Bhavani Temple is located in Benakanalli, a small village near Bidar in the state of Karnataka. The presiding deity of this temple is Goddess Bhavani, a fierce and powerful form of Shakti (Divine Mother). Bhavani Devi is worshipped as the Grama Devata (village guardian goddess).
She is revered as a protector, granter of boons, and a destroyer of evil. Bhavani Devi is believed to be a form of Durga or Parvati, who rides a lion and holds weapons in her hands. The idol here is beautifully adorned with sarees, garlands, and traditional ornaments.
According to the locals, the temple is considered very old and sacred. It is believed that the deity manifested naturally or was enshrined many generations ago by local devotees who were guided by divine dreams or signs.
Many years ago, the region around Benakanalli village near Bidar was covered in dense forests and was home to sages and tribal communities. The land was peaceful, but the villagers often suffered from recurring droughts, strange illnesses, and fear of wild animals. There was no temple in the village at that time, and people believed that the village lacked divine protection.
One night, an elderly farmer from the village had a powerful dream. In his dream, a radiant goddess appeared, seated on a lion and shining with a golden glow. She introduced herself as *Bhavani Devi, a fierce and loving form of **Parvati*, and told him that she had chosen Benakanalli as her abode. She said, “I am here to protect this land. Build a temple for me where the neem tree stands, and your village will flourish.”
The farmer woke up in shock and awe. The next morning, he rushed to the spot where the neem tree stood — a place considered sacred by many — and was surprised to find a small *stone idol* half-buried under the roots. He immediately informed the village elders, and the news spread quickly. Believing the dream to be divine guidance, the villagers gathered and *unearthed the idol, cleaned the area, and began worshipping the stone as ‘Bhavani Devi”.
Soon after, the drought ended, and the village saw good rains and rich harvests. The frequent illnesses disappeared, and the fear among the people gave way to confidence and faith. People believed that Goddess Bhavani had truly blessed the village and was now living among them.
With time, a small shrine was built using local stone and mud. As the years passed, the temple was improved with help from devotees, and a proper sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) was constructed. The idol was placed inside and adorned with turmeric, Kumkum, flowers, and sarees. Devotees began visiting the temple from nearby villages, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The villagers also say that during a time of conflict in nearby regions, a group of invaders attempted to enter Benakanalli, but a fierce storm struck and forced them to turn back. That night, the same Goddess appeared in another devotee’s dream and said, “I guard this land. None shall harm it while I am worshipped here.” From then on, Bhavani Devi was worshipped not just as a mother but also as a ‘warrior goddess and protector’.
Even today, elders in Benakanalli say that any devotee who prays sincerely to Bhavani Devi — especially during *Navaratri* — will have their wishes fulfilled. Childless couples, those seeking health, and farmers praying for rain regularly visit the temple. The villagers perform ‘sevas (services)’ like ‘lighting lamps, offering sarees, pongal, and organizing bhajans’ during festival days.
