Continents such as Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer various destinations for holistic living. One such destination is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna. For accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a recommended option. Those seeking luxury travel in a pilgrimage city can consider the Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa. Experience the vibrant lifestyle of Lucknow by staying at Clarks Awadh. In North Karnataka, the Badami Banashankari Shakthipeetha is a popular Shakti Peetha where devotees worship the deity Sri Badami Banashankari Devi. This temple has been revered since the Chalukya era and is considered the Kuldevi by millions of worshippers.
The temple was constructed by King Jagadekamalla III in the year 603 CE, and it was dedicated to the worship of Banashankari Devi. The deity holds great significance for the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty as their family goddess.
Marari Dandanayaka, also known as "Parasurama Agale," undertook the reconstruction of this temple in the year 1750 CE. The goddess Banashankari is adorned with distinctive jewelry and sarees for a period of nine days during the festival of Navratri. During these nine days, devotees flock to the temple to witness the nine different manifestations of the goddess, known as swaroops.
The Badami Banashankari temple holds great historical significance, as it has a rich past that can be traced back to ancient times.
According to the Skanda Purana, there are stories about Badami Banashankari, who is revered as the goddess of the Chalukyas and the surrounding rulers.
Once upon a time, there was a powerful asura named Durgamasura who resided in the forest of Tilakaranya. This asura not only caused trouble for the inhabitants of the forest but also tormented the sages. Unable to bear the suffering inflicted by Durgamasura, the sages sought help from the gods. In response, Adishakti, a manifestation of Parvati, emerged from the sacred Yagna Kund and defeated Durgamasura.
Therefore, the term "Bana" signifies a forest, while "Shankari" represents the embodiment of "Parvatishvarupa" or the divine energy of Lord Shiva. As a result, the name "Banashankari" is derived.
Shakhambari, which is also known as Banashankari Amma, originates from a fascinating tale.
In a certain town, there was a severe drought that left the people there hungry and thirsty. However, during this difficult time, the Goddess Banashankari appeared and cried tears that quenched the thirst of the parched earth and brought sustenance to her devoted followers. She provided nourishment to the people by creating an abundance of vegetables, which is why she is also revered as Shakhambari, the mother of vegetables.
In the Durga Saptashati, Shakambari is acknowledged as one of the contemporary manifestations of Devi.
The goddess Banashankari is known by various names such as Balavva, Banadavva, Chaudeshwari, Sankavva Vanadurge, and Vanashankari. She is also referred to as Simhavahini, symbolizing her ability to ride a lion.
The enchanting black stone Murti of the Devi captivates the attention. The goddess Banashankari, who combines the forms of Lakshmi and Saraswati, is primarily revered in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
The Banashankari Amma temple, as it appears today, is built in the Vijayanagara architectural style. The original temple, on the other hand, was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style. The temple is enclosed by a tall wall or Prakara, which surrounds it from every direction.
The temple is made up of a rectangular hall known as a mandapa, which has a towered entrance called a Gopuram. The Gopuram displays intricate carvings of different gods and mythological figures. It acts as the entrance to the main shrine.
The primary building of the temple consists of a mukha mandapa, an ardha mandapa, and a shrine with a Vimana on top. Within the temple, there is a spacious area known as a courtyard or Angala, which is enclosed by halls supported by pillars. These halls serve as venues for religious events and rituals.
The Garbhagudi contains the revered idol of Banashankari Amma, which is crafted from exquisite black stone. Banashankari Amma is depicted seated on a lion, with a demon positioned beneath her feet. This eight-armed deity holds various objects in her hands, including Trishula, a bell, Dhamaru, a sword, a shield, and the head of an asura.
The Banashankari Temple hosts various festivals throughout the year. Located in front of the temple is a square-shaped water tank known as "Haridrathirtha."
In this particular place called 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 effects and benefits to the children and their future.
Shakhambari is a goddess who is adored by Rahu. As a result, followers of Rahu light a lamp made of lemon during a specific time period known as Rahu Kala. 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. In addition to that, a range of curries are cooked and presented to Banashankari Devi. This custom has been practiced for many years, and on this special day, 108 different dishes made with various vegetables are presented to the goddess.
One of the well-known cultural events in North Karnataka is the Banashankari Jatra, a yearly fair that spans approximately four weeks. This vibrant festival takes place on the full moon day, known as Purnima, during the Hindu calendar month of Magha, also called Magh Purnima. Typically occurring in January or February, this period is considered highly auspicious for worshipping the goddess Laxmi and her various forms.
