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Banada Devi, Banada Mahathayi mathhu Banashankari-History of Banashankari Idol at Banashankari Temple, Badami

Author:  Dr.  Sheelakantha Pattara

Place: Badami

The paper presents the history of Banashankari worship in the famous temple of Banashankari at Badami in Bagalkot district. Author has sited various inscriptions available in the region in tracing back the history of the temple. Due to constant wars which took place in the region, the temple was destructed twice in its history. The old ruins of the ancient temple can be seen next to the present temple and said to be the original structure with features of Rashtrakuta period. It was worshiped as Banada Devi during the reign of Rasthrakuta and Kalyana Chalukya. Later, during the reign of Achyutha Raya of Vijayanagara, the temple was renovated and a new idol was installed and was known as Banada Maha Mayi. Due to the Muslim invasion in the region, this temple was destroyed and the idol was thrown in the temple pond which ASI has recovered recently.  The present temple was built by Maratas and new idol was installed and named Banashankari in the early 19th century.