5 kilometers away from Badami at Cholachigud is the locale of the famous Banashankari Temple. The temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century by the Chalukyas of Kalyan. The quaint hamlet taking its name from the goddess Banashankari lies enroute to Badami. The powerful eight-armed goddess on a snarling gold lion guards the village where a huge fair is held, attracting thousands of devotees.
Banashankari Temple has substantial mythic relevancy too. The Skanda Purana says that Devi Parvathi killed a demon called Durgamasura at Banashankari. The idol is made of black stone and the Goddess is seen to be seated on a lion. It can also be seen that she is treading a monster by her foot.
The best time to pay a visit to Banashankari Temple is Pushya-Maas which is January - February when the car festival is normally organized.