Banavasi
We went to Banavasi the other day. This could be our 10th visit to this temple town. And I was like "aaaahh , yawn"
But then I opened my eyes and saw the first thing - the elephant at the entrance of the temple. Wow, it is marvellous. The stone sculpture is so beautiful.
Then I realized this is not a temple built last year, or last decade. This temple is almost thousand years old.
It was built by Kadamba kings.
Kadambas
Kadambas were the first "Kannada" kings to have established a large kingdom. Their official language was Kannada! Did you know when the kingdom started its rule - it was around 320 AD!!!
Mayur Sharma - said to be a Brahmin established this kingdom. They ruled for around 300 years from Banavasi and then Chalukyas overthrew them.
But the branches of Kadamba kingdom ruled from Goa, Hanagal and Halasi for another 600 years.
But then I opened my eyes and saw the first thing - the elephant at the entrance of the temple. Wow, it is marvellous. The stone sculpture is so beautiful.
Then I realized this is not a temple built last year, or last decade. This temple is almost thousand years old.
It was built by Kadamba kings.
Kadambas
Kadambas were the first "Kannada" kings to have established a large kingdom. Their official language was Kannada! Did you know when the kingdom started its rule - it was around 320 AD!!!
Mayur Sharma - said to be a Brahmin established this kingdom. They ruled for around 300 years from Banavasi and then Chalukyas overthrew them.
But the branches of Kadamba kingdom ruled from Goa, Hanagal and Halasi for another 600 years.
The famous poem by the poet Pampa “Mari dumbiyagi men kogileyagi huttuvadu Banavasi deshabille. arankushavitodem nenevudenna manam Banavasi desamam” refers to this Banavasi!!
The architecture of the temple is marvellous.
There is a stone cot with intricate carvings.
Just pause and think about how old the temple is and how old the history is.
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