Banavasi

Banavasi

Banavasi was one of the capital of the Kadamba Kings who established the first Kannada Empire in c.e 345AD. Kadamba Empire built by Mayura Varma, who was originally Mayura Sharma, a Brahmin studying in Kanchipuram. He took up the study of warfare or Kshatriya Vidya and became a warrior king who established the Kannada Empire.

It is the same place where Pampa, the famous poet of Kannada wrote his epic poems. The great Kannada poet Pampa was so much enamored of this place that he exclaimed that he wished to be born as a petty cuckoo or bee in the land of Banavasi! Pampa told about Banavasi that, “ Arankushavittodam Nenevudenna Manam Banavasi Deshamam”. It was also the ancient place of learning where scholars from other states used to came and settle down here.

Banavasi is mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. The Buddhist work Mahavamsa states that Emperor Ashoka sent missionaries to Banavasi Formerly Banavasi is known as ‘Vaijayantipura’ or ‘Jayantipura’ or ‘Vanavasi’

Lord Madhukeshwara Temple is major attraction of Banavasi. It was built by the legendry Hindu architect Jakanacharya around 1500 years ago. The Madhukeshwara Temple is famed for its architecture, deriving its name from the honey colored Linga. The innermost sanctum sanctorum is built in a very plain style with minimal carving on the door and the lintel. The Sankalpa mantapa in front reveals the influence of the Chalukyan style. There is a seven foot huge Nandi idol made of a single stone. The Nritya mantapa or the dancing hall was added during the Hoysala period and has exquisite carving on the pillars and the ceiling.

The temle has beautifully carved stone cot called as ‘ Kaalu Mancha’. It also has Triloka mantapa, Goddess Parvathi Devi, Lord Vishnu, Parashurama, Ardhaganapathi, Dhundiraj ganapathi idols, Astadikpalakaru statue etc. The famous five hooded Naga sculpture with the Prakrit inscription of 2nd century C.E was installed by princess Sivaskanda Nagashri when she got constructed a Vihara and tank as per the inscription in second century.Banavasi has the 75ft height Ratha which is tallest in South India.

Special Festival:

Kadambotsava/Rathotsava

Address:

Shri Madhukeshwara Temple,

Banavasi,Sirsi,

Uttara Kannada,Karantaka

Pincode : 581318

Nearest cities : Sirsi,Haveri,Hangal,Sorab,Shimoga

Distance from Banavasi:

Sirsi: 25 km

Haveri: 65 km

Hangal: 41 km

Sorab: 24 km

Hubli : 105 km

Shimoga: 78 km

Davangere :127 km

Know More…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banavasi

IndianExpress

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