Visit Renuka Yellamma Temple at Savadatti –  June 11th, 2018

Our day long trip to Savadatti, to visit the famous Renuka Yellamma Devi temple did not quite begin the way we imagined it would. It was drizzling outside when we started and it was pouring by the time we reached our destination. The short- one hour drive to this holy, temple-town in North  Karnataka was both scenic and restrictive because of the rains.

The temple is set atop a small hill, once known as Siddhachal Parvat and now called “Yellamma Gudi”, after the temple. It has very little habitat or vegetation which adds to the beauty of this place and allows everyone to experience a moment of peace amidst all the city chaos, if only briefly. Close to the temple is the Parasgad Fort, named after the revered god, Parashurama. The rains restricted us from taking a trip to the fort but I highly recommend others to drop by if time and the rain-gods permit.

According to Historians, the temple of Goddess Renuka Yellamma is associated with the ancient practice of dedicating girls to the temple, also known locally as the devadasi culture. It makes for an interesting story and lesson from history to unwrap the layers surrounding this small temple. Apart from this, the hill contains archaeological evidence of foreign occupation, beginning from the mid-eighth century till the eleventh century. It contains Megalithic tombs and Chalukyan artefacts.  Overlooking the Malaprabha river, this hill is also the main source of water for neighbouring villages such as- Belgaum, Hubli and Dharwad.

One will find most tourists and devotees crowd on a full-moon night. 

Timings: Open all seven days.

Note: It may be difficult to find Guest house accommodation during the festival times (Jaatra) or on special occasions. Visitors may have to stay in Dharwad, Hubli or Belgaum and visit the temple during the day time