Banashankari Amma Temple, Hindu temple in Badami, Karnataka, India
Banashankari Amma Temple is a Hindu place of worship in Badami, Karnataka, India, sitting on the Cholachagudda hill above the plain. The main chamber houses a black stone statue of the goddess with eight arms, standing about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and surrounded by carved pillars and a vaulted roof.
The Chalukya dynasty founded Badami as their capital in the 6th century and built this temple as the royal family's main place of devotion. Over the centuries, later rulers expanded the complex and added new gateways and courtyards while preserving the original shrine structure.
The name Banashankari refers to a goddess of the forest and reflects the ancient connection between worship and the surrounding hills. Devotees light oil lamps in the courtyard and recite prayers before the shrine, often bringing flower garlands and coconuts as offerings.
The temple opens at sunrise and closes after sunset, with priests conducting ceremonies in the morning, midday, and evening. Visitors can reach the hilltop via a wide staircase and should bring comfortable shoes for the climb.
The goddess holds a different object in each of her eight hands: a sword, bell, trident, and lotus on the right side, plus a drum, shield, a severed head, and a vessel on the left. These objects symbolize different aspects of divine power and are mentioned in rituals throughout the year.
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