Banashankari Temple, Cholachagudda, Karnataka

Banashankari Temple, Cholachagudda, Karnataka

Banashankari Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to goddess Durga located in Cholachagudda Village in Badami Taluk in Bagalkot District in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated to the south of Badami Town. The temple is also called as Shakambhari Devi Shaktipeeth.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/05/banashankari-temple-cholachagudda-legends.html

History

The original temple was built in 7^th century CE by King Jagadekamalla I of Badami Chalukyas. Badami Chalukyas worshipped goddess Banashankari as their tutelary deity. There is an inscription dating back to 1019 CE describing the Rashtrakuta King Bhimadeva in a pillar on the northern side of the temple. The Deepa Stambhas at the entrance of the temple were built by a warrior named Ketimayya. The present structure was built in 1750 CE by Parashuram Agale, a Maratha chieftain.

The Temple

The temple follows dravidian style of architecture with heavy influences from Vijayanagara architectural style. The temple is enclosed by a high wall on all sides. The main shrine consists of sanctum, ardha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The sanctum enshrines an image of Banashankari / Vanashankari / Shakambhari. She is shown seated on a lion trampling a demon under her foot. She is eight armed and holds trishul (trident), damaru (hand drum), kapala patra (skull cup), ghanta (war bell), vedic scriptures, khadga kheta (sword & shield) and severed head of demon. The sanctum is crowned by a vimana. Idols of Bhima, Bhramari, Shatakshi and Ganesha can be found in the temple.

There is a 360 feet square water tank in the front of the temple at the entrance. The water tank is locally called as Haridra Tirtha, a corrupted version of the name Harishchandra Tirtha. The pond is enclosed with stone manḍapas (halls) on three sides. A pradakshina or circumambulatory path surrounds the tank. Deepa stambhas (Lamp towers) can be seen on the west bank of the pond and also at the entrance of the temple. The tower on the bank of the tank is also an uncommon guard tower which reflects the Vijayanagara blend of Hindu and Islamic style It is called the Victory Tower.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 06.00 am to 01.00 pm and 03.00 pm to 09.00 pm.

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/05/banashankari-temple-cholachagudda-festivals.html

Contact

Banashankari Temple,

Cholachagudda, Badami Taluk,

Bagalkot District – 587 201

Karnataka, India

Phone: +91 8357 220 100 / 220 113

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 5 Kms from Badami Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Badami, 9 Kms from Badami Railway Station, 18 Kms from Pattadakal, 29 Kms from Aihole, 38 Kms from Bagalkote, 41 Kms from Naregal, 65 Kms from Gadag and 114 Kms from Hubbali Airport. The temple is situated to south of Badami Town on Badami to Gadag route.

Location