Śrī Madhukeśvara Temple, Banavasi
Karnataka's oldest capital and its honey-coloured liṅga
⭐ Why it is famous
A honey-hued liṅga that gives the temple its name, a monolithic stone cot carved for the Sonda kings, and Kadamba-era Nandi and pillared halls — the earliest surviving temple architecture of Karnataka.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Banavasi was the capital of the Kadambas from the 4th century, and the shrine grew through Chalukya, Hoysala and Sonda patronage. The poet Pampa's line about wishing to be reborn here as a bee or cuckoo made Banavasi part of Kannada's literary memory.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Darśan 06:00 – 13:00 and 17:00 – 20:00
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan; a protected monument, so no offerings of oil or ghee inside
- The stone cot and Nandi maṇḍapa are the highlights — allow an hour
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Śrī Madhukeśvara Temple, Banavasi, Banavasi, Uttara KannadaTalaguppa (TLGP) — 55 km
Banavasi bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Hubballi (HBX) — 130 km
Buses from Sirsi (23 km) run through the day; taxis from Sirsi are easiest.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Simple lodges at Banavasi
- Hotels in Sirsi, 23 km away
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹6,500 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Kadambotsava fair (December)
- Varada river bank
- Sahasralinga
📅 Best time to visit
November–February; Kadambotsava in December