The continents of Asia and Europe, along with the rest of the world, have various destinations that offer holistic living experiences. One such place is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna. For accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a recommended option. Another luxurious travel destination is the Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, located in the pilgrim's city of Pushkar. Living the Lucknow life can be experienced at Clarks Awadh. In North Karnataka, there is the famous Banashankari temple in Badami Taluk, which has been worshipped since the Chalukya era. Sri Badami Banashankari Devi is a deity worshipped by millions of devotees as their Kuldevi.
In the year 603 CE, King Jagadekamalla III constructed this temple and placed the idol of Banashankari Devi within it. Banashankari Devi is considered the patron deity of the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty.
Marari Dandanayaka, also known as "Parasurama Agale," undertook the reconstruction of this temple in the year 1750 AD. The goddess Banashankari is adorned with special jewelry and sarees for a period of nine days during the festival of Navratri. Throughout these nine days, devotees come to the temple to witness the nine different forms of the goddess Devi.
The Badami Banashankari temple holds great historical significance due to its ancient origins and historical connections.
The Skanda Purana contains tales about Badami Banashankari, who is revered as the main deity by the Chalukyas and other rulers in the vicinity.
Once upon a time, there was a powerful demon named Durgamasura who resided in a forest called Tilakaranya. This demon not only caused immense suffering to the people living in the forest but also tormented the sages. Unable to bear the relentless torment inflicted by Durgamasura, the sages approached the gods for help. In response to their plea, Adishakti, a manifestation of the goddess Parvati, emerged from the sacred fire and swiftly defeated Durgamasura.
Therefore, the term "Bana" refers to a forest, while "Shankari" represents the embodiment of Shakti or the divine feminine energy of Shankara. Consequently, the name Banashankari signifies the fusion of these two elements.
Shakhambari, which is an alternate name for Banashankari Amma, has its origins in a fascinating tale.
In a town devastated by drought, the inhabitants were experiencing severe hunger and thirst. However, during this difficult period, Goddess Banashankari wept and nourished Mother Earth, bringing life to her followers. Through the creation of vegetables, known as Shaka, and the name Amba, which means mother, the goddess satisfied the people's hunger. This is why she is also revered as Shakhambari.
In the Durga Saptashati, Shakambari is identified as one of the forms of Devi that is relevant and present in the present era.
Various names are used to refer to the goddess Banashankari, such as Balavva, Banadavva, Chaudeshwari, Sankavva Vanadurge, and Vanashankari. She is known as Simhavahini, meaning she rides a lion.
The black stone Murti of the Devi is incredibly captivating. The goddess Banashankari, depicted as a combined form 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, while the original temple was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style. The temple is enclosed by a tall wall, known as Prakara, on all sides.
The temple is made up of a rectangular hall known as the mandapa, which has an entrance called the Gopuram that is adorned with intricate carvings of different gods and figures from Hindu mythology. The Gopuram acts as the entrance to the main shrine of the temple.
The primary building of the temple consists of a mukha mandapa, which is an entrance chamber located in front of the sanctum, as well as an ardha mandapa. The sanctum is topped by a Vimana. Within the temple, there is a spacious open area known as a courtyard or Angala, which is enclosed by halls supported by pillars. These halls serve as spaces for religious gatherings and ceremonies.
The Garbhagudi contains a sacred idol of Banashankari Amma, which is crafted from a stunning black stone. The idol depicts Banashankari Amma seated on a lion, with a demon being crushed beneath her feet. Banashankari Amma, with her eight arms, holds various objects such as Trishula (trident), a bell, Dhamaru (a small drum), a sword, a shield, and the head of an asura (demon).
The Banashankari Temple hosts various festivals throughout the year. Located in front of the temple is a square Kalyani, also known as a water tank, called "Haridrathirtha."
In this particular Kalyani, there is a special tradition where newborn babies are placed in cradles that are made out of banana leaves. These cradles are then left on a raft. The belief behind this practice is that it will bring positive outcomes and advantages to the children as they grow up.
Shakhambari is a goddess who is highly revered by followers of Rahu. As an act of devotion, worshippers light a lamp made of lemon during a period known as Rahu Kala. It is believed that by performing this ritual, any negative influence or affliction caused by Rahu Dosha is
During the "Palleda Habba" or vegetable festival, Devi is adorned with an assortment of vegetables. Additionally, a variety of curries are cooked and presented to Banashankari Devi. This custom has been observed for many years, and on this special day, 108 different food dishes made with various vegetables are offered to the goddess.
