BELAGAVI
Lakhs of devotees, a majority of them from Karnataka and Maharashtra, including a few thousand from Goa, thronged the Yellamma Devi Temple atop Yellamma Hill, about 85 kms from Belagavi, on Monday, on the occasion of Shakambhari Purnima (Full Moon Day before Makar Sankranti).
A sea of people was witnessed during the celebrations that commenced last week.
Presenting their petitions, which included their aims and ambitions, and seeking special blessings of the Goddess, the devotees took part in the Shakambhari Purnima celebrations venerating Goddess Renukadevi. A few thousand Goans from across the state, including noted political personalities among others, are devotees of Yellamma Devi and frequently undertake pilgrimages to Yellamma Hills.
As part of the rituals, the Devdasis offered green bangles and mangalsutras to Goddess Yellamma, presenting their pleas and petitions at the feet of the Goddess.
Sri Yellamma Temple, a temple of Goddess Renuka, is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Kali. The temple is situated on a hilltop near Savadatti, overlooking the River Malaprabha. Earlier popularly known as Siddhachal Parvat, it is now known as “Yellamma Gudda,” named after the temple.
“We have scores of Goans, including noted political personalities, visiting the temple every month. Thousands of Goans too are taking part in the celebrations,” Nagaratana Chollin, Deputy Secretary, Belagavi Muzrai Department, told The Goan.
Over the last couple of days, all the roads leading to the hills were jam-packed for a few kilometres. A large number of Goan vehicles were also seen heading to Belagavi since Sunday for a pilgrimage to Yellamma Hills.
Due to the huge rush, devotees had to wait for hours to get darshan, as the temple management faced a herculean task managing the swelling crowd of devotees. The police had a tough time handling the massive crowds that gathered in and around Savadatti town, while tight security arrangements were made.
Under the guidance and directions of Chollin, a mammoth team of officials, volunteers, and police was engaged in serving the devotees while making elaborate arrangements.
The crowds are expected to stay back for a few more days, Chollin said.
