Continents like Asia and Europe are well-known, but there are also other parts of the world that offer unique experiences. One such place is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna, which provides a holistic living experience. If you're looking for accommodation in Shekhawati, consider staying at Piramal Haveli. For a luxurious travel experience in the pilgrimage city of Pushkar, the Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is a great choice. To immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of Lucknow, Clarks Awadh is the perfect place to stay. In North Karnataka, the Badami Banashankari Shakthipeetha is a popular Shakti Peetha where millions of devotees worship the deity Sri Badami Banashankari Devi, who has been revered since the Chalukya era of Golden Karnataka. She is worshipped as the Kuldevi by many.
The construction of this temple was initiated by King Jagadekamalla III in the year 603 CE. He also placed the Banashankari Devi Murti inside the temple. The deity, Banashankari Devi, holds significant importance as the ancestral goddess of the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty
In 1750 CE, Marari Dandanayaka, also known as "Parasurama Agale," rebuilt this temple. The goddess Banashankari is adorned with special jewelry and traditional attire for nine days during the festival of Navratri. Her followers visit the temple during these nine days to witness the nine different forms of the goddess.
The Badami Banashankari temple holds great historical importance due to its significant past events and presence in history.
The Skanda Purana contains narratives about Badami Banashankari, who is revered as the main goddess by the Chalukyas and other nearby rulers.
Long ago, there was a powerful asura named Durgamasura who resided in a forest called Tilakaranya. He not only caused suffering to the people living in the area but also troubled the sages who dwelled there. The sages, unable to bear the torment inflicted upon them by Durgamasura, decided to seek help from the gods. It was then that Adishakti, a manifestation of Parvati, emerged from the sacred fire pit known as Yagna Kund and defeated Durgamasura.
Therefore, the term "Bana" refers to a forest, while "Shankari" signifies the embodiment of Shakti or the divine feminine energy of Shankara. Consequently, the name Banashankari is derived from the combination of these two elements.
Shakhambari, also known as Banashankari Amma, has her name derived from a fascinating tale.
In a town plagued by drought, the residents were experiencing severe hardships with no access to food or water. However, during this difficult period, the Goddess Banashankari came to the rescue. She shed tears that quenched the thirst of Mother Earth and brought life back to her devoted followers. The goddess also satisfied the hunger of the people by creating an abundance of vegetables, which is why she is also known and worshipped as Shakhambari, with "Amba" meaning mother.
In the Durga Saptashati, Shakambari is described as one of the forms that Devi takes in the present era.
The goddess Banashankari is known by various names such as Balavva, Banadavva, Chaudeshwari, Sankavva Vanadurge, and Vanashankari. She is also referred to as Simhavahini, which means she is depicted riding a lion.
The captivating black stone sculpture of the Devi is truly enchanting. The combined representation of the goddess Banashankari, embodying both Lakshmi and Saraswati, is primarily venerated in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
The Banashankari Amma temple that exists today is designed in the Vijayanagara architectural style, while the original temple followed 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 called mandapa, which has a grand entrance known as Gopuram. The Gopuram is adorned with intricate carvings depicting different gods and mythological figures. It acts as the entrance to the main sanctuary.
The primary building of the temple consists of a mukha mandapa, ardha mandapa, and a shrine with a Vimana on top. The interior of the temple features a spacious area known as a courtyard or Angala, which is enclosed by halls with pillars. These halls are utilized for religious events and rituals.
Within the inner sanctum known as the Garbhagudi, there resides a sacred statue of the goddess Banashankari Amma, crafted from exquisite black stone. The goddess is depicted seated upon a majestic lion, while a defeated demon lies beneath her feet. Banashankari Amma is portrayed with eight arms, each holding various symbolic objects such as a trident (Trishula), a bell, a small drum (Dhamaru), a sword, a shield, and the severed head of an asura.
The Banashankari Temple hosts various festivals throughout the year. Positioned in front of the temple is a square water tank called "Haridrathirtha."
In this particular Kalyani, there is a special tradition where newborn babies are placed in cradles made 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 followers of Rahu. As a part of religious practice, devotees light a lamp made of lemon during a specific period of time known as Rahu Kala. It is believed that by performing this ritual, any negative effects caused by Rahu Dosha
During the vegetable festival known as "Palleda Habba," the deity Devi is adorned with a variety of vegetables. Additionally, numerous curries are cooked and presented as offerings to Banashankari Devi. This long-standing tradition involves preparing 108 different dishes using various vegetables, which are then presented to the goddess on this special day.
