Temple Description

The Hindu shrine known as Banashankari Devi Temple, also called Banashankari Temple, is situated in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India, at Cholachagudda, close to Badami. Because the temple is situated in the Tilakaaranya forest, it is also known by the names Shakambhari, Banashankari, and Vanashankari. The temple deity is also known as the Shakambhari, which is an incarnation of the goddess Parvati (Kannada: ᲶಾᲕoಭರಿ).

Both Karnataka and Maharashtra, a neighboring state, send pilgrims to the temple. The goddess Banashankari was revered as their tutelary deity by the Badami Chalukya monarchs of the 7th century, who constructed the first temple. In January or February, the temple celebrates Banashankari jatre, its yearly celebration. The celebration features cultural performances, boat festival as well as a Rath yatra, when the temple goddess is wheeled around the city in a chariot. Banshakhari is a manifestation of Maa Shakambhari Devi, whose authentic, principal, and historic temple is situated in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur District. It goes by the name Shaktipeeth Shakambhari Devi as well. Along with the mother, there are statues of Bhima, Bhramari, Shatakshi, and Ganesha.