Located at Cholachagudd near Badami, Karnataka, Banashankari Devi Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The temple is popularly called as Banashankari or Vanashankari since it is located in the Tilakaaranya forest. The original temple was built by the 7th century Kalyani Chalukya kings.

Location Karnataka , Bagalkot, Bangalore

Legend

According to the legends, once a demon named Durgamasura used to harass people constantly. People prayed to Gods to get rid of the demon. Pleased with their devotion, the Gods directed the goddess Shakambari to help the people. The goddess appeared through the fire of the Yagna (fire-sacrifice). She then killed the demon after a fierce encounter and restored peace in the region. Banashankari is considered as the incarnation of goddess Parvati. The forests around the temple have coconut, plantain and betel leaf plants and trees. Hence, it is also said that during a severe famine, the goddess provided vegetables and food for the people to survive and thus, the goddess was given the name Shakambari.

Architecture

Initially, the temple was built according to the Dravidian style of architecture.The present structure is built according to the Vijayanagara style of architecture. The temple is enclosed by a high wall on all sides. The main structure has a mukha mantapa, ardha mantapa and a sanctum topped by a Vimana (tower). The main sanctum of the temple has the image of goddess Banashankari deified in it. The black stone sculpture depicts the goddess seated on a lioness trampling a demon under her foot. There is a 360 ft (109.7 m) square water tank in the forefront of the temple at the entrance, which is locally called as Haridra Tirtha. The pond is enclosed with stone mantapas (halls) on three sides. A pradakshina or circumambulatory path surrounds the tank. Lamp towers (Deepa stambhas) are seen in the foreground of the temple on the west bank of the pond and also at the entrance. There is a tower on the bank of the tank, which is a guard tower, called the Victory Tower.

Culture

Karnataka, the IT hub of Indian Subcontinent, like every other destination, has its own

distinctive characteristics. The contribution of Karnataka to the composite culture of India is no way inferior to that of any other region of India. Its contribution in the fields of art, music, religion and philosophy are exemplary. The culture of Karnataka is so vibrant that it adds new flavor to its very existence.

Darsan Info

Daily morning Abhisheka at 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM

Pooja timing on Tuesday - 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Pooja timing on Friday and Sunday - 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Dharshan timings on Monday,Wednesday,Thursday and Saturday - 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Pooja Timing during Rahukala:

Tuesday - 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Friday - 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Sunday - 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to dress appropriately.

Famous Festival

Banashankari Jatre

Rath yatra

Temple Rituals

Daily morning Abhisheka at 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM

Pooja timing on Tuesday - 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Pooja timing on Friday and Sunday - 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Dharshan timings on Monday,Wednesday,Thursday and Saturday - 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM                                                                                                                                                  

Pooja Timing during Rahukala:

Tuesday - 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Friday - 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Sunday - 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Special Rituals

Tuesday, Friday and Sunday are considered as the most auspicious days and huge number of devotees offer prayers on these days.

Additional Info

 

New Lemon Tree Family Restaurant

Hotel Bharat

 

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