Katyayani Baneshwar Temple, Aversa
Shri Katyayani Baneshwar Temple in Aversa, near Ankola in North Canada district of Karnataka is revered as one of the famous Shakti Temples in the state. Constructed by the communities of Saraswat Brahmins and Goud Saraswati Brahmins, Katyayani Temple holds a rich culture and heritage.
Aversa Katyayani Baneshwar Temple is located at a distance of 100 Kms from Goa and 500 Kms from Bangalore.
Shri Katyayani is the Kuladevi (Kuladevata) (Family Deity) to many Konkani Saraswat Brahmins and Daivajnya Brahmins
According to the customs of this temple, Pooja’s are performed first to Shri Katyayani and then to Shri Baneshwar and then to Shri Ganapati (Ganesh). This is one of the significant features of the temple.
This is the only temple from Goa, to be relocated to Aversa with all the original idols of the main deities of Shree Katyayani, Shree Baneshwar and all other temple deities during the Portuguese invasion. The idol of Katyayani is known for having a tilted head just like the Navadurga Devi located in Madkai (Goa).
The other deities worshipped are Sri Grama Purusha, Sri Rama Purusha, Sri Nirakara, Sri Kalabhairava and Sri Dada. The idol of Sri Ganapathi is at the entrance of the shrine of Sri Baneshwar.
The temple is managed by Shri Katyayani Baneshwar Temple Trust. The temple complex is run on solar energy.
One branch of Kanyakubja Brahmins sub-caste Misra of north India hail from Katyayani gotra.
Amongst various Gotra-pravars [ clan-originator ] Katyayani is the only female.Hence Katyayani holds an special sinificance.