Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple, Ratha Beedi, Banavasi, Karnataka 581318

Diety

Madhukeshwara

Introduction

Located in one of the oldest cities of India, Banavasi, the Madhukeshwara temple has religious and historical significance. During Mahashivratri people from across the country flock this temple to celebrate the festival. Banavasi is the ruins of what used to be a glorious temple town rich and flourishing with prosperity and indigenous craft in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state of India. At present day the only preserved structure dating back to the glory days of Banavasi is the honey hued unique Shiva Lingam that is housed in the Madhukeshwara temple. Banavasi was the first capital city of Karnataka during the reign of the powerful and mighty Kadamba dynasty. At present day, Banavasi withholds the ruins and remnants of the glorious past and can be considered to be a heritage city. In the present day and age the only remaining structure from the glory days of the past that still remains preserved as a silent witness to the glorious past in the Madhukeshwara temple installed in dedication of the ruling deity Lord Shiva. Located at a distance of just 400 kilometres from the capital Bangalore city, Banavasi is rich in its reserve of natural vegetation and is infested with wildlife and surrounded by the Varada River on all three sides.

Puranic Significance

Banavasi was the first capital city of Karnataka when it was ruled by the Kadamba dynasty. The city dates back to 375 AD. It has been mentioned in revered terms by Chinese traveler-monk, Huen Tsang, Greco-Roman writer, Ptolemy, Kalidasa and Chamarasa. The Madhukeshwara temple gets its name from the honey-hued Shiva Lingam inside the sanctum. The temple dates back to the 9th century and hence is one of Karnataka’s oldest temples. It was commissioned by Mayura Sharma from the Kadamba dynasty.