Temples In India

Karnataka Madhukeshwar Temple

History

This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and as per the historical evidences available, the construction of the temple dates back to 345 AD. The construction was completed in the reign of Kadamba kings. This temple is only the viewable memory remained of the Kadamba king empire. Location of this temple was the Kingdom of Kadamba Empire. This temple and village Banavasi is like a life line of the residents of surrounding area. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple. Another attraction of this temple is a seven ft high idol of Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva.

Architecture

This is a stone cut temple and made in traditional Dravidian style of architecture. Entrance has been given the shape of Gopuram but the height of Gopuram has been restricted due to smaller area of the temple. Inside the main hall walls and pillars have been carved in simple way. The major attraction of construction style of this temple is the roof. On a wall of the height of 3ft pillars have been erected and a sloppy roof made of stone covered the area. On the edge of the sloppy roof, another straight wall of 3ft height is also erected with the arches and facings. Under this structure, entire portion is blank to perform various religious activities. In the Garbhagriha the idol of Shri Madhukeshwara is placed. Surrounding area is covered with palm trees. A large tarmac is also there to accommodate the devotees.

Festivals

Annual car festival in the March of every year celebrated at this temple. Mahashivaratri is another grand festival of this temple. Except this, Kadambotsava is also celebrated in the memory of Kadamba Empire.

How to Reach

This temple can be accessed through three types of transportation.

By Air

Goa is the location where nearest Airport is located at 161 kilometers from this temple and connected through road and rail also.

By Rail

Sirsi is the nearest rail head and located at 33 kilometers from the temple. Road conveyances are easily available.

By Road

Various roadways buses and taxies ply between Sirsi and Banavasi at the interval of 15 minutes. Auto rickshaws are also available to take a visitor to the temple on affordable charges.

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