This sculpture is in the temple premises.
The mother shrine is located at Cholachagudda, roughly 5 km from the historic town of Badami in the Bagalkot district.
Originally constructed by the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 7th century AD, the temple deity served as the tutelary family goddess of the Chalukya rulers. The present structural architecture represents a blend of Dravidian, Nagara, and Maratha architectural styles following a 1750 renovation by Maratha chieftain Parusharam Agale.
The name originates from “Vana” (forest) and “Shankari” (consort of Shiva) because it was established deep within the ancient Tilakaaranya forest. The central deity is an eight-armed black stone sculpture depicting the goddess seated on a roaring lion while crushing a demon underfoot.
Haridra Tirtha: Directly in front of the temple lies a massive, 360-foot-square stone-lined water tank known as the Haridra Tirtha, which features a striking three-story lamp tower (Dweepa Sthambha) built in the center.
The temple draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims during the major Banashankari Jatre cultural festival and fair held every January/February, highlighted by a grand chariot (Rath Yatra) and boat festival.
