Banashankari Temple is located about 7 kilometers from Badami. Here Banashankari or Shakambari is the form of Goddess Parvati. The Banashankari Temple is quite old. Its original structure is said to have been built by the Chalukyas of Kalyan. However, the existing temple was built in the 17th century. The temple has been considerably modernized in the present times. According to the Skanda Purana it was here that Devi killed a demon called Durgamasura. As the temple is located in the Tilakaaranya forest, the Devi is popularly called Banashankari. The blackstone idol of Goddess is eight armed and can be seen seated on lion and trampling a demon by foot. In front of the temple is a large pond called as 'Haridra Tirtha' which is enclosed by stone mantapas on the three sides. For more information, visit this page.
There is an annual temple festival celebration in Banashankari, the festival is celebrated with full devotion and enthusiasm. Whole town is decorated, the streets around the temple are taken over by a huge fair, marked by color and liveliness and attended by thousands of devotees.
Flash video of Banashankari photos:
My travel log
We reached Banashankari travelling 16 Kms from Pattadkal. The road was definitely not as good as the others in this area (December 2006), but was motorable. Pople usually visit Banashankari temple from Badami town, but we chose to travel to Banashankari temple first because we had to depart back home from Badami.
The entry to the temple area is through a very narrow passage that is highly congested with street vendors. Taking a car through this stretch can test one's patience. Surprisingly, there is a well maintained parking lot for car and good toilet facility. A vast lake (that was empty) and a mandap geets the visitor. There is a small pond that resembles the one in Hampi in construction.
The temple was a small disappointment because it did not look like any ancient temple we were expecting to find. The modern renovation took away the classic looks of the temple. Photography is prohibited inside the temple. The temple opens at 4 pm for darshan in the evening. Locals will pester you to buy a local food preparation.
Although hotels are available, for good accomodation one has to go to Badami.
Distance chart:
Pattadakal to Banashankari : 16 Kms
There is an annual temple festival celebration in Banashankari, the festival is celebrated with full devotion and enthusiasm. Whole town is decorated, the streets around the temple are taken over by a huge fair, marked by color and liveliness and attended by thousands of devotees.
Flash video of Banashankari photos:
My travel log
We reached Banashankari travelling 16 Kms from Pattadkal. The road was definitely not as good as the others in this area (December 2006), but was motorable. Pople usually visit Banashankari temple from Badami town, but we chose to travel to Banashankari temple first because we had to depart back home from Badami.
The entry to the temple area is through a very narrow passage that is highly congested with street vendors. Taking a car through this stretch can test one's patience. Surprisingly, there is a well maintained parking lot for car and good toilet facility. A vast lake (that was empty) and a mandap geets the visitor. There is a small pond that resembles the one in Hampi in construction.
The temple was a small disappointment because it did not look like any ancient temple we were expecting to find. The modern renovation took away the classic looks of the temple. Photography is prohibited inside the temple. The temple opens at 4 pm for darshan in the evening. Locals will pester you to buy a local food preparation.
Although hotels are available, for good accomodation one has to go to Badami.
Distance chart:
Pattadakal to Banashankari : 16 Kms
