Banavasi is an ancient temple town located near Sirsi in

Karnataka Karnataka (; ISO: , , also known as Karunāḍu) is a state in the southwestern region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as Mysore State , it was renamed ''Karnat ...

. Banavasi was the ancient capital of the Kannada empire Kadamba that ruled all of modern-day Karnataka state. They were the first native empire to bring Kannada and Karnataka to prominence.It is away from its nearest large city Sirsi through SH 77.

History

Banavasi is the oldest town in the

state. It has grown up around the Madhukeshwara Temple built in the 5th century and dedicated to

Shiva Shiva (; sa, शिव, lit=The Auspicious One, Śiva ), also known as Mahadeva (; ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐ, or Hara, is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hindu ...

the supreme God in

Shaivism Shaivism (; sa, शैवसम्प्रदायः, Śaivasampradāyaḥ) is one of the major Hindu traditions, which worships Shiva as the Supreme Being. One of the largest Hindu denominations, it incorporates many sub-traditions rangi ...

, a major branch of

Hinduism Hinduism () is an Indian religion or '' dharma'', a religious and universal order or way of life by which followers abide. As a religion, it is the world's third-largest, with over 1.2–1.35 billion followers, or 15–16% of the global p ...

5th-century copper coin was discovered here with an inscription in the Kannada script, one of the oldest such coins ever discovered. Adikavi Pampa, the first poet of Kannada, wrote his epics in Banavasi. The town once was the capital of the Kadamba rulers, an ancient royal dynasty of Karnataka. They established themselves there in A.D. 345 and ruled South India for at least two centuries. Banavasi contains some of the oldest architectural monuments in southern

India India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...

Location

Banavasi lies in Malenadu region and is surrounded by forests and villages, with the Varada river flowing around it on three sides. Sirsi, is the nearest town about 23 km away. It is 400 km from Bengaluru. The nearest railway stations are 70 km away in

Haveri Haveri is a city in Karnataka, India. It is the administrative headquarters of Haveri district. Haveri is famous for its cardamom garlands and Byadagi red chillies. Around 25 km away, there is a place called Bada, which is the birthplace o ...

and

Talaguppa Talaguppa is a village located in Sagara Taluk in Karnataka State, India. The National Highway No.206 ( Bengaluru - Honnavara) passes through Talaguppa village. The village is 14.37 km from the taluk's center Sagara, 77.68 km from S ...

. The district Headquarters is

Karwar Karwar is a seaside city, ''taluka'', and administrative headquarters of Uttara Kannada district lying at the mouth of the Kali river on the Kanara coast of Karnataka state, India. Karwar is a popular tourist destination and with a city urba ...

Agriculture

The soil is fertile around Banavasi and paddy, wheat, sugarcane, arecanut, spices and pineapple are grown. Its specially known for pineapples, bananas and ginger. There are many pineapple farms on the edge of the village.

Attractions

The annual December cultural festival, Kadambothsava, is a huge gathering, organised by the state government, and featuring folk dancers, drama troupes, classical musicians, art exhibitions while drawing together performers, artists, and writers from throughout

south India South India, also known as Dakshina Bharata or Peninsular India, consists of the peninsular southern part of India. It encompasses the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as the union territ ...

. Banavasi has long been a cultural centre, especially the

Yakshagana Yakshagaana is a traditional theatre, developed in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and western parts of Chikmagalur districts, in the state of Karnataka and in Kasaragod district in Kerala that combines dance, music, dialogue, ...

art form. Today local artisans craft and sell the classical folk art Yakshagana masks here.

Gallery

Image:banavasi1.jpg, Madhukeshwara Temple at Banavasi Image:banavasi2.jpg, Nandi (bull) in ''Mahamantapa'' (hall) Image:banavasi3.jpg, Throne carved of Stone at Madhukeshwara temple Image:banavasi4.jpg, Elephant at the entrance Image:banavasi.jpg, Madhukeshwara Temple Image:Madhukeshwara_Temple_at_Banavasi.JPG, Sunset at Madhukeshwara Temple at Banavasi

References

External links

Ancient City of Banavasi

5th century copper coin discovered at Banavasi

Bouncing off to Banavasi

The Kadamba Kula: A History of Ancient and Mediaeval Karnataka

A study of regional organization at Banavasi
{{Authority control Kadambas Former capital cities in India Tourist attractions in Uttara Kannada district