Saundatti Renuka Yellamma Temple, located 5 km from Savadatti Yallamma, Belgaum District, Karnataka. Yellamma Temple, also known as Renuka Temple, is on top of a hill formerly known as Siddhachal Parvat and now known as “Yellamma Gudda”. The deity in the temple is Goddess Yellamma or Ellama or Renuka, worshiped as a goddess of fertility. The temple was constructed in 1514.
It is the only ancient temple dedicated to Mother Renuka in the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Renuka Devi was the mother of Sri Parsuram and the wife of the great Sage Jamdagni. There is a story associated with Mother Renuka and this temple is believed to have a source of holy water that cures Skin diseases.
Three water tanks are known as Kumkum Kundam, Yoni Kundam, Arihan Kundam and a sacred well called Jogal Bhavi. Other deities are Lord Parasuram, Lord Ganesh, Mallikarjuna Swamy and others. All major Festivals are celebrated from October to April. The best time to visit the temple is from September to February. The entry is free and there is no strict dress code any traditional dress is allowed.
Saundatti Renuka Yellamma Temple is associated with the ancient Devadasi practice of dedicating girls to the temple, which the Karnataka government claims to have eliminated. Yellamma Jatra takes place on the full moon day known as “Bharat Hunnime”, which attracts thousands of devotees from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. On Tuesdays and on Fridays the crowd will be more. During this Jatre, Yellamma Devi’s idol is taken out for procession and she is worshipped as Goddess Shakti. Here a custom called Nimmana is observed which involves the circumambulation Sathyamma temple with neem leaves in the mouth.
Saundatti Ellama Temple Timings: 4.00 AM to 10.00 PM
Saundatti Renuka Temple Address:
Yellamma Gudda,
Savadatti Yallamma,
Belgaum District,
Karnataka – 591173.
