Continents like Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer various options for holistic living. One such option is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna. If you're looking for accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is worth considering. For a luxurious travel experience in the pilgrimage city of Pushkar, Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is a great choice. Experience the vibrant lifestyle of Lucknow by staying at Clarks Awadh. In North Karnataka, the Badami Banashankari Shakthipeetha, dedicated to Sri Badami Banashankari Devi, has been worshipped since ancient times. This temple is a famous Shakti Peetha and holds significance for millions of devotees who consider her their Kuldevi.
In the year 603 CE, King Jagadekamalla III constructed this temple and placed the idol of Banashankari Devi inside. The deity, Banashankari Devi, holds significant importance as the ancestral goddess of the Kalyana Chalukyas.
Marari Dandanayaka, also known as "Parasurama Agale," completed the reconstruction of this temple in the year 1750 CE. The goddess Banashankari is adorned with distinct 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 forms of the goddess known as swaroops.
The Badami Banashankari temple holds great historical value due to its significant past.
The Skanda Purana includes tales about Badami Banashankari, who is revered as the guardian deity by the Chalukya dynasty and other nearby rulers.
Once upon a time, there was a powerful demon named Durgamasura who resided in a forest called Tilakaranya. He not only caused suffering to the locals but also tormented the wise sages. Unable to bear the relentless torture inflicted by Durgamasura, the sages sought help from the gods. In response to their plea, Adishakti, a manifestation of Parvati, emerged from the sacred fire pit known as Yagna Kund and vanquished Durgamasura.
Therefore, the term "Bana" signifies a forest, while "Shankari" refers to the manifestation of Shakti as the divine form of Shankara. Consequently, the name Banashankari combines these meanings to represent the deity.
Shakhambari, which is also known as Banashankari Amma, has its origins in a fascinating tale.
In a town devastated by drought, the residents were enduring severe hunger and thirst. However, during this difficult time, Goddess Banashankari came to their aid by shedding tears that nourished and revitalized the parched land. She provided sustenance to her devotees by creating an abundance of vegetables, which earned her the name Shakhambari, as "Shaka" means vegetables and "Amba" signifies mother. As a result, the goddess is worshipped under this name, symbolizing her role in satisfying the hunger of the people.
In the Durga Saptashati, Shakambari is described as one of the forms of Devi that is relevant in the present era.
The goddess Banashankari is worshipped under various names such as Balavva, Banadavva, Chaudeshwari, Sankavva Vanadurge, and Vanashankari. She is known as Simhavahini, symbolizing her ability to ride a lion.
The captivating black stone Murti of the Devi is truly enchanting. The deity Banashankari, representing the combined forms of Lakshmi and Saraswati, is predominantly 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. However, the original temple was designed in the Dravidian architectural style. The temple is enclosed by a tall wall called Prakara, which surrounds it on all sides.
The temple is made up of a rectangular hall called the mandapa, which has a towered entrance known as the Gopuram. The Gopuram displays intricate carvings of different gods and mythological figures. It acts as the entrance to the main sanctuary of the temple.
The primary building of the temple consists of a mukha mandapa, which is a front chamber leading to the sanctum, and an ardha mandapa. The shrine is located on top of a Vimana. Within the temple, there is a spacious area known as a courtyard or Angala, which is encircled by halls supported by pillars. These halls are utilized for religious assemblies and rituals.
The sacred idol of Banashankari Amma is located within the Garbhagudi and is crafted from exquisite black stone. Banashankari Amma is depicted sitting on a lion, with a demon positioned beneath her feet. The magnificent idol portrays Banashankari Amma with eight arms, each holding various items such as Trishula, a bell, Dhamaru, a sword, a shield, and the head of an asura.
Banashankari Temple hosts various festivals throughout the year. In the vicinity of the temple, there is a square-shaped water tank known as "Haridrathirtha."
In this Kalyani, there is a special tradition where newborn babies are placed in cradles crafted from banana leaves. These cradles are then placed on a raft. This tradition is believed to bring benefits to the babies and their future.
Shakhambari is a goddess who is highly revered by followers of Rahu. As a part of their devotion, they light a lamp made of lemon during a specific time period known as Rahu Kala. The purpose behind this ritual is to eliminate any negative effects or obstacles caused by Rahu Dosha.
During the vegetable festival known as "Palleda Habba," the goddess Devi is adorned with a variety of vegetables. In addition to this, a range of curries are cooked and presented as offerings to the goddess Banashankari Devi. This custom has been upheld for many years, and on the day of the festival, 108 different dishes made with various vegetables are served to the deity.
