Impressive Madhukeshwara Temple Architecture
Introduction
Temple construction is one of the finest and traditional arts of India. A lot of architectural styles were followed by various rulers during various periods. In particular, Karnataka is known for Hoysala style of architecture in temples. There were many other styles, which defined the architecture of the temples in Karnataka. To visit this magnificent temple, buy bus tickets beforehand to enjoy the trip.
Location
Madhukeshwara temple is located in Banavasi, an ancient town of Karnataka. Banavasi is situated in the deep forests of Western Ghats on the borders of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga district. It is 374 kms from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka.
History
The Madhukeshwara temple is one of the ancient temples of Karnataka. It was built during the 9th century by Mayura Sharma, the first ruler of Kadamba dynasty. Kadamba is the oldest dynasty, which ruled most part of the Karnataka before Chalukyas and Hoysalas. So, this temple has undergone many modifications during the rule of Chalukyas & Hoysalas.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, which is honey coloured, and thus, the temple is named after the God. It is said that a glimpse of this temple is equal to visiting all main Hindu temples in India. The main temple is surrounded by many idols, which depict Lord Shiva and Vishnu from Tirupati, Varanasi, and Rameshwaram etc.
One can catch a glimpse of an attractive half idol of Ganesha (Ardha Ganapati) and it is believed that the other half of the idol is in Varanasi. It is one of its kinds present in the world. It is believed that Madhukeshwara temple, Banavasi is as significant as the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Architecture of the Temple
The main shrine of the temple is very simple in nature and has minimal ornamentations and carvings on the walls and pillars. As told earlier, the temple is a blend of Kadamba, Chalukyan and Hoysala dynasty, which gets reflected in the temple construction.
During Chalukyas period, a sankalpa mandapa was added to the main temple. The nritya mandapa, which was an addition during the Hoysala period, has delicate carvings on the pillars and the ceiling. The monolithic (carved out of a single stone) Nandi statue is the other attraction of the temple.
How to reach there?
The best means of transportation to reach Madhukeshwara Temple, Banavasi is by bus from Sirsi, which is about 23 km away. There are regular bus services from Sirsi to Banavasi locally. Bus tickets reservation facilities are provided by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) from the Bangalore city. You can also avail online bus tickets service for a pre-planned and comfortable trip.
Cultural festivals
The main cultural festival of Banavasi is €Kadambotsava', which is arranged annually during the month of December. During this festival, folk dancers, classical musicians and dancers, drama troupes and Yakshagana artistes gather here from all over south India.
Another important festival is the Rathotsava, which happens during every Mahashivarathari. Special arrangements are made by the Government of Karnataka for common public and famous personalities to attend these cultural festivals.
Temple construction is one of the finest and traditional arts of India. A lot of architectural styles were followed by various rulers during various periods. In particular, Karnataka is known for Hoysala style of architecture in temples. There were many other styles, which defined the architecture of the temples in Karnataka. To visit this magnificent temple, buy bus tickets beforehand to enjoy the trip.
Location
Madhukeshwara temple is located in Banavasi, an ancient town of Karnataka. Banavasi is situated in the deep forests of Western Ghats on the borders of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga district. It is 374 kms from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka.
History
The Madhukeshwara temple is one of the ancient temples of Karnataka. It was built during the 9th century by Mayura Sharma, the first ruler of Kadamba dynasty. Kadamba is the oldest dynasty, which ruled most part of the Karnataka before Chalukyas and Hoysalas. So, this temple has undergone many modifications during the rule of Chalukyas & Hoysalas.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, which is honey coloured, and thus, the temple is named after the God. It is said that a glimpse of this temple is equal to visiting all main Hindu temples in India. The main temple is surrounded by many idols, which depict Lord Shiva and Vishnu from Tirupati, Varanasi, and Rameshwaram etc.
One can catch a glimpse of an attractive half idol of Ganesha (Ardha Ganapati) and it is believed that the other half of the idol is in Varanasi. It is one of its kinds present in the world. It is believed that Madhukeshwara temple, Banavasi is as significant as the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Architecture of the Temple
The main shrine of the temple is very simple in nature and has minimal ornamentations and carvings on the walls and pillars. As told earlier, the temple is a blend of Kadamba, Chalukyan and Hoysala dynasty, which gets reflected in the temple construction.
During Chalukyas period, a sankalpa mandapa was added to the main temple. The nritya mandapa, which was an addition during the Hoysala period, has delicate carvings on the pillars and the ceiling. The monolithic (carved out of a single stone) Nandi statue is the other attraction of the temple.
How to reach there?
The best means of transportation to reach Madhukeshwara Temple, Banavasi is by bus from Sirsi, which is about 23 km away. There are regular bus services from Sirsi to Banavasi locally. Bus tickets reservation facilities are provided by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) from the Bangalore city. You can also avail online bus tickets service for a pre-planned and comfortable trip.
Cultural festivals
The main cultural festival of Banavasi is €Kadambotsava', which is arranged annually during the month of December. During this festival, folk dancers, classical musicians and dancers, drama troupes and Yakshagana artistes gather here from all over south India.
Another important festival is the Rathotsava, which happens during every Mahashivarathari. Special arrangements are made by the Government of Karnataka for common public and famous personalities to attend these cultural festivals.
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