Banashankari Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

Historical | Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Hubli Railway Station): 9 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour

Place Location: At Amargol

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 9 km from Hubli Junction Railway Station, Banashankari Temple is an ancient temple situated at Amargol near Hubli. It is one of the ancient temples in the district, and among the popular places to visit in Hubli. The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Banashankari Temple in Amargol dates back to the 13th Century and was built by the Chalukyas. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Banashankari, a form of Goddess Parvathi. According to mythology, goddess Parvathi came to the earth to rescue the people from Durgamasura, a powerful demon and destroyed the wicked demon. She was given the name Vana Shankari, meaning Goddess of the forest, and eventually came to be known as Banashankari.

The Banashankari Temple in Amargol is a fine architectural marvel of the Chalukyan era. The Banashankari temple in Amargol is a Dvikuta -a two shrine temple. One shrine is dedicated to the goddess Banashankari while the other shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple has two shrines topped with vimanas, one in the stepped-diamond-shaped Nagara style and the other in the Dravida style. The Navaranga Mandapa in this temple has beautiful pillars decorated with figures of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Narasimha, Ganapathi, Brahma, and other Gods.

Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free