Banavasi Madhukeshwara Temple

Located about 23 km from the town of Sirsi, Banavasi is the oldest town in Karnataka and one of the oldest places in India. Surrounded by forests with river Varada flowing around it, Banvasi has lush green fields of rice, sugarcane and pineapple. The town is famous for the ancient Madhukeshwara Temple that dates back to the 9th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple, according to history was built by Mayura Sharma of the Kadamba dynasty. The Kadambas were the oldest rulers of Karnataka and they reigned till the Chalukyas came to power. The Madhukeshwara Temple as it stands today is the result of a number of modifications that have taken place during the times of succeeding dynasties like the Chalukyas and Hoysalas.
The main deity Lord Shiva is simple and in the form of a honey coloured Shiva Linga and hence derives the name ‘Madhukeshwara’. The Sankalpa mandapa and Nritya mandapa have some beautiful carvings that are noteworthy and representative of the Chalukyan and Hoysala architecture styles.