Banavasi Madukeshwara Temple
The renowned Madhukeshwara temple is the prime attraction of Banavasi, a quaint town located in Uttara Kannada district. Banavasi was the capital city of the Kadamba kings, the first royal dynasty of Karnataka who established their empire in 345 AD. The only remains of the ancient Kingdom of the Kadambas is the famous Madhukeshwara temple of Banavasi. The entire life of the town revolves around this temple. Built in stone around 1,500 years ago, it was renovated with additional structures by later dynasties. The presiding deity of Madhukeshwara (Lord Shiva) is a honey colored Linga installed during the period of the first king of Kadambas. It also has a seven feet Nandi idol made of a single stone.
Major festival celebrated in the Banawasi village is Mahashivratri. People from all around the world gather at Madhukeshwara temple to celebrate this grand festival. Mahashivratri falls on the sixth night of the dark Phalgun (Feburay or March) every year. It is the same night, when Lord Shiva performed Tandava. People fast(viratham) on this day and offer prayers, milk, sweets and flowers to the idol of the Lord Shiva. It is also believed that on this day Shiva and Parvati tied knot.
Kadambotsava is a cultural festival celebrated for continuous two days in the month of December. It is feted every year by the Karnataka Government in remembrance of the Kadamba Empire. Musical bands and folk dancers all gather at Kadambotsava to celebrate this grand cultural festival.