Yellamma Temple, Savadatti, Karnataka

Yellamma Temple, Savadatti, Karnataka

Yellamma Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Renuka Devi located in Savadatti Town in Savadatti Taluk in Belagavi District in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is also called as Renuka Temple. This temple is situated on top of the Yellamma Gudda overlooking the Malaprabha river.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2022/10/yellamma-temple-savadatti-legends.html

History

The original temple might have been built by the Rashtrakutas in 8^th century CE. The current temple was built in 1514 CE by Bomappa Nayaka of Raibag. The temple is associated with the ancient Devadasi practice of dedicating girls to the temple during ancient times. This practice has been abolished now. The temple is under the control of Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department of Karnataka. Saundatti, also known as Savadatti is one of the oldest towns in Belgaum District in the Indian state of Karnataka. Savadatti was Sugandavarti / Sougandipura during ancient times. Saundatti was the capital of the Ratta dynasty (from 875 – 1230 CE), until the capital shifted to Belgaum.

The Temple

This temple is situated on top of the Yellamma Gudda overlooking the Malaprabha river. Yellamma Gudda was known earlier as Siddhachal Parvat / Ramagiri. The temple follows a mixture of Chalukyan and Rashtrakuta style of architecture. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and maha mandapa. The sanctum enshrines the image of Yellamma / Renuka Devi, the wife of Sage Jamadagni and mother of Lord Parasurama. Shrines of Ganesha, Mallikarjuna, Parashuram, Eknath and Siddheshwar can be found in the temple premises.

There are three theerthas (sacred ponds) at the back side of the temple namely Kumkum Kundam, Yoni Kundam, and Arihan Kundam. There is also a sacred well called the Jogal Bhavi. The water from this well is said to have medicinal properties to cure skin diseases. There is a tank named Yogarbavi Sathyamma Kunda, situated at the lower end of the hill. Devotees take bathe and put new clothes here before proceeding to the main temple for worship.

A notable custom called Nimmana is observed here. It involves the circumambulation of the Sathyamma Temple with neem leaves in their mouths. There is a spot known as Parasurama Kshetra situated adjacent to the temple. It is believed to be the site where Lord Parasurama sat in penance. The temple has dharmashalas (free lodges), health centers and other basic facilities for the benefit of the devotees.

Festivals

Yellamma Devi fair is held about five times between October and February. But the largest fair is held on the full moon day of Margasira (Nov-Dec). The number of attendees normally crosses 10 lakhs during this fair. The fair is also known for the practice of dedicating girls to the Devadasi system. A very large number of pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and Maharashtra visit the temple during these festivals. Banada Hunnime (Oct-Nov) and Bharatha Hunnime (Jan-Feb) are the other festivals celebrated here.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Savadatti Bus Stand, 9 Kms from Hooli, 16 Kms from Munuvalli, 29 Kms from Nargund, 30 Kms from Belavadi, 38 Kms from Ramdurg, 44 Kms from Dharwad, 55 Kms from Hubballi, 60 Kms from Hubballi Airport, 64 Kms from Hole Alur Railway Station, 82 Kms from Belagavi Airport and 93 Kms from Belagavi. Savadatti is situated on Belavadi to Ramdurg route.

Location