Sri Badami Banashankari Devi is a deity worshipped at the very least because the Chalukya period of Golden Karnataka. Positioned in Badami Taluk of Bagalkote District, Banashankari temple is a well-known Shakti Peetha in North Karnataka. Tens of millions of devotees worship this Devi as their Kuldevi.
King Jagadekamalla III constructed this temple in 603 CE and put in the Banashankari Devi Murti right here. She is the household deity of the Kalyana Chalukyas.
Marari Dandanayaka “Parasurama Agale” reconstructed this in 1750 CE. Goddess Banashankari is adorned with distinctive ornaments and sarees for 9 days throughout Navratri. All her devotees pay visits to the temple throughout these 9 days of Navaratri to witness the 9 swaroops of Devi.
Historic Significance of Badami Banashankari
This temple has its personal historic traces.
Skanda Purana mentions the tales of Badami Banashankari – the patron deity of the Chalukyas and neighboring kings.
Prior to now, a fierce asura known as Durgamasura lived in a forest, Tilakaranya. He was giving hardship not solely to the individuals residing there but additionally to the sages. Unable to face up to the torture of Durgamasura, the sages go to the gods. At the moment, Adishakti, a type of Parvati, appeared from the Yagna Kund and smothered Durgamasura.
So “Bana” means forest, and Shankari means “Parvatishvarupa” or Shakti of Shankara- therefore the identify Banashankari.
Shakhambari, one other identify for Banashankari Amma, comes from an attention-grabbing story.
As soon as upon a time, individuals have been struggling with out something to eat or drink in a city, ravaged by drought. At such a time, Goddess Banashankari quenched the thirst of Mom Earth together with her tears and introduced life to her devotees. She satiates individuals’s starvation by creating Shaka (greens) and Amba refers to mom. That’s the reason the goddess can be worshipped with the identify Shakhambari.
Shakambari can be talked about in Durga Saptashati as one of many manifestations of Devi for present instances.
Completely different names of Amma
Individuals worship the goddess Banashankari by names like Balavva, Banadavva, Chaudeshwari, Sankavva Vanadurge, and Vanashankari. She is Simhavahini or the one who rides the lion.
The Murti of the Devi in black stone is mesmerizing. Lakshmi and Saraswati’s united type of the goddess Banashankari is worshipped primarily in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Temple Structure & Banashankari Amma Murthi
The current construction of Banashankari Amma temple that we see is in Vijayanagara architectural model. The unique temple was within the Dravidian architectural model. A tall wall or Prakara surrounds the temple from all sides.
Temple consists of an oblong mandapa or corridor with a towered entrance known as Gopuram. The gopuram showcases the carvings of a wide range of deities and Pauranic figures. It serves because the gateway to the principle shrine.
The primary construction has a mukha mandapa, ardha mandapa – an entrance chamber in entrance of the sanctum, and a shrine topped by a Vimana. Contained in the temple is a big open area, known as a courtyard or Angala, surrounded by pillared halls. These halls are used for non secular gatherings and ceremonies.
Contained in the Garbhagudi, the sacred Murti of Banashankari Amma is made of lovely black stone. She sits on a lion, with a demon underneath her toes. The eight-armed Banashankari amma is holding Trishula, a bell, Dhamaru, a sword, a protect, and an asura head.
Festivals at Banashankari Temple
On the entrance of the temple is a square-shaped Kalyani or water tank known as “Haridrathirtha.”
There’s a distinctive customized on this Kalyani. New child infants are put in cradles manufactured from banana leaves and left on a raft on this Kalyani. The notion right here is that it’ll profit the youngsters and their future.
Shakhambari is the beloved goddess of Rahu. Therefore devotees mild a lemon lamp in the course of the Rahu Kala. The idea is that by following this ritual, Rahu Dosha is eliminated.
As a part of “Palleda Habba” or vegetable pageant, Devi is adorned with varied greens. Other than that, varied curries are ready and supplied to Banashankari Devi. This custom has been adopted for many years, and 108 forms of meals objects ready with totally different greens are supplied to the goddess on the day.
