Madhukeshwara Temple Banavasi

In the history of Karnataka, Banavasi holds a prominent place for so many reasons. ‘Kadamba’ community was the first native empire of Kannada speaking lineage. They established this Banavasi as the first capital of their rule. Their dynasty reigned for at least two centuries from 345 AD. So, this is one of the earliest known civilizations in India and especially in Karnataka. The Mahabharata epic also mentions Banavasi as Sanjayanthipura, which was ruled by Sahadeva, a Pandava. Starting from the 2nd century, this majestic temple is a mélange of Sonda, Hoysala, Chalukya, Pallava and Rashtrakuta schools architecture until the 12th Century.

From ornately carved pillars to a simple-most sanctum sanctorum, each part of this Madhukeshwara temple is a reflection of the style of architecture. Unlike the other temples in South India, this temple has two pillars facing the main shrine. One of them is meant to light the lamps and the other one is quite unusual with a stepped pyramidal base. The porch of the temple is followed by a 7 feet tall Nandi (bull). One eye of the bull looks straight into the Shivalinga and the other eye gives a diagonal look through the pillars to the adjacent sanctum of Parvati. The Nandi is surrounded by carved granite pillars none of them are exactly similar. Before the main shrine, there is a little hall on the left, which is an intricately carved stone hall of a representation of Triloka (the three worlds as per Hindu Mythology).

This charming creation requires more time to admire and understand the inferences. There is an extremely artistic tall idol of Vishnu that can be seen. This idol is supposed to be the leading deity of the temple after whom it is named. The usual color of a linga in the temples is black. However in this temple, it is honey-colored. That is how the temple is named (Madhu means honey). The excavation project of the archeological department has led to some very important artifacts and inscriptions displayed for the public. Another feature of this temple is that, none of the deities are placed without their consorts vehicles. Though this temple, along with some other places in this circumference is a must visit while touring Karnataka, due to its location may be, it should be included in visiting North Karnataka.