Continents such as Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer various destinations for holistic living. One such place is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna, which provides a serene environment for a holistic lifestyle. If you're looking for accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a great option to consider. For luxury travel in the pilgrim city of Pushkar, Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa offers a perfect stay. Experience the vibrant lifestyle of Lucknow by staying at Clarks Awadh. In North Karnataka, the Banashankari Shakthipeetha in Badami is a popular Shakti Peetha where devotees worship Sri Badami Banashankari Devi. This deity has been revered since the Chalukya era and is considered the Kuldevi by millions of devotees.
This temple was constructed by King Jagadekamalla III in the year 603 CE, and it is where the Banashankari Devi Murti was placed. The Banashankari Devi is the patron goddess of the Kalyana Chalukyas, who worship her as their ancestral deity.
In 1750 CE, Marari Dandanayaka, also known as "Parasurama Agale," was responsible for the reconstruction of this temple. During the festival of Navratri, which lasts for nine days, Goddess Banashankari is adorned with special jewelry and sarees. Her devotees make a point to visit the temple during these nine days to see the nine different forms of the Goddess.
The Badami Banashankari temple holds great historical importance due to its rich historical background.
According to the Skanda Purana, there are stories about Badami Banashankari, who is considered the patron deity of the Chalukyas and other rulers in the surrounding area.
Once upon a time, there existed a powerful asura named Durgamasura who resided in a forest known as Tilakaranya. Not only did he cause great suffering to the residents of the forest, but he also troubled the wise sages who lived there. The sages, unable to endure Durgamasura's torment any longer, sought help from the gods. In response to their plea, Adishakti, a manifestation of Parvati, emerged from the sacred fire pit called Yagna Kund and vanquished Durgamasura.
Therefore, the word "Bana" signifies a forest, while "Shankari" represents the "Parvatishvarupa" or the Shakti of Shankara. Consequently, the combination of these terms gives rise to the name Banashankari.
Shakhambari, also known as Banashankari Amma, has derived from a fascinating tale.
In a town devastated by drought, the people were enduring a severe lack of sustenance. However, during this challenging period, the compassionate Goddess Banashankari bestowed her tears upon Mother Earth, reviving her and providing nourishment for her followers. Through her divine powers, she satisfied the hunger of the people by creating an abundance of vegetables, hence earning the name Shakhambari, which combines the words "Shaka" (vegetables) and "Amba" (mother). As a result, the goddess is revered and worshipped for her ability to alleviate hunger.
In the Durga Saptashati, Shakambari is referenced as one of the forms that Devi takes in the present era.
The goddess Banashankari is worshipped by various names such as Balavva, Banadavva, Chaudeshwari, Sankavva Vanadurge, and Vanashankari. She is also known as Simhavahini, symbolizing her ability to ride upon a lion.
The captivating black stone Murti of the Devi is incredibly fascinating. The goddess Banashankari, representing the combined forms of Lakshmi and Saraswati, is primarily worshipped in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
The Banashankari Amma temple is currently built in the Vijayanagara architectural style. However, the original temple was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style. The temple is enclosed by a high wall called Prakara, which surrounds it on all sides.
The temple is made up of a rectangular hall known as a mandapa, which has a towered entrance called a Gopuram. This Gopuram is adorned with carvings of different gods and mythological figures. Its purpose is to serve as the entrance to the main shrine of the temple.
The primary building consists of a mukha mandapa, which is a hall at the entrance, an ardha mandapa – a chamber in front of the main sanctuary, and a shrine topped with a Vimana. Within the temple, there is a spacious area known as a courtyard or Angala, which is enclosed by halls with pillars. These halls are utilized for religious events and ceremonies.
The interior of the Garbhagudi contains a sacred idol of Banashankari Amma, crafted from exquisite black stone. Banashankari Amma is depicted seated on a lion, with a demon placed beneath her feet. The idol portrays Banashankari Amma with eight arms, each holding various objects such as a trishula, bell, dhamaru, sword, shield, and the head of an asura.
The Banashankari Temple hosts various festivals throughout the year. In front of the temple, there is a square-shaped water tank known as "Haridrathirtha."
In this particular Kalyani, there is a special tradition where newborn babies are placed in cradles crafted from banana leaves and left on a raft. The belief behind this practice is that it will bring positive outcomes and advantages for the children and their future.
Shakhambari is a goddess who is highly revered by Rahu, and as a result, her devotees participate in a ritual known as Rahu Kala by lighting a lemon lamp. It is believed that by performing this ritual, any negative effects caused by Rahu Dosha can be eliminated.
During the "Palleda Habba" or vegetable festival, Devi is adorned with a variety of vegetables. Additionally, a wide range of curries are cooked and presented to Banashankari Devi. This custom has been practiced for many years, and on this particular day, 108 different types of food made with various vegetables are offered to the goddess.
