Banashankari Temple is located near Badami village in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. The temple is called Banashankari or Vanshankari because it is in the Tilkaranya forest. This temple is about 1300 years old. Here every year on Shakambhari Praktyotsav, special worship of Goddess is done with various types of vegetables and vegetables. Let us tell you that Banashankari Temple is also known as Banashankari Amma Temple. This temple is located at Cholachagad near Badami in Bagalkot district.
It is one of the most famous temples of Karnataka related to Hinduism. There are many stories related to this temple, which are the biggest reason for the fame of the temple. However, the most interesting thing related to the temple is the worship performed in the temple during the Rahu period, which is considered inauspicious according to Hindu culture. So let us tell more information about the temple.
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History of Banashankari Temple
Let us tell you that there is no original date of construction of this temple which is concrete. The original temple was built by the Kalyani Chalukya kings in the 7th century AD. According to inscriptions, Jagadekamalla I installed the deity of Goddess Banashankari in a black stone idol in 603 AD. The Chalukya dynasty worshiped Goddess Banashankari in the form of ‘Shakti’ as the patron deity. Apart from that there are some inscriptions in the temple of 1019 AD. Which describes the heroism of Rashtrakuta king Bhimdev.
According to him the actual history of the temple is unresolved. Several changes were made in the architecture of the Banashankari temple in the 18th century by the Maratha chieftain – Parusharam the next. The present structure is a mixture of different periods of history. Which adds to the uniqueness of this temple. The architecture has Dravidian, Vijayanagara and Islamic influences. The Deepa pillars standing at the entrance have been described as a warrior named Ketimaya, according to inscriptions.
Best Time To Visit Banashankari Temple Badami
Talk about the best time to visit Banashankari Temple. So the best time to visit Badami Cave Temple is considered to be between October to April. But the temple can be visited even during the rainy season. But due to being a rocky area, it would be good if you avoid coming here in the summer season. Because it can make your journey difficult.
Address – Cholachagudda, Badami SH 57, Banashankari, Cholachagudda, Karnataka 587201, India
Tips For Visiting Banashankari Temple
Clicking a picture of the deity inside the temple is strictly prohibited.
Keep that in mind and respect the rules of the temple.
Do not miss to taste dry jowar roti, chutney and curd at the temple.
They serve it near the temple premises at very reasonable rates.
Structure And Architecture of Banashankari Temple
This temple is basically built in Dravidian architectural style. During the restoration, the Vijayanagara and Islamic styles were also wiped out. The main complex consists of a front portico – the Mukha Mandapa, an entrance platform – the Ardha Mandapa, and the Garbhagriha – the Garbha Griha. where the gods reside. He is topped with a tower. Here the goddess is seated on a lioness. Killing the demon lying at her feet. In her eight arms, she holds battle bell, sword and shield, Vedic writings and scriptures, skull pot, hand drum or damaru and trident.
Legend of Banashankari Temple
According to local folklore, the demon Durgamasura harassed the local people unbearably and while answering the prayers of the deities, Goddess Shakambhari appeared through the fire of Yagya. He killed the demon, restoring peace and goodness back. The temple has been constructed at the same place where the goddess had appeared.
Goddess Banashankari is said to be the sixth incarnation of the warrior goddess Durga. Who killed the great demon Mahishasura and the incarnation of Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. His other name Shakambari comes from this myth. That when the whole world was suffering from famine and starvation. So he blessed them with the growth of green vegetables and fruits from his existence.
Banashankari Jatre Festival
The event is a religious festival and a cultural fair at the same time. It begins on the day of Pushya month, Kar-festival or Rath Yatra according to the lunar calendar during January. The deity is taken around the city in a chariot for thousands of devotees to see. Apart from offering prayers to the deity, the festival promotes cultural and religious harmony. The entertainment is done with music, drama and circus.
It houses shops and stalls selling sweets, clothing, sacred artefacts and vermilion. Cattle fair and wood carving fair are very prominent during the festival. There is another event of the festival. Tapotsav or boat festival. In this, the parents use banana leaf boats to make the newborn baby swim. And take the blessings of the Mother Goddess for the children, they walk around the pond of the Banashankari temple.
How To Reach Banashankari Temple
One can go by flight, train and bus to reach the temple. This temple is located in Cholchagud, 5 km from Badami city. Tourists can take public transport, auto-rickshaw, bus or rickshaw to reach Banashankari Temple from Badami. It can be reached by state bus service from major cities like Bangalore or Hubli. The nearest airport to Badami is at Belgaum. Badami has its own railway station. It is well connected to all the cities.
Video of Shri Shakambhari Banashankari Shakti Peetha
Interesting Facts
The Banashankari temple was built by the Chalukyas of Kalyan in the 7th century.
Banashankari was an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and the Kuldevi of the Chalukyas.
This ancient temple reflects the Dravidian style of architecture.
Banashankari Devi Temple is located at Cholachagud near Badami in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India.
Banashankari or Shakambari is dedicated to an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
The temple celebrates an annual festival named Banashankari Jatre in the months of January or February.
The idol of the goddess in the Banashankari temple is made of black stone.
FAQ
Q .Why Banashankari temple is famous?
The original temple was built by the 7th century Badami Chalukya kings, who worshipped goddess Banashankari as their tutelary deity.
Q .When was Banashankari temple built?
The original temple is built by Kalyani Chalukya kings in the 7th century AD.
Q .Is banashankari a district?
Shakti Peetha
Q .What is the meaning of Banashankari?
The name Banashankari means – parvati.
Conclusion
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