Yellamma Temple, Saundatti, Hindu temple in Saundatti, India
The Yellamma Temple in Saundatti is a Hindu temple located on Yellamma Gudda hill in Karnataka. Behind the main structure lie three water tanks named Kumkum Kundam, Yoni Kundam, and Arihan Kundam, considered sacred by visitors.
The hill holds megalithic tombs and redware potsherds dated 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE, plus traces of occupation from the mid-8th to mid-11th century under early Rashtrakuta or late Chalukya rule. Bomappa Nayaka of Raybag built the present temple in 1514. The Karnataka government took over its management in 1975.
The deity is also called Yelumakkaltai, Kannada for "mother of seven children", and Jagadamba, "Mother of the Universe", a form of Kali. Devotees of the Dhangar and Kurumbas pastoral communities of southern Maharashtra and North Karnataka worship her. At the Yogarbavi Satyabamma Kunda tank at the foot of the hill, pilgrims bathe and change into new clothes before climbing to the temple.
The site includes guest houses and health facilities managed by the Karnataka government. The place welcomes visitors throughout the year, though expect larger crowds during certain times.
The hill holds megalithic tombs older than the 8th–11th century Rashtrakuta and Chalukya remains, plus potsherds of early historic redware dated 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE. The temple's goddess is also called Yelumakkaltai, "mother of seven children" in Kannada.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,556 contributors worldwide.