Story/Legend:

The legend of Renuka Yellamma is closely linked to the story of Renuka, the wife of the sage Jamadagni and mother of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to the legend, Renuka was a devoted wife who went to the river to fetch water for her husband's morning puja. While she was at the river, she saw a group of Gandharvas (celestial musicians) dancing and was mesmerized by their beauty. When she returned home, her husband could sense that something had changed and became furious. He asked his son Parashurama to kill Renuka, but Parashurama refused and instead killed his father. Renuka was devastated and threw herself into the river. The river turned into a goddess, and Renuka became known as Yellamma, the protector of the Lambani tribe.

Religious Aspect:

Renuka Yellamma is considered to be an incarnation of the goddess Parvati and is worshipped as a mother figure by the Lambani tribe. The tribe believes that the goddess has the power to protect them from natural disasters and bring fertility to their crops and livestock. The Lambanis also believe that Renuka Yellamma is a benevolent goddess who grants wishes to her devotees.

Description:

Renuka Yellamma is depicted as a beautiful woman with long hair, dressed in traditional Indian clothing. She is often shown holding a pot of water, which is believed to represent the river that turned into a goddess. Renuka Yellamma is worshipped in temples across Karnataka, and her devotees offer her flowers, coconut, and other offerings as a symbol of their devotion.

Cultural importance:

Renuka Yellamma is an important cultural figure among the Lambani tribe, and her worship is an essential part of their religious and cultural practices. The goddess is believed to bring prosperity and fertility to the tribe, and her blessings are sought after during important life events such as weddings and childbirth. The Lambani tribe also celebrates a festival in honor of Renuka Yellamma, which is known as the Yellamma Devi Jatra.

Festivals:

The Yellamma Devi Jatra is a significant festival celebrated by the Lambani tribe in honor of Renuka Yellamma. The festival is held annually in the months of November and December and is marked by colorful processions, music, and dance. The devotees carry the goddess's idol in a palanquin and offer prayers and offerings to her. The festival is an essential event for the Lambani tribe, and people from all over Karnataka come to participate in the celebrations.

Conclusion:

Renuka Yellamma is a significant figure in the religious and cultural practices of the Lambani tribe in Karnataka. The goddess is worshipped as a mother figure and is believed to bring prosperity and fertility to the tribe. The Lambanis celebrate a festival in honor of Renuka Yellamma, which is a significant event in their cultural calendar.

References:

"Renuka Yellamma - The Goddess of the Lambani Tribe." Karnataka.com.

"Renuka Yellamma - The River Goddess." Indian Mythology.

"Renuka Yellamma Temple, Saundatti." Karnataka

FAQs:

Q. Who worships Renuka Yellamma? A. Renuka Yellamma is primarily worshipped by the Lambani tribe in Karnataka, India.

Q. What is the significance of Renuka Yellamma? A. Renuka Yellamma is believed to have the power to protect the Lambani tribe from natural disasters and bring fertility to their crops and livestock.

Q. What is the legend of Renuka Yellamma? A. The legend of Renuka Yellamma is linked to the story of Renuka, the wife of the sage Jamadagni and mother of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Renuka is believed to have turned into Yellamma after throwing herself into a river following her husband's death.

Q. What is the Yellamma Devi Jatra? A. The Yellamma Devi Jatra is a festival celebrated by the Lambani tribe in honor of Renuka Yellamma. It is held annually in November and December and is marked by colorful processions, music, and dance.

Q. What offerings are made to Renuka Yellamma? A. The devotees offer flowers, coconut, and other offerings to Renuka Yellamma as a symbol of their devotion.

Q. What is the cultural importance of Renuka Yellamma? A. Renuka Yellamma is an important cultural figure among the Lambani tribe, and her worship is an essential part of their religious and cultural practices. The goddess is believed to bring prosperity and fertility to the tribe, and her blessings are sought after during important life events such as weddings and childbirth.

Q. Where is Renuka Yellamma temple located? A. Renuka Yellamma temple is located in the town of Saundatti in the Belgaum district of Karnataka, India. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of the goddess.