Almatti Dam, a massive cylindrical concrete structure with a surrounding wall was built around it. Devotees can walk down a spiral pathway to pay homage.
• Basava International Centre: Includes a modern museum, library, auditorium, and beautiful riverfront garden dedicated to the study and propagation of Vachana literature.
• Sabha Mantapa: A massive open-air auditorium that hosts the annual Kudalasangama Utsava every January, drawing thousands of devotees and scholars.