Saundatti Yellamma (Renuka) Temple, Karnataka

Address

Saundatti Yellamma (Renuka) Temple, Karnataka

Yellamma Gudda, Savadatti Yallamma,

Karnataka 591173

Amman

Yellamma

Introduction

• Location: About 5 km from Saundatti, Karnataka, on a hilltop known as Yellamma Gudda.
• Deity: Goddess Yellamma (Renuka), a fertility goddess.
• Temple Built: In 1514 by Bomappa Nayaka of Raybag.
• Historical Significance: The site has archaeological evidence dating back to the Rashtrakuta and Chalukyan periods.

Puranic Significance

• Archaeological Findings:
  • Evidence of a temple from the Rashtrakuta or Chalukyan period (8th-11th century CE).
  • Megalithic tombs and early historic red ware from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE found on the hill.
• Yellamma Cult: Prevalent during the Chalukyan period, after their conquest of the Kadamba region.
• Sacred Locations:
  • Yogarbavi Satyabamma Kunda: A tank where devotees bathe before worship.
  • Nimmana: A custom involving circumambulation of the Sathyamma Temple with neem leaves in the mouth.
  • The deity is also called Jagadamba, meaning “Mother of the Universe,” and is believed to be a form of Kali.

Special Features

• Deity’s Connection: Renuka, the mother of Parasurama and wife of sage Jamadagni, revered as one of the Saptamatrikas (seven divine mothers).
• Water Tanks: Three sacred ponds:
  • Kumkum Kundam, Yoni Kundam, and Arihan Kundam: Used for bathing and worship.
  • Jogal Bhavi: A well believed to cure skin diseases.
• Parasurama Kshetra: Believed to be the site of Lord Parasurama’s penance.
• Adjacent Shrines: Temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Mallikarjun, Parashuram, Eknath, and Siddeshwar.

Festivals

• Annual Festivals: Held twice a year, from October to April, attracting large numbers of pilgrims from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and Maharashtra.

Century/Period

1514

Managed By

Government of Karnataka

Nearest Bus Station

Saundatti

Nearest Railway Station

Dharwad

Nearest Airport

Hubli and Belgaum 

Location on Map

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