Banashankari Temple is a popular Hindu temple and a historical tourist site in Badami. It originates back in the 7th century when the Chalukya clan sat on the authoritarian throne. This temple enshrines Goddess Parvati as the presiding deity. According to a legend, she manifested here as Banashankari Devi to slay the demon Durgamasurra. A temple was built to honor her valor of killing the demon.
It Is Known For:-
1) Banashankari Temple is a temple of the bygone times. It is said that it was built here prior to the reign of the Chalukya clan. They made donations on an extensive scale to the Vaishnava, Shaiva, and Shakta sect and worshiped Goddess Banashankari as a form of Shakti.
2) The structure of the temple was rebuilt in the mid-seventeenth century by a Maratha chieftain, Parshuram Agale.
3) The original structure of the temple was in the Dravidian architecture but the rebuilt one was made in Vijayanagara style of architecture.
4) Goddess Banashankari is carved out of the black marble seated on a lion and suppressing the demon Durgasurra. She has eight arms and holds the trishula, kapaalpatra, damaru, ghanta, Vedas, khadag, and dhaal.
5) The circumjacent of the temple include the coconut and betel nut trees. They are made as an offering to the Goddess
Best Time To Visit:-
Banashankari Temple is visited on a huge scale throughout the year. The best time for marking the presence at the temple is on the occasion of Navaratri. It is the time when the entire shrine is festooned with lights and flowers.
Watch Out!
Do not miss to be the part of the pujas that take place in the temple for nine days. Each day, the prayers are held twice and numerous devotees pay obedience during these prayer sessions.
Reaching There:-
Badami is well-connected to the entire Karnataka via highways, airways, and railways. Such connectivity allows the visitors to reach the city conveniently. One can commute within the city via local transit like buses, autos, and sharing shuttles.
Nearest Railway Station:- Badami Railway Station
Nearest Airport:- Hubli Airport
