Mathobar Madhukeshwara Temple

Overview

The Madhukeshwara Temple is located in Banavasi town in Uttara Kannada district.

About the temple

The Madhukeshwara temple is situated in Banavasi, an ancient town on the borders of the Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been built during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty. The main shrine in the Madhukeshwara Temple was built during the nascent stages of temple architecture. So, it is a very simple structure with minimal decorative sculptures on the walls and pillars. A Sankalpa mandapa was added to the temple during the Chalukyan rule. There is a Nritya mandapa which was built during the Hoysala period. This mandapa has exquisite carvings on the pillars and ceiling.

About the Deity

The main deity is Lord Shiva in the form of a honey colored Shiva Linga. The color of the Linga is the reason for the name, Madhukeshwara. There is a beautiful monolithic Nandhi statue in this temple.

Legend and stories

The Madhukeshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka. It is believed that Mayura Sharma, the first King of the Kadamba dynasty built this temple. The Kadambas are the oldest Dynasty of Karnataka. They ruled over large parts of Karnataka till the rise of the Chalukyas. The Madhukeshwara temple has undergone many changes, with additions during the rule of other dynasties like the Chalukyas and Hoysalas.

Festivals

Car Festival

Car festival is the biggest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Karnataka. It falls in the month of March every year. People pray to God to get peace and prosperity. It is an attraction for thousands of people outside and within the state. The merry making of the festival includes grand feast among the villagers. They adorn themselves with the new dresses, women wear heavy jewelry and men wear traditional dresses. It is one such festival in karnataka which unites the people irrespective of their caste and religion.

Mahashivratri

Another major festival celebrated in the Banawasi village is Mahashivratri. People from all around the world gather at Madhukeshwara temple to celebrate this grand festival. Mahashivratri falls on the sixth night of the dark Phalgun (Feburay or March) every year. It is the same night when Lord Shiva performed Tandava. People keep fast on this day and offer prayers, milk, sweets and flowers to the idol of the Lord Shiva. It is also believed that on this day Shivaji and Parvati tied knot.

Kadambotsava

Kadambotsava is a cultural festival celebrated for continuous two days in the month of December. It is feted every year by the Karnataka Government in remembrance of the Kadamba Empire. Musical bands and folk dancers all gather at Kadambotsava to celebrate this grand cultural festival.

Rare facts

One of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka. Dedicated to Shiva.

Other attractions

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

It you are a bird lover, than Banawasi village, is the right place to be at. You can make a visit to Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, located at the distance of 12 km from the village. You can carry the pair of binoculars to engage yourself in bird watching and taking pictures of its scenic beauty.

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit would be during the Rathotsava in March, Mahashivarathri and during the two day Kadambotsava cultural festival in December every year.

Accessibility

Air

The nearest airport is Hubli which is 100 km away.

Rail

Nearest Railway Station is at Haveri, 50 km away.

Road

The easiest way to reach Banavasi is to get a bus to Sirsi, a major bus Terminus 23 km away. From Sirsi, regular bus service is available to Banavasi.

Address

Ratha Beedi (Car Street),
Near State High No. 142 & 137, Banavasi,
Uttara Kannada, Karnataka – IN