Cholachagudda Shri Shakambhari (Banashankari Amma) Temple- Karnataka

Address

Cholachagudda Shri Shakambhari (Banashankari Amma) Temple- Karnataka

Cholachagudda,

Badami, Karnataka 587201

Amman

Banashankari Amma

Introduction

Location:

• Located at Cholachagudda, near Badami, in Bagalkot District, Karnataka, India.
• Situated in the Tilakaaranya forest, the temple is also referred to as Shakambhari Banashankari or Vanashankari.

Deity:

• The temple is dedicated to Goddess Banashankari, also known as Shakambhari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
• The goddess is revered as the tutelary deity of the Badami Chalukya kings and the Devanga community.

Puranic Significance:

• The original temple was built by the 7th-century Badami Chalukya kings, who worshipped Goddess Banashankari.
• The present temple was renovated in 1750 by Parusharam Agale, a Maratha chieftain.
• According to Skanda Purana and Padma Purana, the demon Durgamasura troubled the local people. In response to the prayers of the Devas, Goddess Shakambari appeared during a Yagna (fire-sacrifice) and killed the demon, restoring peace.
• Banashankari is also believed to have provided food (vegetables) during a famine, earning her the name Shakambhari (Vegetable Goddess).

Temple Architecture:

• Originally built in the Dravidian style, the present structure follows the Vijayanagara architectural style.
• The temple has a Mukha Mantapa (portico), Ardha Mantapa (entrance porch), and a Sanctum topped with a Vimana (tower).
• The idol of Goddess Banashankari is a black stone sculpture of the goddess seated on a lioness, trampling a demon, with eight arms holding various items like a trishul (trident), damaru (hand drum), kapaalpatra (skull cup), ghanta (war bell), Vedic scriptures, khadga-kheta (sword and shield), and the severed head of the demon.
• The goddess was the Kuladevi (tutelary deity) of the Chalukyas and is revered by the Devanga and Deshastha Brahmin communities.

Special Features:

• The temple is surrounded by a high wall.
• A large water tank called Haridra Tirtha (also known as Harishchandra Tirtha) is located in front of the temple, with stone mantapas (halls) on three sides and a pradakshina (circumambulatory) path around it.
• Lamp towers (Deepa Stambhas) are found on the west bank of the pond and at the entrance, including a unique Victory Tower reflecting the Vijayanagara and Islamic architectural style.
• The goddess is also known by several other names, including Balavva, Banadavva, Sunkavva, Shiravanthi, Chowdamma, and Vanadurge.

Beliefs:

• Banashankari is considered the sixth incarnation of the warrior-goddess Durga.
• Devotees seek blessings for prosperity, protection, and fertility.

Festivals:

• The temple celebrates the Banashankari Jatre, an annual festival held in January or February.
• The festival includes cultural programs, a boat festival, and a Rath Yatra (chariot procession), where the goddess is paraded around the city in a chariot.

Century/Period

7th century

Nearest Bus Station

Badami 

Nearest Railway Station

Badami 

Nearest Airport

Hubli

Location on Map

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