About Banashankari Amma Temple
The Banashankari Amma Temple stands at Cholachagudda, about 5 km from Badami in Bagalkot district of northern Karnataka. The goddess, called Banashankari or Vanashankari, 'Shankari of the forest', is also worshipped as Shakambhari, the mother who nourishes her children with vegetables and greens. She is the family deity (kuladevi) of many communities, including the Devanga weavers and several Brahmin families, and devotees come from across Karnataka and neighbouring Maharashtra. The temple lies in a green area once known as the Tilakaranya forest.
According to the Puranas, a demon named Durgamasura troubled the world and caused a terrible famine. The goddess appeared, destroyed the demon and fed the starving people with vegetables and fruits that grew from her own being, earning the name Shakambhari. Tradition links the shrine with the Chalukya kings of Badami, who are said to have honoured the goddess as their patron deity, and inscriptions at the site record later gifts and repairs. The present building is largely a later reconstruction, generally attributed to the 18th century; sources differ on the details of its history.
The temple is enclosed by a high wall and has a pillared porch, an inner hall and a sanctum topped by a tower. The black stone image shows the eight-armed goddess seated on a lion, holding weapons and trampling a demon. In front of the temple lies a large square tank, Haridra Tirtha, ringed by stone pavilions and lamp towers. During the annual jatre in January, the goddess is taken out in a tall chariot, and a huge fair with stalls, cultural programmes and a festival of vegetable offerings fills the grounds.
Banashankari Amma Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Banashankari Amma Temple
By air
Hubballi airport is about 105 km away; Belagavi airport is about 150 km away.
By train
Badami railway station is about 10 km away.
By road
Autorickshaws and local buses run from Badami town. Badami is well connected by road with Bagalkot, Hubballi and Vijayapura.
Festivals at Banashankari Amma Temple
- Banashankari Jatre and Rathotsava (Banada Hunnime)Jan/Feb
- Shakambhari NavaratriDec/Jan
- Sharad NavaratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- During the January jatre, expect very large crowds and plan transport early.
- Visit the Badami caves in the morning and the temple later, or the other way round, to avoid the midday heat.
- Summers in this region are very hot; carry water and a cap.
- Keep footwear at the stands near the entrance.
Places to visit near Banashankari Amma Temple
- Badami Cave Temples6th-century rock-cut Hindu and Jain caves, about 5 km away
- Mahakuta group of templesEarly Chalukya Shiva temples with a spring-fed tank, about 10 km away
- PattadakalUNESCO World Heritage temple complex, about 20 km away
- AiholeEarly Chalukya temple town, about 35 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who is Goddess Banashankari?
She is a form of Parvati worshipped as the goddess of the forest and as Shakambhari, who fed the people during a famine according to the Puranas.
When is the Banashankari jatre held?
The annual jatre and chariot festival are held in January or early February, around the full moon of the Pushya month.
How far is Banashankari temple from Badami?
It is about 5 km from Badami town, reached easily by autorickshaw or bus.
Is there an entry fee at Banashankari temple?
No, darshan is free.
What is the aarti time at Banashankari Amma Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Banashankari Amma Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Banashankari Amma Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
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