Yellamma Temple, also known as Renuka Temple, Kannada in ರೇಣುಕ ಯಲ್ಲಮ್ಮ ದೇವಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ is a pilgrimage destination located about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) away from the town of Saundatti in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is situated on a hilltop known earlier as Siddhachal Parvat and now known as “Yellamma Gudi”, named after the temple.
ABOUT LOCATION:
The hill on which the Yellamma Temple sits is part of the Sidhachal or Ramagiri range, oriented east-west and overlooking the Malaprabha river near the town of Saundatti. While the temple 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) away from the town, the town itself is 112 kilometres (70 mi) away from Belgaum, the district headquarters. Dharwar and Hubli are two other major towns which are at a distance of 38 kilometres (24 mi) and 58 kilometres (36 mi) respectively from Saundatti.
TEMPLE HISTORY:
The temple was built in 1514 by Bomappa Nayaka of Raybag. According to archaeological evidence found around the temple, a temple existed here either during the early Rashtrakuta or late Chalukyan period from the mid-8th to the mid-11th centuries. The megalithic tombs found here are dated to a much earlier period. Also seen on the hill are potsherds of early historic redware dated to the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD, in addition to megalithic blackware and redware. It is believed that the Yellamma fertility cult was prevalent here even during the Chalukyan period, following their taking possession of this region from the Kadambas of Banavasi.
Another place of worship is the sacred “Yogarbavi Satyabamma Kunda” or tank at the lower end of the hill, where devotees bathe and put on new clothes before proceeding to the temple for worship. A notable custom observed here is called “Nimmana”, which involves the circumambulation of the “Sathyamma Temple” with neem leaves in their mouths. The temple deity is also known as Jagadamba, meaning “Mother of the Universe” and is believed to be a form of Kali.
The temple has been under the management of the Government of Karnataka since 1975. Facilities for pilgrims visiting the temples, like Dharmashalas (free guest houses), health centers, and other basic facilities, have been created by the government.
KNOWN AS SAPTAMATRIKA OR SEVEN DIVINE MOTHERS FROM THE ADIPARASHAKTI:
The Yellamma Temple is built in the Chalukyan and Rashtrakuta styles, as evidenced in the carvings created in Jain architecture. According to the government gazetteer, the goddess worshiped in the temple is associated with Parasurama’s (an incarnation of Vishnu) mother Renuka, the wife of the sage Jamadagni. She is revered as one of the Saptamatrika or seven divine mothers, who protected the earth and its rulers. The goddess is also known as Yelumakkaltai, meaning “the mother of seven children” in Kannada language. She is a cult figure worshiped by the pastoral community of the Dhangar and Kurumbas of southern Maharashtra and North Karnataka.
There are three water tanks or ponds at the back side of the temple known as Kumkum Kundam, Yoni Kundam, and Arihan Kundam. These are considered holy and are places where people bathe and offer worship. There is also a sacred well called the Jogal bhavi; the water of this well is believed to cure skin diseases. Another location adjacent to the temple known as Parasurama Kshetra is believed to be the site where Lord Parausrama sat in penance.
Within the temple precincts stand shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Mallikarjun, Parashuram, Eknath, and Siddeshwar.
