Sri Badami Banashankari Devi is a deity worshipped at the very least for the reason that Chalukya period of Golden Karnataka. Positioned in Badami Taluk of Bagalkote District, Banashankari temple is a well-known Shakti Peetha in North Karnataka. Thousands and thousands 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 embellished 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 referred to as Durgamasura lived in a forest, Tilakaranya. He was giving hardship not solely to the individuals dwelling there but additionally to the sages. Unable to resist 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 fascinating 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 along 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.
Totally different names of Amma
Folks 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 type. The unique temple was within the Dravidian architectural type. A tall wall or Prakara surrounds the temple from all sides.
Temple consists of an oblong mandapa or corridor with a towered entrance referred to as Gopuram. The gopuram showcases the carvings of quite a lot of deities and Pauranic figures. It serves because the gateway to the primary 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, referred to 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 gorgeous black stone. She sits on a lion, with a demon underneath her ft. 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 referred to as “Haridrathirtha.”
There’s a distinctive customized on this Kalyani. New child infants are put in cradles made 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 gentle a lemon lamp through the Rahu Kala. The assumption is that by following this ritual, Rahu Dosha is eliminated.
As a part of “Palleda Habba” or vegetable pageant, Devi is embellished with numerous greens. Other than that, numerous curries are ready and supplied to Banashankari Devi. This custom has been adopted for many years, and 108 sorts of meals objects ready with completely 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 honest 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.
In the course of the honest, 1000’s of devotees from throughout Karnataka flock to the Banashankari temple to supply prayers and search the blessings of the goddess. The honest creates a full of life, vibrant, and colourful environment, with road distributors promoting numerous objects comparable to sweets, flowers, garments, and toys.
Navaratri Celebration at Banashankari Amma Temple – Badami
Crucial 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. Festivals and festivals happen throughout this time at Banashankari temples and throughout North Karnataka.
Genuine North Karnataka Meals at Temple
Native girls put together corn/maze/Sorghum roti, Karagadubu (Puran Kadabu), Kalupalle (sprouts curry), pink chili chutney, and Pundi Palle (Gongura curry). They carry all this to the temple to supply the drained devotees.
They take minimal prices like Rs 30-50 per plate. The style of such meals is completely different. Simply really feel it, and phrases are quick to elucidate.
When you ever go to Banashankari and don’t eat “Rotti/bread” meals supplied outdoors the temple, your journey is just not full.
Padayatra or Foot Pilgrimage to Badami Banashankari
Sure, it’s a frequent apply 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 through the annual Banashankari honest in January or February.
Devotees normally begin their Padayatre from their properties or close by cities and villages, strolling lengthy distances to achieve the Banashankari temple in Badami. Some devotees additionally undertake the journey barefoot as an indication of devotion and penance.
It’s a sacred and non secular expertise, a method of looking for the blessings of the Banashankari Amma. Many devotees undertake this journey yearly, typically with their households and buddies. 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 street. One has to achieve 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 favor prepare journeys can simply accomplish that because the city is well-connected by Railways.
When you attain Badami, common KSRTC buses run to Banashankari. If not, one also can take an auto or tanga trip (horse cart) with minimal prices.
Vacationer sights close by
Badami is a historic city of the Chalukya dynasty with many historic temples and rock-cut monuments. One can discover a number of locations across the temple, comparable to:
- Badami Caves: The Badami Caves or cave temples are a gaggle of 4 cave temples carved into mushy 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 historic temples and pure sizzling water springs.
Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal is a well-liked vacationer circuit in Karnataka.
These close by locations supply a glimpse into Karnataka’s wealthy historical past and tradition. They’re price visiting in case you are visiting the area.
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It is a Visitor Publish by Gayatri Ari from Ilkal, a spot well-known for sarees. A high quality specialist by occupation. Her true ardour lies in touring the world and exploring new cultures. As a nature and non secular traveler, she finds solace in the great thing about nature and enjoys the non secular essence of various locations.
