Bangaluru.org - "Yellamma Temple" Pilgrimage in Karnataka

Yellamma Temple Situated atop a hill near Soundatti in Belgaum, the Renuka Devi Temple, popularly called the Yellamma Devi Temple, is mainly visited by pilgrims from Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The famous Yellamma jatra takes place on the full moon day known as the ' Bharat Hunnime .' On this occasion, the goddess Yellamma is worshipped in the manner of ' Shakti Puja ,' complete with all its attendant rituals.

The Renuka (Yellamma) Devi Temple situated atop a hill near Soundatti in Belgaum, Karnataka. This is one of the temples where the Hindu institution of Devadasi (maid of god) prevails. Mostly young girls from poor families are dedicated as devadasis to the goddess Yellama. This famous Yellamma jatre takes place on a full moon day in January every year known as the Bharat Hunnime. An elaborate ceremony is held in order to initiate the Jogathis (female) and Jogappa (male) volunteers in the service of Goddess Yellamma. The volunteers express and confirm their obedience by observing total nudity or cover their bodies with neem foilage or scanty clothes. The devotees of Yellamma decorate their forehead by smearing turmeric (Haldi) and vermilion (Kum-kum).

Distance:-	Belgaum is located 502 km from Bangalore and 125 km from Goa . Yellamma Temple is 78 km from Belgaum. Dharwad - 39km from Belgaum. Dabolim (Goa) - 140km from Belgaum.
By Road:-	Belgaum is connected by road via the National Highways 4 (connecting Maharashtra , Karnataka , Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu ) and 4A (connecting Karnataka and Goa ).
By Rail:-	Belgaum is on the main Indian Railways grid being part of Hubli Division and is well connected by rail to major destinations such as Bangalore (via Hubli ), Mumbai (via Miraj) and Goa .
By Air:-	Belgaum is directly connected with Bangalore , Goa , Mumbai , Miraj and Kolhapur . The airport currently serving the city is Belgaum Airport . Schedules have been erratic, as the air connectivity is primarily provided by feeder airlines.
Location:-	Belgaum is located 502 km from Bangalore and 125 km from Goa . Yellamma Temple is 78 km from Belgaum.
Route:-	Bangalore to Yallama Temple via Belgaum .
When to go:-	Any time of the year .
Tourist offices:-	KSTDC(bookings and info) Badami House, NR Square, Bangalore Tel: 080-2275869, Fax: 2352626 Email: kstdc@vsnl.in
Where to stay :-	KSTDC Hotel Mayura Hudco Colony, Malaprabha, Ashok Nagar, Belgaum - 590 016 Tel: 0831 - 2475333/334/335 Tariff Range: Rs.50/- to Rs.200/- Adarsh Palace Hotel College Road, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Tel: +(91) (831) 435775/76/77 Hotel Ram Dev PB Road, Nehru Nagar, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Tel: +(91) (831) 472913/471585/471690 Anupam Hotel Shivaji Road, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Tel: +(91) (831) 428380/428390/428396/422984 Hotel Milan Club Road, Belgaum 590 001, Karnataka, India. Tel: +(91) (831) 424555/425555/425401/402 Keerti Hotel PB Road, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Tel: +(91) (831) 403111/422777/466917/466905/906 Priyanka Palace Hotel PB Road, Nehru Nagar, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Tel: +(91) (831) 473325~29 Raj Purohit Hotel PB Road, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Tel: +(91) (831) 403330/1/2/4 Sanman Hotel college Road, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Tel: +(91) (831) 420777/430777 420777 Western Tower Hotel Kirloskar, Belgaum, Karnataka, India. Tel: +(91) (831) 430421/430331/2/4/5