Banashankari Temple, Karnataka, India

Banashankari Temple, Karnataka

Banashankari Temple

The Banashankari Temple is located in Amargol town in Dharwad district, Karnataka. Banashankari is a form of the Goddess Parvati. This form of the Goddess is very popular in Karnataka. There are many famous temples dedicated to Devi Banashankari in Karnataka. The most famous one is probably the Banashankari Amma Temple in Cholachagudd. There is also a temple to this Goddess in the city of Bangalore. This temple is so popular that the area itself is called Banashankari.

The reason why Parvati took up this form is explained In 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.
The Banashankari Temple in Amargol is a fine architectural marvel and is located near the Unkal Lake and the Chandramouleshwara Temple. The temples built in this area in the 13th century exhibit northern influence. They have the Nagara style incorporated into them. This temple is no exception.

Architecture - Banashankari Temple

Banashankari Temple

Banashankari Temple

The Banashankari temple in Amargol is a Dvikuta -a two shrine/two tower temple. Like most temples in this region of this period, this temple also exhibits Nagara influence. This temple has two shrines topped with Vimanas, one in the stepped-diamond shaped Nagara style and the other in the Dravida style.
One shrine houses the main deity, Devi Banashankari, and the other houses a Shiva Linga. The main Banashankari shrine is built in the Nagara Style. This shrine has been fully renovated. The restoration work on the other shrine is ongoing.
The Navaranga Mandapa in this temple has beautiful pillars decorated with figures of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Narasimha, Ganapathi, Brahma and other Gods.
The Banashankari Temple, Amargol, Dharwad is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
 



Location

Hubli - 110
Hospet - 126
Bangalore - 436


Nearby Places:

Badami
Pattadakal
Aihole
Hampi

How to reach to Banashankari Temple

Road :
Gadag is well connected by road from all District headquarters of Karnataka. Upon reaching Gadag, one can take local transport or KSRTC Rural service to reach Lakkundi

Rail :
Badami is the nearest railway station

Airport :
The nearest Airport is at Hubli. International Airport is at Bangalore

Where to stay:

Vijayshree Heritage Village
VR Bhurat Nagari, Hospet-Hampi Road, Malpangudi, Hospet 583 239
Tel: : 08394-225 890-93
Fax: 08394-225 894
Email: md@vijayshreeresort.com
Website: www.vijayshreeheritagevillage.com

Krishna Palace
Railway Station Road, Near Bus Stand, Hospet, Bellary 583 201
Fax: 08394-294 231
Email: contact@krishnapalacehospet.com
Website: www.krishnapalacehospet.com

Royal Orchid Central, Kireeti
Railway Station Road, Hospet 583 201
Email: rooms@royalorchidhotels.com
Website: www.royalorchidhotels.com