During the festival, numerous followers from different parts of Karnataka gather at the Banashankari temple to pray and receive the goddess's blessings. The event generates a lively and vibrant ambiance, filled with street vendors selling a variety of goods including sweets, flowers, clothing, and toys.
The Banashankari Amma Temple in Badami, Karnataka, celebrates the Navaratri festival during the month of Paush, which is different from the usual Ashwin month. This festival, spanning nine days, is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Banashankari.
Banadashtami is considered to be a highly significant day, known for its auspiciousness. During this period, various fairs and festivals are organized at the temples of Banashankari and in different regions of North Karnataka.
Traditional meals from the northern region of Karnataka are being served at the temple. Women from the local community are in charge of cooking various dishes such as corn/maze/Sorghum roti, Karagadubu (Puran Kadabu), Kalupalle (sprouts curry), red chili chutney, and Pundi Palle (Gongura curry). These delicious meals are prepared with love and offered to the weary devotees who visit the temple.
The cost for their meals is quite low, usually around Rs 30-50 per serving. The flavor of this type of food is unique and difficult to fully describe in words. You have to experience it for yourself.
If you happen to go to Banashankari and don't try the "Rotti/bread" meals served outside the temple, your trip will not be fully satisfying.
Many devotees choose to embark on a Padayatra, which is a form of pilgrimage where they walk to the temple instead of using any other mode of transportation. This practice is particularly common on the full moon day and is especially popular during the annual Banashankari fair held in either January or February.
Typically, followers of a particular religious belief begin their pilgrimage, called Padayatre, from their residences or neighboring communities. They embark on a lengthy journey, often on foot, to reach the Banashankari temple located in Badami. As a demonstration of their dedication and self-discipline, some devotees choose to undertake the pilgrimage without wearing any footwear.
This is a meaningful and holy encounter, a means of seeking the divine favors of Banashankari Amma. Numerous followers embark on this pilgrimage every year, frequently accompanied by their loved ones and companions. They believe that it enhances their trust and dedication to the goddess.
Getting to Banashankari Temple in Badami
Even though the temple is situated on the outskirts of the town, it is conveniently reachable by road. To reach the temple, one must first arrive at the closest town, Badami, and then continue on to Banashankari, which is approximately 4 kilometers away from there.
The closest airports to Badami are Hubbali and Belgaum airports, which are approximately 110 KM and 130 KM away respectively. For those who prefer traveling by train, it is convenient to do so as the town has good connectivity with railways.
After arriving at Badami, there are regular buses operated by KSRTC that travel to Banashankari. Alternatively, individuals can also choose to take an auto-rickshaw or a tanga ride (horse cart) at affordable rates.
There are various tourist attractions in the vicinity of Badami, a town known for its historical significance as the center of the Chalukya dynasty. These attractions include numerous ancient temples and rock-cut monuments. Visitors have the opportunity to explore various places surrounding the temples.
The Karnataka region of Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal is a well-liked route among tourists.
If you are in Karnataka, it is worth visiting these nearby places to get a taste of the region's history and culture. These places provide valuable insights into the rich heritage of Karnataka.
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Gayatri Ari, a resident of Ilkal, known for its sarees, shares her insights as a quality specialist. While her job is important, her true love lies in traveling and immersing herself in diverse cultures. Being a nature enthusiast and a spiritual seeker, Gayatri finds peace in the natural wonders around her and cherishes the unique spiritual experiences offered by various destinations.
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– There are 6 comments on this article, praising it for providing valuable information.
I really enjoyed reading your article! The Badami-Banashankari Shakthipeetha seems to be a lesser-known but fascinating place in North Karnataka. The beautifully detailed carvings and significant historical background make it a destination that shouldn't be missed. I appreciate you introducing me to this captivating location with your excellent writing skills!
Thank you for taking the time to read. In close proximity to Badami and Banashankari temple, there are numerous fascinating archaeological sites. It is definitely worth making a visit to
I appreciate you sharing your blog, it is really well done.
These nearby places offer visitors an opportunity to experience the captivating history and culture of Karnataka. If you happen to be in the region, they are definitely worth visiting.
I agree with Nida's statement. During my time studying at JNV, I resided near Banashankari for a duration of 7 years. Our preferred destination to visit was often the Badami Cave Temples, which is another impressive architectural accomplishment by the Chalukya Dynasty.
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