Banavasi Madhukeshwara Devara Maha-Rathotsava-2012- Uttara Kannada

Banavasi is an ancient temple town in Uttara Kannada District bordering Shivamogga district in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It comes under Sirsi Taluk . Banavasi was one of the capital of the Kadamba Kings who established the first Kannada Empire in c.e 345AD.

Lord Madhukeshwara Temple is major attraction of Banavasi. It was built by the legendry Hindu architect Jakanacharya around 1500 years ago. The Madhukeshwara Temple is famed for its architecture, deriving its name from Honey colored Shivalinga.

Madhukeshwara Devara Maha-Rathotsava:

Rathotsava is the biggest festival of Banavasi celebrated in the month of March-April every year. In Banavasi total four chariots are there.

Hagalotsava Ratha (Small Chariot)
Tiruguni Ratha (Paatala Chariot)
Hoovina Ratha (Flower Chariot)
Sri Manmahasyandana Ratha (Big Chariot)

"Sri Manmahasyandana Ratha (Big Chariot)" is the main attraction of Banavasi Rathotsava. It is also called as " Dodda Teru". It is one of the biggest Ratha (in height) in Karnataka which was donated by the King of Sonda Sri Ramachandra Nayak in the year 1608. This chariot has got the height of 75 feet & weight of about 150 tons. This chariot is one of the oldest chariot in Karnataka (404 Years).

Banavasi Rathotsava -2012 starts from March-27 and ends on April-5.

Banavasi Rathotsava Events Details:

27-3-2012- Ganapathi Pooja

28-3-2012- Mahabali

29-3-2012 to 2-4-2012 - Hagalotsava Ratha & Tiruguni Ratha

2-4-2012- Hoovina Ratha

3-4-2012- Sri Manmahasyandana Ratha (Big Chariot)

4-4-2012- Kumkumotsava

5-4-2012- Avabhrata Teertha Snana

Location:

Banavasi lies deep in the rain forests of Western Ghats with the Varadha river flowing around it on three sides. It is located 374 km from Bangalore. The nearest railway station is 112 km away in Shimoga. Nearest town is Sirsi which is 23 kms away from Banavasi.

Route Map:

KSRTC buses available from Bangalore, Mysore, Shivamogga, Hubli, Sagar, Davanagere, Sirsi, Sorab, Jade, Anavatti.

For more details about History of Banavasi & Tourist places near to Banavasi click on following links.

http://yashaswipayana.blogspot.in/2009/04/once-glorious-place-and-capital-city-of.html
http://yashaswipayana.blogspot.in/2010/02/pampavana-banavasi-uttara-kannada.html
http://yashaswipayana.blogspot.in/2010/03/gudnapura-lake-uttara-kannada-district.html