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| Karnataka Tourist Destinations - Banavasi |
Banavasi and its surroundings are gifted with nature’s bounty. There are numerous ponds around the districts and they are filled with lotuses and water lilies. On a winter morning, when the mist is just lifting, their sight acts as a balm to the weary urban soul.
Banavasi, a big village or a small town is on the banks of river Varada and has many stories to tell. It is recognised as the first capital of ancient Karnataka when the Kadamba dynasty ruled over the region from the fourth to the sixth centuries. A fifth century copper coin was discovered in Banavasi recently.
Banavasi also features in Hindu mythology across the yugas (eras). It is considered to be as old as Kashi Varanasi or Benares which is amongst the most holy of Hindu towns. Buddhism and Jainism have also spread their roots here. During the reign of Samrat Ashok, Banavasi was a learning centre for Buddhist monks. An ASI site at Gudnapura village nearby shows evidence of Jainism being encouraged by the royalty. |
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MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN BANAVASI |
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Banavasi has grown around the Lord Madhukeshwara temple which was built in the 9th century by the Kadamba dynasty. This architectural marvel has seen many modifications in later years as every dynasty which ruled Banavasi contributed its share to its present shape. This is evident visually as one goes from the ornate sculptures as one enters to the sombre simplicity of the innermost sanctum sanctorum. Some splendid monolithic stone works like the stone couch and the triloka mantapa depicting heaven, earth and the nether world are some of the highlights of the temple.
There is a belief that visiting this temple is equivalent to visiting all of Hinduism’s main temples. Around the main temple are idols depicting Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu from all their main abodes including Varanasi, Tirupati, Rameshwaram, etc. There is a striking half idol of Ganesha and it is believed that the other half is in Varanasi. There is also an unusual idol of Lord Narasimha with a peaceful face. There is a five-hooded Naga sculpture dating back to the 2nd century. It has an inscription in Prakrit (the old language) which states that Princess Sivaskanda Nagashri had this installed when she had a Vihara and tank constructed at the site.
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Several other temples dot the village and its surroundings giving one a good history lesson of Karnataka. There is one temple in Banavasi with the idol facing west to show that God can be worshipped regardless of the rules that Hinduism has evolved over the years. In most Hindu temples, the idol faces east
The River Varada flows at the edge of the village and its banks are the ideal place to relax with a book. Near the Tourist Complex, there is the Pampa Vana, a grove dedicated to the famous poet Pampa. It is believed that Kalidasa drew his inspiration for the “Meghaduta” from Banavasi. Sit at the Pampa Vana and who knows, you could become a writer yourself.
A walk (or cycle ride) around Banavasi will also show you the ancient wall of the city and the surrounding moat dated to be more than a thousand years old. The ASI is setting up an exhibition of the findings of their excavations in and around Banavasi which will give the visitor an understanding of the evolution of the history of the region.
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MAP OF BANAVASI |
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