Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest temples in India. It is located in Banavasi, a small and tranquil town in Karnataka, located in the Uttara Kannada district. Nestled among the serene surroundings and lush greenery of the Western Ghats, Madhukeshwara Temple is the centrepiece of Banvasi’s rich historical past. The temple was built in the ninth century by the Kadamba rulers, who were one of the initial rulers of Karnataka. The temple is visited by millions of devotees and is famous among them for its architectural brilliance and natural beauty.
Architecture Of Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple
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You will have a pleasant experience taking note of the architecture of Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple. It is a stone-cut temple, which was built in the ancient Dravidian architectural style. Interestingly, the temple is the only visible memory that is still standing from the Kadamba King empire. It is also believed by the archeology experts that the construction of the temple is as old as 340 AD. The architecture of the temple is a beautiful blend of Hoysala, Sonda, Pallava, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta architecture schools. Over the centuries, the various rulers have kept contributing to the magnificence of the structure.
As you enter the compound of Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple, it will give you a feeling of entering a unique place that is brilliant in its craftsmanship. The insides of the temple have ornately carved pillars and a vast expanse of well-laid floor. Each element of the temple is a testimony of diverse architectural styles. The Madhulinga is about 64 inches tall and is formed by honey-colored stone. Honey holds utmost significance here as it acts as a symbol of love and friendship, due to being sweet in taste. Covered by a silver human-like face, the Shiva lingam can be seen by the devotees only during the morning aarti and rituals. The shiv lingam placed in the garbha griha in Mahamandapa of the temple is faced by two pillars. While, one is Deepastambha which has the role of carrying the lighted lamps, the other pillar has an unusual structure with a pyramid-like foundation.
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Attractions Near Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple
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There are many attractions of Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple that are unique to it and therefore, attract the attention of the devotees. There is a 7-foot tall statue of Nandi Bull, the mount of Lord Shiva, which is made in front of Shiva Lingam. Its head is tilted and one eye looks straight into the garbha griha where the Shiva lingam is placed. The other eye is diagonal and passes through the pillars to the temple of Goddess Parvati, the Adishakti, which is placed near Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple. The Nandi statue is extensively carved and is surrounded by ornate pillars made of granite that look different from each other. Another interesting thing to observe is that the deities are not placed with their companion deities and their vahana (mounts). The temple of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, is a lovely sight. The beauty of the temple comes alive during the auspicious Navaratri (nine nights) festival.
The Nritya Mandapa in the Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple is unique and shows us how the Devadasi system was followed in the olden times. The mandapa has an attractive architecture with pillars and benches made of black stone. Near the Mahamandapa is Shila Mandap, a representation of Triloka, which according to Hindu Mythology are the three worlds ruled by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Darshana mandapa houses a tall idol of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the Lord Vishnu’s Madhusudan avatar was witnessed here and the foundation of the temple was laid due to that belief.
Location Of Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple
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Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple is located about 387 kilometres northwest of Bangalore in Karnataka. The nearest most popular town to the temple is Sirsi. Banavasi village comes under Sirsi Taluk, located at a distance of about 23 kilometres. The other nearby cities are Gokarna, Sagara, Ankola, Ranebennur, Shikaripur, Shivamogga etc. On your trip to the temple, you can explore the nearby attractions, such as Shimoga, Davangere, Jog Falls and Hubli, with a day-long trip.
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Best Time To Visit
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All days of the year are a good choice to visit Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple. However, you can choose to pay a visit there during festivals, such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Navratri to feel the pulse of the holy place. If you are planning to visit the temple during your trip to Karnataka, chalk out your tour during the winter season, which runs from November to February.
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Plan your trip to Sirsi to pay a visit to Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple and explore the vibe of the temple, its brilliant architecture, the intricate detailing on the pillars, the lush greenery around it, and observe the well-preserved culture. The temple is well connected with the town of Sirsi. Our guided tour will help you enjoy a hassle-free devotional trip to the temple. Your visit to the Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple, one of the oldest temples in India, having a second-century idol, will be memorable for a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple
What is unique about Banavasi temple?
The Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple was built in the 5th century by the rulers of Kadamba dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architecture of the temple is splendid and unique. It has a seven-feet tall Nandi statue. The various mandapas of the temple are intricately decorated and house the deities.
What is the architecture of Madhukeshwara Temple?
It is believed that the Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple was constructed by Kadamba rulers of Karnataka. The temple was maintained and revamped by several other generations of rulers, such as the Kalyana Chalukyas, Sonda rulers and more. Therefore, one can notice various architectural styles, such as Kalyana Chalukya, Kadamba, and Hoysala styles.
What is the Chalukya Madhukeshwara Temple?
Dating back to the 9th century, the Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple is one of Karnataka's oldest temples. Commissioned by Kadamba King Mayura Sharma, the temple was renovated many times under the rule of various rulers.
How old is Madhukeshwara Temple?
It is believed that Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple was built in the 9th century by the first Kannada rulers of the Kadamba dynasty.
What is the meaning of Madhukeshwara?
Madhukeshwara can be translated as honey colour shivalinga. The temple is erected using a special kind of stone. Honey holds significance here as it symbolises sweetness, love and friendship.
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