Near the ancient rock-cut caves of Badami in Karnataka stands the Banashankari Amma temple, dedicated to the Goddess as Banashankari — Shakambari, the Mother of the forest and giver of plenty, who nourishes the world with herbs and grain. Tradition holds that she slew the demon Durgamasura, restoring the sacred texts and the rains, and she is worshipped seated upon a lion, radiant and serene.
The temple, set beside the great Haridra Tirtha tank ringed by pillared arcades, is ancient in origin and richly developed under the Chalukyas and later kings. Banashankari draws great crowds, especially during her grand annual fair (jatre) in the winter month, and is among the most beloved and venerable Devi shrines of northern Karnataka.