A well-liked cultural occasion in North Karnataka is the Banashankari Jatra, which is a yearly fair that spans around four weeks. It takes place on the full moon day, also known as Purnima, in the Hindu calendar month of Magha, or Magh Purnima for short. Typically, this falls in the months of January or February. During this time, people believe it is highly fortunate to worship the goddess Laxmi and her various forms.
At the fair, numerous followers from different parts of Karnataka come together at the Banashankari temple to pray and seek the goddess's blessings. The fair generates a lively and dynamic ambiance, filled with vibrant colors, as street vendors sell a variety of goods like candies, blooms, garments, and playthings.
The Banashankari Amma Temple in Badami celebrates Navaratri, a nine-day festival that honors the Goddess Banashankari. While the most significant Navratri in the Hindu Calendar takes place in the month of Ashwin (September-October), this temple in Karnataka chooses to celebrate it during the month of Paush.
Banadashtami is considered a highly favorable day. It is a time when various fairs and festivals are held at Banashankari temples and throughout the northern region of Karnataka.
Traditional meals from North Karnataka are being served at the temple. The food is prepared by local women and includes corn/maze/sorghum roti, Karagadubu (Puran Kadabu), Kalupalle (sprouts curry), red chili chutney, and Pundi Palle (Gongura curry). These women bring the delicious meal to the temple to provide nourishment to the weary devotees.
The cost for a plate of this food is quite low, around Rs 30-50. The flavor of this type of cuisine is unique and indescribable, it's something you have to experience for yourself.
If you happen to go to Banashankari and don't try the "Rotti/bread" meals sold near the temple, your trip won't be fully satisfying.
Padayatra, also known as a foot pilgrimage, is a customary activity for devotees who journey to the Badami Banashankari temple on foot, particularly on the day of the full moon. This practice is particularly prevalent during the annual Banashankari fair, which takes place in 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 walk considerable distances to arrive at the Banashankari temple situated in Badami. As a symbol of their dedication and atonement, certain devotees choose to undertake this journey without wearing any footwear.
This is a special and meaningful experience that holds deep religious significance. It is a way for people to connect with and receive blessings from the deity Banashankari Amma. Numerous devotees, along with their loved ones, embark on this pilgrimage each year. The belief is that it helps to reinforce their faith and devotion towards the goddess.
Getting to Banashankari Temple in Badami is convenient as it is situated just outside the main town. To reach the temple, one would need to first arrive at the nearest town, Badami, and then travel approximately 4 kilometers to reach Banashankari.
The closest airports to Badami are Hubbali and Belgaum airports, which are located 110 KM and 130 KM away respectively. For those who prefer traveling by train, Badami has efficient railway connections, making it convenient for train journeys.
When you arrive in Badami, there are regular buses provided by KSRTC that can take you to Banashankari. Alternatively, you can also choose to take a horse cart or an auto rickshaw at a reasonable cost.
Nearby, there are numerous tourist attractions in Badami, a town with a rich history from the Chalukya dynasty. These attractions include various ancient temples and monuments that have been carved out of rocks. Visitors have the opportunity to discover numerous places in the vicinity of the temples.
The Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal circuit is a well-known and frequently visited tourist destination in the state of Karnataka.
If you are exploring the region, it is worth visiting these nearby places as they provide an insight into the rich history and culture of Karnataka.
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Gayatri Ari, a resident of Ilkal, known for its sarees, has written this guest post. Gayatri is a professional quality specialist but her true love lies in traveling and immersing herself in different cultures. She finds peace and tranquility in the beauty of nature and also enjoys the spiritual aspects of various destinations.
Other articles you may be interested in include a 7-day journey along the Prachi River in Odisha, exploring the Kandariya Mahadev Temple at the World Heritage site of Khajuraho, and discovering the ancient Shiva Temples in Udupi. This information is valuable and informative.
This article is fantastic! The Badami-Banashankari Shakthipeetha appears to be a lesser-known treasure in the northern region of Karnataka. The detailed carvings and fascinating historical background make it an essential place to visit. I appreciate you for bringing this captivating location to my attention with your excellently written article!
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 highly recommended to visit at least
I appreciate you taking the time to share your blog with me.
Exploring these nearby places will provide visitors with a glimpse into the captivating history and culture of Karnataka. If you happen to be in the vicinity, it is highly recommended to make a stop at these destinations.
I agree with Nida's statement. During my time studying at JNV, I lived in close proximity to Banashankari for a duration of 7 years. The Badami Cave Temples were often our go-to destination, as they are another impressive architectural marvel from the Chalukya Dynasty.
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