Banashankari Temple, Amargol

Karnataka, Dharwad, Bengaluru

The Banashankari temple in Amargol dedicated to Goddess Parvathi is a fine architectural marvel located near the Unkal Lake. Though most the portions of its external walls are either melted or defaced, the remains are a proof of the degree of grandeur the external walls carry.

Legend

According to the Skanda Purana, when people on earth were being tormented by an Asura named Durgamasura, the Devas prayed to Goddess Parvati to relieve them of this menace. So, the Goddess came down to earth and killed the Asura. She was known as Vana Shankari, the Goddess of the forest. This later became Banashankari

Architecture

The temple was built in the 13th-century and exhibits the northern influence. They also have a Nagara style of architecture incorporated with it. The temple has two shrines topped with vimanas, one in Dravida style and other in stepped diamond shaped Nagara style and it sits on a raised platform. The shrine built in the Nagara style houses the main Deity, Banashankari. The other temple houses a Shiva Lingam. Renovation works have been started as the temple structure had began to develop cracks and crumbles. The Navaranga Mandapa of the temple is famous for its splendidly decorated pillars. The decorations include the figures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Vishnu, Lord Narasimha, Lord Brahma, Lord Ganapati and other gods. The four pillars of the Kalyana Mantapa are unique and carry carvings of Gods and Goddesses.

Picture courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 6:00 AM To 5:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Clean and conservative clothing is preferred.

Culture

Hubli is a place where multi-cultured people can celebrate each and every festival In tradinal way. On special days like siva ratri and dusseera you can identify the traditional attarctions around the temple.