Today is Banashankari/Banada Hunnime (Pournami)
The Banashankari Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in Cholachagudda near Badami, in Bagalkot district, Karnataka. The temple is called Banashankari or Vanashankari because it is in the Tilakaaranya forest. The deity, Banashankari, is also known as Shakambhari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Banashankari is the sixth incarnation of the warrior goddess Durga.
The name “Banashankari” comes from two Sanskrit words: vana (forest) and Shankari (consort of Shiva, Parvati). Another popular name, “Shakambhari,” means “Vegetable Goddess.” In Sanskrit, Shaka means vegetables or vegan food, and Ambari means “one who nourishes the hungry.” The name can also be linked to the Sanskrit root Bhri, which means “to nourish.”
The Chalukyas originally built the temple in the 7th century, as Banashankari was their family deity. According to inscriptions, Jagadekamalla I installed the image of Banashankari Devi in 630 AD. The temple was later renovated by the Marathas in the 18th century and now reflects more of the Vijayanagara style of architecture than the original Chalukyan design.
The temple was initially built in the Dravidian style by the Chalukyas and later reconstructed during the Vijayanagara and Maratha periods. It consists of a mukha mandapa (front hall), an ardha mandapa (inner hall), and the sanctum, topped by a vimana (tower). In the sanctum, the goddess is depicted seated with eight arms, sitting on a lion and crushing a demon under her foot.
In front of the temple is a square tank, originally called Harishchandra Tirtha, now known as Haridra Tirtha. The tank has a walkway and stone mandapas on three sides. Two Deepa Stambas (lamp towers) are present—one near the tank and another at the temple entrance. The lamp tower near the tank also serves as a unique guard tower.
According to the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana, the demon Durgamasura harassed people in the region. In response to their prayers, the goddess Shakambhari emerged from a fire sacrifice (Yagna) to protect them. She fought the demon and defeated him, restoring peace. Banashankari is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Shiva.
During a severe famine, the goddess provided food and vegetables for the people, which is why she is also called Shakambhari, the “Vegetable Goddess.”
Banashankari Jatre
The Banashankari Jatre is a religious and cultural festival held annually, starting on the full moon day in January. It includes a Rath Yatra (chariot procession) where the deity is taken through the village streets. A famous cattle fair also takes place during the festival.
The festival features unique events like:
– Palleda Habba (Vegetable Utsava): Devotees offer 108 varieties of vegetable-based dishes (bazi) to the goddess.
– Teppotsava (Boat Festival): Parents use banana-stem boats to ferry newborn children around the temple tank, seeking blessings and good luck for their children.
During the festival, the temple and town are beautifully decorated with various flowers and leaves.