One of the well-known cultural events in North Karnataka is the Banashankari Jatra, which is an annual fair lasting approximately four weeks. It takes place on the full moon day, known as Purnima, in the Hindu calendar month of Magha or Magh Purnima. Generally occurring in January or February, this time is considered highly auspicious for worshiping the goddess Laxmi and her various forms.
During the annual event, numerous followers from different parts of Karnataka come together at the Banashankari temple to express their devotion and ask for the goddess's blessings. The fair generates a dynamic and vivid ambiance, with vendors on the streets selling a wide range of products including desserts, blooms, garments, and playthings.
The Banashankari Amma Temple in Badami celebrates Navratri, a significant festival in the Hindu calendar, during the month of Paush instead of the usual Ashwin month. This festival spans nine days and is dedicated to honoring the Goddess Banashankari.
Banadashtami is considered a highly significant day. Celebrations and events are held during this period at Banashankari temples and throughout the northern region of Karnataka.
At the temple, women from the local community make traditional meals from North Karnataka. These meals include corn/maze/Sorghum roti, Karagadubu (Puran Kadabu), Kalupalle (sprouts curry), red chili chutney, and Pundi Palle (Gongura curry). The women then bring these delicious dishes to the temple, where they are offered to the weary devotees.
The charges for these meals are quite low, usually around Rs 30-50 per plate. The flavor of this kind of food is unique and hard to put into words – it must be experienced firsthand.
If you happen to go to Banashankari and don't try the delicious "Rotti/bread" meals served near the temple, your trip won't be truly fulfilled.
Many devotees choose to embark on a foot pilgrimage, known as Padayatra, to the Badami Banashankari temple. This is a common practice, especially on the day of the full moon. The tradition is particularly well-known and embraced during the Banashankari fair, which takes place annually in January or February.
Typically, followers of the faith begin their pilgrimage, known as Padayatre, from their own residences or neighboring towns and villages. They travel great distances on foot to reach the Banashankari temple located in Badami. As an expression of their devotion and willingness to atone for their sins, certain devotees choose to undertake this journey without wearing any footwear.
The pilgrimage to seek the blessings of the Banashankari Amma is considered a deeply meaningful and spiritual experience. Numerous devotees, including their loved ones, embark on this journey every year. It is believed that this pilgrimage not only strengthens their faith but also deepens their devotion to the goddess.
Getting to Banashankari Temple in Badami is not difficult as it can be easily reached by road. To reach the temple, one needs to first reach the nearby town of Badami and then continue for around 4 kilometers to reach Banashankari.
For travelers heading to Badami, the closest airports are Hubbali and Belgaum, which are located 110 KM and 130 KM away respectively. Alternatively, those who prefer train travel will find it convenient as Badami is well-linked by railways.
When you arrive in Badami, there are frequent KSRTC buses available to take you to Banashankari. In case the buses are not running, you have the option to hire an auto-rickshaw or a tanga (horse cart) for a small fee.
Nearby places of interest
Badami is an ancient town that was once ruled by the Chalukya dynasty. It is known for its numerous temples and monuments that were carved out of rocks. Visitors have the opportunity to visit various sites surrounding the temples, including:
The Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal circuit is a well-known destination for tourists in the state of Karnataka.
If you are in the region, it is worth exploring these nearby places that provide a window into the rich history and culture of Karnataka.
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Gayatri Ari, a resident of Ilkal, known for its sarees, shares her thoughts in this guest post. Gayatri is a quality specialist by occupation, but her heart truly belongs to traveling and experiencing diverse cultures. Being a nature lover and spiritual enthusiast, she finds comfort and peace in the breathtaking beauty of nature and the spiritual vibes of various destinations.
Other articles you may be interested in:
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– Discovering the architectural wonders of the Kandariya Mahadev Temple in the World Heritage site of Khajuraho
– Unveiling the ancient Shiva Temples of Udupi
– 6 comments received expressing appreciation for the provided information.
This article is fantastic! The Badami-Banashankari Shakthipeetha seems to be a little-known treasure in the northern region of Karnataka. Its elaborate sculptures and fascinating past make it a destination that shouldn't be missed. I really appreciate your well-written article for introducing me to this captivating place!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. In close proximity to Badami and the Banashankari temple, there are numerous archaeological sites that are certainly worth visiting at least once
I appreciate you taking the time to share your blog with me as
These nearby places offer visitors an opportunity to experience the captivating history and culture of Karnataka. If you happen to be in the vicinity, it is recommended to make a stop at these places.
Nida made a valid point. During my time studying at JNV, I resided close to Banashankari for a period of 7 years. Our preferred destination to visit most frequently was the Badami Cave Temples, which is another remarkable masterpiece from the Chalukya Dynasty.
Please refrain from leaving a comment. Remember to save my name, email, and website for future reference on this browser.
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