Nourishing the Creation

 

 

 

Badami is a village in Bagalkot district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Famous for its ancient cave temples. Nearby is another Shakti Peeth in the Tilakaaranya forest near the village of Cholachagudda of Shakambari Devi, also known as Banashankari or Vanashankari. This goddess is situated in a dense forest. Her temple is surrounded by numerous trees of fruits, flowers, coconuts, betel nuts and poppies. This is the form of Annapurna, the goddess who feeds everyone in any situation.

 

This temple was built by the Chalukya kings of Badami in the 7th century. A remarkable structure built in the style of Dravidian architecture. Ardha Mandap, Mandap and Garbhagriha are beautifully arranged. The Shikhar over the Garbhagriha is very impressive. There is a 360 ft (109.7 m) square water tank in the forefront of the temple at the entrance, which is locally called as Haridra Tirtha,

 

The temple has a high stone fort. Eagle pillars (Garuda Stambha) and lamp post (Deep Stambha) are in the front . These were Probably built in later period, which is evident through an impact of Islamic style of construction of Vijayanagar seen on these later structures.

 

The idol of the goddess is ‘ashtabhuja’ having eight hands made out of blackstone. Has a weapon in each hand. This goddess is said to have appeared from the sacrificial pot and destroyed the demons. She is the mother who provides food to everyone. Her vegetable-covered appearance during the fair is a sight to behold. Thus the name ‘Shakambari’; ‘Annapurna’

 

She is a mother duty bound to feed everyone. The mother nourishes. Every living being needs nourishment. Parvati is nature itself; Filling and nourishing the creation. This is her form—Shakambari Devi. Salutation to motherhood.