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Banashankari Devi temple or Banashankari temple is a Hindu temple in Cholachagudda near Badami. This temple is popularly called 'Shakambhari' or 'Vanashankari' because it is located in the Tilakaaranya forest. Goddess Shakambari is an incarantion(other form) of goddess Parvati.
The name Banshankari is derived from two Sanskrit words vana(forest) and Shankari (consort of Shiva). The original temple was built in 7th Century by Badami Chalukya kings.This temple is a Shaktipeeth with Shakambhari devi, Bhima, Bhramari, Shatakshi & Ganesha and his mother Parvati devi idols.
The temple celebrated its annual festival called Banashankari jatara in the months of January or February that includes cultural programmes, boat festival and Ratha Yatra(deity is paraded round the city in a chariot or Ratham).
The original temple was built in 7th century AD and the present temple was refurbished or rennovated in 1750 by Parusharam Agale, a Maratha chieftain. It is said that the original temple was in existence even before the ruling period of the Chalukyas. Vaishnava, Shaivaite, Jain & Shakta religious devotees worshipped Banashankari as a form of Shakti.
The Deepa Stambas (pillar with lamps) are seen at the entrance to the temple. This construction was credited to the warrior Ketimayya which was mentioned in the inscription on the pillar.
Badami bus stand is located at a distance of around 5.2 KM from this temple. You can reach the temple by taking a local taxi from bus stand.
VPP3+VR2, Banashankari, Cholachagudda, Karnataka 587201
