SIRSI: Banavasi, a small town on the border of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts, is just 20 km away from Sirsi.
This picturesque little-known town comes into fame every December/January as ‘Kadambotsav,’ a mega cultural festival brings together poets, folk dancers, classical musicians, drama troupes, Yakshagana artistes and other performers from within and outside the state.
The Utsav is organised by the state government and attended by dignitaries and literary personalities.
Banavasi is the land where Pampa, the first poet of Kannada, wrote his epic poems. This was the capital of the Kadambas, the first kingdom of ancient Karnataka. It is from here that the temple architecture of the Chalukyas and Hoysalas got its basic elements. This was the ancient seat of learning to which scholars flocked from other states like Goa and Maharashtra.
But now there is very little that remains of its glorious past. The only reminder of the Kadamba era is the Madhukeshwara temple around which the town came up. Built in stone nearly 1,500 years ago, this temple is one of the earliest evidences of the architectural splendour of the Kadambas. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was modified with additional structures by later dynasties. This unique feature of the temple illustrates how the architectural styles evolved from the ninth century to the present. The sanctum sanctorum is built in a plain style with minimal carving on the door and the lintel. The Sankalpa mantapa in front reveals the influence of the Chalukyan style. There is a seven-feet huge Nandi idol carved out of a single stone. The Nritya Mantapa (dancing hall) was made during the Hoysala period and has exquisite carvings on the pillars and the ceiling.
This is the spot where the legendary Shantala challenged the famed musician Allama Prabhu.
The presiding deity of Madhukeshwara is a honey-coloured lingam dedicated during the period of Mayura Varma, the first king of Kadambas. As Mayura Sharma (Varma) was humiliated by the Pallava princes, he vowed revenge. He took up the study of warfare and became a warrior king who established the Kadamba dynasty in 345 AD, as legend goes.
This temple town has been a centre of rich culture. For art and culture connoisseurs Kadambotsav this year on January 17-18, is a chance to watch the best ensemble of poets, musicians and folk dancers.