History of Banashankari Temple
Banashankari Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine and is a fine architectural marvel. The temple is popularly called Banashankari or Vanashankari since it is located in the Tilakaaranya forest. The temple deity is also called the Shakambhari, an incarnation of the goddess Parvati.
Historians have dated the original temple to the 7th century AD – the Kalyani Chalukya period to Jagadekamalla I in 603 AD (according to epigraphic inscriptions) who installed the image of the goddess. The present refurbished temple was built in 1750, by Parusharam Agale, a Maratha chieftain.
Banashankari Devi Temple was built initially in the Dravidian architectural style. The rebuilt structure is in the Vijayanagara architectural style. This temple is a Dvikuta -a two shrine/two-tower temple. Like most temples in this region of this period(13th century), this temple also exhibits Nagara influence.
This temple has two shrines topped with Vimanas, one in the stepped-diamond shaped Nagara style and the other in the Dravida style, and is enclosed by a high wall on all sides. The main structure has a mukha mantapa (portico), ardha mantapa, and a sanctum topped by a Vimana (tower). The main sanctum of the temple has the image of goddess Banashankari deified in it. The black stone sculpture depicts the goddess seated on a lioness trampling a demon under her foot.
This holy place has been completely remodeled. The Navaranga Mandapa in this temple has excellent columns beautified with figures of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Narasimha, Ganapathi, Brahma, and different Gods. There is a 360 ft square water tank in the forefront of the temple at the entrance, which is locally called Haridra Tirtha. The pond is enclosed with stone mandapas on three sides. A pradakshina or circumambulatory path surrounds the tank.
The scriptures Skanda Purana and Padma Purana state that the demon Durgamasura harassed the local people constantly. Answering the prayers of the Devas (demi-gods) who appealed to God through a sacrifice to protect them from Durgamasura, the Lord directed the goddess Shakambari to help the people. The goddess appeared through the fire of the Yagna (fire-sacrifice) in the form of the goddess Shakambari. She then killed the demon after a fierce encounter and restored peace in the region. Banashankari is considered as the incarnation of goddess Parvati, who is the consort of god Shiva.
Locals also call the temple goddess as Balavva, Banadavva, Sunkavva, Shiravanthi, Chowdamma, and Vanadurge. It is said that Banashankari is the sixth incarnation of the warrior-goddess Durga.
Timings to Visit Banashankari Devi Temple
Pooja Timing on Tuesday – Friday – Sunday:
- Tuesday 6.00 AM to 1.00 PM and 3.00 PM to 9.00 PM
- Friday 6.00 AM to 1.00 PM and 4.30 PM to 9.30 PM
- Sunday 6.00 AM to 1.00 PM and 4.30 PM to 9.30 PM
Darshan Timing on Monday – Wednesday – Thursday – Saturday:
- 06.00 AM to 1.00 PM
- 04.30 PM to 8.00 PM
Daily Abhisheka Timing
Morning: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Pooja Timing Change During Rahu Kala
- Sunday 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- Tuesday 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
- Friday 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
How to Reach
By Air: Hubli – 106 km, Belgaum – 150 km
By Train: Bangalore City Railway Station – 8.5 km
By Bus: BMTC Shuttle Service Bus Stop – 4 km
Address
Banashankari Temple, Prathiba Industrial Estate, Kumaraswamy Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078, India.
Also Read Places to visit in Karnatak
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