Banashankari Mandir, Karnatak, IN

Location: At Cholachigud, Near Badami in Karnataka
Built in: 17th century
Dedicated to: Goddess Banashankari
Significance: Banashankari is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati

Introduction:
The temple was built in 1915 by a devotee, Somanna Shetty who installed a deity of Banashankari Amma brought all the way from Badami in Bijapur district. Banashankari Temple is a popular and highly revered shrine of Karnataka. Located at Cholachigud, Banashankari Temple lies at a distance 50 kms from Badami. The town of Badami is another destination renowned for its ancient cave temples.

About us:
In the main shrine, the image of Banashankari Devi reveals the Goddess in a sitting posture. The Goddess can be seen seated on a growling lion and crushing a demon with her foot. The idol is carved out of a black stone. The Goddess Banashankari is depicted here with eight arms, holding trishul, damaruga, kamaalpatra, ghanta, Veda scripts and khadg-kheta in her different hands. It is believed that the Goddess was the 'Kuladevi' of the Chalukyas.

The term Banashankari is derived from two words; 'Ban' (Van) meaning 'forest' and 'Shankari' meaning 'the lover of Lord Shiva'.

Banashankari Temple of Karnataka is one of the finest pieces of Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is open to public everyday but special puja is performed on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The ancient temple of Banashankari represents the Dravidian style of architecture. 'Haridra Tirtha' is a large pond, which makes the foreground of this temple. This pond is encircled by stone mantapas on its three sides.

Festival:
The temple celebrates three cultural ceremonies in a year: September 13 - the birthday of Banashankari Amma, Dussehra Festival in October and the temple anniversary which falls in the end of December. Large crowd gather at the place during these occasions.

How to reach:
One can easily reach Banashankari Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Karnataka.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

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