One other well-liked cultural occasion, or pageant, in North Karnataka, is Banashankari Jatra, or the annual truthful that lasts about 4 weeks. It’s celebrated on the complete moon day or Purnima of the Hindu calendar month of Magha or just Magh Purnima. It roughly falls in January/February. That is believed to be probably the most auspicious time to worship the goddess Laxmi, and her incarnations.
Throughout the truthful, hundreds of devotees from throughout Karnataka flock to the Banashankari temple to supply prayers and search the blessings of the goddess. The truthful creates a full of life, vibrant, and colourful ambiance, with road distributors promoting varied objects akin to sweets, flowers, garments, and toys.
Navaratri Celebration at Banashankari Amma Temple – Badami
A very powerful Navratri in a Hindu Calendar falls in Ashwin month, or September – October. Nonetheless, this temple in Karnataka celebrates Navratri within the month of Paush. This nine-day pageant celebrates the Goddess Banashankari.
Banadashtami is probably the most auspicious day. Gala’s and festivals happen throughout this time at Banashankari temples and throughout North Karnataka.
Genuine North Karnataka Meals at Temple
Native ladies put together corn/maze/Sorghum roti, Karagadubu (Puran Kadabu), Kalupalle (sprouts curry), crimson chili chutney, and Pundi Palle (Gongura curry). They carry all this to the temple to supply the drained devotees.
They take minimal expenses like Rs 30-50 per plate. The style of such meals is totally different. Simply really feel it, and phrases are quick to clarify.
In the event you ever go to Banashankari and don’t eat “Rotti/bread” meals supplied outdoors the temple, your journey will not be full.
Padayatra or Foot Pilgrimage to Badami Banashankari
Sure, it’s a widespread observe amongst devotees to undertake a Padayatre, or a pilgrimage on foot, to the temple, particularly on the complete moon day. This custom is particularly well-liked in the course of the annual Banashankari truthful in January or February.
Devotees normally begin their Padayatre from their properties or close by cities and villages, strolling lengthy distances to succeed in the Banashankari temple in Badami. Some devotees additionally undertake the journey barefoot as an indication of devotion and penance.
It’s a sacred and religious expertise, a means of searching for the blessings of the Banashankari Amma. Many devotees undertake this journey yearly, usually with their households and mates. Perception is that it strengthens the religion and devotion to the goddess.
Reaching Banashankari Temple in Badami
Although the temple is situated on the outskirts of the city, it’s simply accessible by highway. One has to succeed in the closest city, Badami, after which proceed to Banashankari, round 4 KM from there.
The closest airports to Badami are Hubbali and Belgaum airports, 110 KM and 130 KM away. Those that want prepare journeys can simply achieve this because the city is well-connected by Railways.
When you attain Badami, common KSRTC buses run to Banashankari. If not, one may take an auto or tanga experience (horse cart) with minimal expenses.
Vacationer sights close by
Badami is a historic city of the Chalukya dynasty with many historical temples and rock-cut monuments. One can discover a number of locations across the temple, akin to:
- Badami Caves: The Badami Caves or cave temples are a bunch of 4 cave temples carved into delicate sandstone cliffs.
- Aihole: Aihole is a historic city and the primary capital of the Chalukya dynasty, situated about 35 kilometers away.
- Pattadakal: Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site about 22 kilometers away.
- Mahakuta: Mahakuta is a small city about 14 kilometers away. Well-known for its historical temples and pure sizzling water springs.
Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal is a well-liked vacationer circuit in Karnataka.
These close by locations provide a glimpse into Karnataka’s wealthy historical past and tradition. They’re price visiting if you’re visiting the area.
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It is a Visitor Put up by Gayatri Ari from Ilkal, a spot well-known for sarees. A high quality specialist by career. Her true ardour lies in touring the world and exploring new cultures. As a nature and religious traveler, she finds solace in the fantastic thing about nature and enjoys the religious essence of various locations.