Banashankari Jatra is a well-liked cultural event in North Karnataka that takes place annually and lasts for approximately four weeks. This festival is celebrated on the full moon day, also known as Purnima, during the Hindu calendar month of Magha or Magh Purnima, which typically falls in January or February. During this time, people believe it is highly auspicious to worship the goddess Laxmi and her various forms.
During the festival, numerous followers from different parts of Karnataka come together at the Banashankari temple to express their devotion and request the divine favor of the goddess. The festival generates an energetic and vivid ambiance, as there are street vendors selling a variety of products including desserts, blossoms, garments, and playthings.
The Banashankari Amma Temple in Badami, Karnataka, holds a special celebration called Navaratri. While the most significant Navratri in the Hindu Calendar occurs in the month of Ashwin (September-October), this particular temple chooses to celebrate Navratri in the month of Paush. This festive occasion spans nine days and is dedicated to honoring the Goddess Banashankari.
Banadashtami is considered a highly significant day. This period witnesses the occurrence of various fairs and festivals held at Banashankari temples and throughout North Karnataka.
Traditional meals from North Karnataka are being served at the temple. Women from the local community are responsible for preparing a variety of dishes such as corn/maze/sorghum roti, Karagadubu (Puran Kadabu), Kalupalle (sprouts curry), red chili chutney, and Pundi Palle (Gongura curry). These meals are brought to the temple to be offered to the weary devotees.
They charge a small amount, usually around Rs 30-50 per plate. The flavor of this type of food is unique and indescribable, you have to experience it yourself.
Your trip to Banashankari would not be considered complete if you didn't try the delicious "Rotti/bread" meals offered by the temple vendors.
Walking or foot pilgrimage to Badami Banashankari is a customary activity for devotees who choose to visit the temple by walking, particularly on the day of the full moon. This custom is particularly well-liked during the yearly Banashankari fair held in January or February.
Typically, followers of a religious practice begin their journey, known as Padayatre, from their own residences or neighboring towns and villages. They walk considerable distances in order to reach the Banashankari temple in Badami. As an expression of their deep devotion and as a form of self-discipline, certain devotees choose to undertake this pilgrimage barefoot.
This journey is considered to be a special and meaningful experience, as it allows individuals to connect with the divine presence of Banashankari Amma. Numerous devotees embark on this pilgrimage annually, often accompanied by their loved ones. It is believed that undertaking this journey helps to deepen their faith and devotion to the goddess.
Getting to Banashankari Temple in Badami is convenient as it is situated on the outskirts of the town and can be easily reached by road. To reach the temple, one needs to first reach the nearby town of Badami and then continue onwards to Banashankari, which is approximately 4 kilometers away.
The airports closest to Badami are Hubbali and Belgaum airports, which are located 110 KM and 130 KM away respectively. For those who prefer traveling by train, they will find it convenient as the town has good railway connectivity.
When you arrive in Badami, there are regular buses operated by KSRTC that can take you to Banashankari. Alternatively, you can also opt for an auto-rickshaw or a tanga ride (horse cart) at affordable rates.
Nearby, there are numerous tourist attractions in Badami, a town that holds great historical significance as it was ruled by the Chalukya dynasty. These attractions include a variety of ancient temples and monuments that have been carved out of rocks. Visitors can have the opportunity to explore the surroundings of the
The Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal circuit in Karnataka is a well-known attraction for tourists.
If you are in Karnataka, there are several nearby places that provide a chance to explore the state's fascinating history and culture. These places are definitely worth a visit for anyone traveling to the region.
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Gayatri Ari, a quality specialist from Ilkal, known for its exquisite sarees, shares her insights as a guest author. While her professional expertise lies in maintaining quality standards, her true love lies in exploring various cultures and traveling the world. Being a nature enthusiast and spiritual seeker, she finds tranquility in the enchanting beauty of nature and finds solace in the spiritual essence of diverse destinations.
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– 6 comments expressing appreciation for the provided information.
This is an excellent article! The Badami-Banashankari Shakthipeetha seems to be a lesser-known but remarkable attraction in North Karnataka. The detailed carvings and fascinating past of this place make it a destination that cannot be missed. I appreciate you for introducing me to this captivating spot through your skillfully written article!
Thank you for taking the time to read. There are numerous archaeological sites in close proximity to Badami and the Banashankari temple. These sites are definitely worth visiting at least once
I appreciate you taking the time to share your blog with me.
These nearby places offer visitors an opportunity to experience the captivating history and culture of Karnataka. If you are in the vicinity, they are definitely worth visiting.
You're absolutely correct, Nida. During my time at JNV, I lived in close proximity to Banashankari for a duration of 7 years. Throughout that period, our preferred destination to explore was the Badami Cave Temples, an exquisite masterpiece crafted by the Chalukya Dynasty.
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