Banashankari Amma Temple, Cholachagudda – Legends

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.