Saundatti Yellamma Temple

The Yellamma temple at Saundatti in Belagavi district sits on Yellamma Gudi hill above the Malaprabha River. Also called the Renuka Devi temple, it honours Yellamma, whom many devotees identify with Renuka, mother of Parashurama. Bommappa Nayak built it in 1514, and its design combines Chalukya, Rashtrakuta and Dravidian elements.

Carved doors mark the main entrances, and tall lamp pillars beside them are lit after dark. The goddess is shown in the sanctum adorned with jewellery, and smaller shrines house Shiva, Vishnu and Ganesha. The temple legend tells how Sage Jamadagni ordered his son Parashurama to behead Renuka; another woman who tried to protect her was killed as well, and when the sage granted a boon to bring the mother back, Renuka returned as Yellamma. The yearly Yellamma Devi Jatra brings large crowds, with the goddess taken out in ornamented palanquins to music.