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Thomas Biggs
The Banashankari temple in Bunshunkuree
1855
Albumen print
28.2 x 39.1 cm (image)
The Royal Collection
RCIN 2603978
LL/93615
Photograph of the Banashankari temple in Karnataka. The little town of Banashankari (Bunshunkuree), a few kilometres away from Badami, takes its name from the goddess to whom a temple is built here. Banashankari is a fierce form of Parvati, the consort of Siva, and her image enshrined here shows her as black and eight-armed and seated on a snarling lion. The goddess is particularly venerated by the local weaving community.
The temple is said to have been built in the twelfth century by the Chalukyas of Kalyana. The large sacred tank or reservoir in front of the temple is called the Harida Teertha or Harishchandra Teertha, and is enclosed on three sides by the stone mantapas or halls of the temple complex.
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