Banashankari Temple is a highly revered shrine situated at Banashankari, en route to
Badami, in
Karnataka. The temple was originally built by the late
Chalukyas of Kalyan. The present temple, built in17th century, reflects typical Dravidian style of architecture.
The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Banashankari, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple enshrines a black stone idol of goddess, seated on a snarling lion. The goddess is depicted with eight arms.
Harida Teerth, a large pond in front of the temple, is enclosed on three sides by stone mantapas with inner colonnades.
The annual festival held here in January-February is a major draw. During the festival, the temple deity will be placed in her chariot to ride in procession around the vicinity.
Badami Railway Station, served by the South Western Railways, is the nearest railhead.
