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Banashankari Amma Temple

Cholachagudd, Bagalkot, Karnataka
Goddess Devi
More in Karnataka

Type

Hindu Temple

Deity

Goddess Devi

Pincode

587206

One of the most powerful Shakti temples in Karnataka, 5 km from Badami. Goddess Banashankari (Devi of the forest/banana grove) is worshipped here in a unique form — seated on a lion crushing a demon, holding a skull. The Rathotsava (chariot festival) here draws 5 lakh pilgrims and is one of Karnataka's grandest festivals.

History & Significance

Significance

Banashankari Amma is the patron goddess of the Kannada-speaking people of north Karnataka. The Shivaratri Rathotsava here (February) is an extraordinary spectacle — the decorated chariot of the Goddess is pulled through the streets by devotees in a massive fair that lasts 10 days.

History

The Banashankari temple dates to the early medieval period, with the current structure largely built by the Chalukyas of Badami. The famous Kannada poet Kumara Vyasa wrote the 'Gadugina Bharata' at this temple in the 15th century CE.

Plan Your Circuit

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Closest temples by distance — worth combining into the same trip.

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