Banashankari Jatra, a well-liked cultural event in North Karnataka, is an annual fair that spans approximately four weeks. It takes place on the full moon day, also known as Purnima, of the Hindu calendar month called Magha or Magh Purnima. Typically occurring in January or February, this period is considered highly auspicious for paying homage to the goddess Laxmi and her various forms.
Every year, a large number of worshipers from different parts of Karnataka come together at the Banashankari temple to pray and receive the goddess's blessings. The fair brings about a lively and vibrant atmosphere, filled with street vendors who sell a variety of items like candies, blooms, garments, and playthings.
The Banashankari Amma Temple in Badami celebrates Navaratri, a significant Hindu festival that typically takes place in the month of Ashwin (September-October) in the Hindu calendar. However, this temple in Karnataka chooses to celebrate Navaratri in the month of Paush. The festival spans nine days and is dedicated to honoring the Goddess Banashankari.
Banadashtami is considered a highly important day, marked by various celebrations and events held at Banashankari temples and throughout the northern region of Karnataka.
At the temple, local women are responsible for cooking and serving 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). These dedicated women bring these delicious dishes to the temple to provide nourishment to the weary devotees.
They charge a small amount, usually around Rs 30-50, for each plate of food. The flavor of this type of food is unique and indescribable, it must be experienced firsthand.
If you ever go to Banashankari and don't try the "Rotti/bread" meals that are available outside the temple, then your trip won't be fully fulfilled.
Many devotees choose to embark on a Padayatra, which is a pilgrimage on foot, to the Badami Banashankari temple. This is a customary practice, particularly on the full moon day, and is particularly prevalent during the annual Banashankari fair held in either January or February.
Typically, followers of a religious practice begin their pilgrimage, known as Padayatre, from their own residences or neighboring towns and villages. They travel significant distances on foot to ultimately arrive at the Banashankari temple in Badami. In a display of their dedication and desire for spiritual growth, certain devotees choose to undertake this journey without wearing any footwear.
This is a deeply meaningful and spiritual journey, where people seek the blessings of the Banashankari Amma. Numerous devotees, along with their loved ones, embark on this pilgrimage every year with the belief that it enhances their faith and devotion towards the goddess.
Getting to Banashankari Temple in Badami is convenient as it is situated on the outskirts of the town and can be easily accessed by road. To reach the temple, one must first arrive at the nearest town, Badami, and then continue their journey to Banashankari, which is approximately 4 kilometers away.
The closest airports to Badami are Hubbali and Belgaum airports, located at distances of 110 KM and 130 KM respectively. For those who prefer traveling by train, there are convenient railway connections to the town.
When you arrive at Badami, there are regular buses provided by KSRTC that travel to Banashankari. Alternatively, you can also opt for a taxi or a horse-drawn cart (known as a tanga) at affordable rates.
Nearby the town of Badami, there are various tourist attractions that offer a glimpse into the rich history of the Chalukya dynasty. These include ancient temples and rock-cut monuments, which provide visitors with the opportunity to delve into the architectural wonders of the past.
The Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal circuit is a well-liked tourist destination in the state of Karnataka.
If you happen to be in the Karnataka region, it is highly recommended to explore these nearby destinations that provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the state's vibrant history and cultural heritage. These places are definitely worth
In this passage,
The following article was written by Gayatri Ari, who is from Ilkal, a renowned location known for its sarees. Gayatri Ari is a professional in the field of ensuring quality. However, her genuine enthusiasm lies in traveling and immersing herself in various cultures around the globe. Being a nature and spiritual enthusiast, she finds comfort and tranquility in the natural wonders of the world and takes pleasure in experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of different destinations.
Other articles you may be interested in:
– Exploring the Prachi River in Odisha with a 7-day Prachi Parikrama.
– Discovering the Kandariya Mahadev Temple in the World Heritage site of Khajuraho.
– Unveiling the ancient Shiva Temples of Udupi.
– There are 6 comments on this article.
– This article provides valuable information.
I really enjoyed reading this article! The Badami-Banashankari Shakthipeetha seems to be a lesser-known but fascinating attraction in North Karnataka. The detailed carvings and interesting past of this place make it a destination that shouldn't be missed. I appreciate you introducing me to this captivating location with your well-crafted article!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. There are numerous historical sites located in close proximity to Badami and the Banashankari temple. These sites are definitely worth a visit
I appreciate you sharing your blog, it is indeed quite pleasant.
Visitors to these nearby places can experience the intriguing history and culture of Karnataka. If you happen to be in the vicinity, they are definitely worth visiting.
You're absolutely correct, Nida. During my time at JNV, I resided in close proximity to Banashankari for a period of 7 years. Throughout that time, our preferred destination to explore was the Badami Cave Temples, another remarkable masterpiece crafted by the Chalukya Dynasty.
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