Banashankari Amma Temple,
Cholachagudda – Legends
Annihilation of Durgamasura:
As per Skanda Purana and Padma
Purana, a demon named Durgamasura harassed the people in the Tilakaaranya
forest. The devas appealed to Lord Shiva for protection of the people from
Durgamasura. Lord Shiva directed goddess Shakambhari to help the people. The
goddess appeared through the fire of the Yagna (fire-sacrifice) in
the form of the goddess Shakambhari. She then killed the demon after a fierce
encounter and restored peace in the region.
Banashankari / Vanashankari:
As the temple is located in the Tilakaaranya
forest, the goddess came to be called as Banashankari / Vanashankari
(Vana / Bana means forest and Shankari means goddess Parvati).
Shakambhari:
As per legend, the goddess
provided vegetables and food for the people during a severe famine and saved
people from hungry. Hence, she came to be called as Shakambhari. The word
Shakambhari is formed by joining tow Sanskrit words Shaka and Ambhari (Shaka
means vegetable and Ambhari means one who bears to the hungry).
Incarnation of goddess Durga:
It is said that goddess Banashankari
is the sixth incarnation of the warrior-goddess Durga.
Other Names:
The goddess is also called as Balavva, Banadavva, Sunkavva,
Shiravanthi, Chowdamma and Vanadurge.
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