Banvasi_ the ancient city of Kadambas

Banavasi, touted as the ancient city next only to Varanasi is today a town of population less than 5000. It was during the rule of Kadambas this kingdom acquired its great heights and the words of poet Pampa which made Banavasi all the more famous (for Pampa’s exact lines see http://www.banavasibalaga.org/laanchana_en.html ). A sleepy village nestled in the western ghats, the principal attraction is the Madhukareshwara Temple, is a quiet place in spite of the town having a history of more than 2000 years. Many dynasties are reported to have added their own stamp to the temple complex and it was fascinating to learn that Shantala- The dancing queen had challenged the famed Allam Prabhu in the very precincts of this temple.

Exquisitely carved elephants at the entrance

Temple Precincts

This Probably is the spot where the Hoysala queen Shantala danced, with the imposing nandi in the backdrop

A very intricate work on a stone cot, captured partly

Can't say for sure how old this figurines could be but was just wondering if the style reminds of Dandiya