Lakhs visit Yellamma temple on Bharat Hunnime fair
Pilgrims who arrived by bullock carts and every available mode of transport on the hillock pitched tents to stay for the fair in the area spread over four kilometre radius around the temple.
The fair is observed to mark the mythological incident of deity Renuka becoming a "Muttaide". In a ritual that enacts the incident again, thousands of Devadasi women break their bangles and remove all symbols of a married woman on previous full moon day, known as ‘Rande Hunnime", wear them back on this full moon day called as ‘Bharat Hunnime’.
Official sources said around 15 lakh people had gathered for the fair and basic facilities such as drinking water had been provided. Health centres were set up in the vicinity of the temple and parking facilities were provided all around the ring road near temple. Request for round the clock electricity was made to the authorities concerned.
The temple of Goddess Yellamma is a popular pilgrimage site for shakti devotees. The congregation is especially large on two auspicious days Banada Hunnime and Bharat Hunnime. The ancient temple of Yellamma is situated atop Yellamagudda, amidst picturesque Ramalinga Hills about 5 km from Saundatti.