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{{Short description|Major Hindu Goddess; The Mother of the Universe}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Other uses}}
{{short description|Hindu goddess}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Copy edit|for=grammar and consistency|date=November 2024}}
{{Essay-like|date=November 2024}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2024}}
}}{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2016}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox deity
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| type = Hindu
| image =  
| image = Renuka Mata.jpg
| alt = Renukok/Renuk
| alt = Renuka
| caption = The icon of Renuk at the sanctum of the [[Mahur, Maharashtra|Mahur]] temple, a [[Shakti Peetha]]
| caption = The [[Mahur, Maharashtra|Mahur]] shrine of Renuka, venerated as a [[Shakti Pitha]] in [[Shaktism]]
| Devanagari = रेणुका
| Devanagari = रेणुका
| Sanskrit_transliteration = Rénûka/Renu
| Sanskrit_transliteration = Rēṇuka
| affiliation = devi
| affiliation = [[Devi]]
| abode = [[Mahur, Maharashtra|Mahur]]
| consort = [[Jamadagni]]
| consort = [[Jamadagni]]
| children = [[Parshurama]], Vasu
| children = Ṛumaṇvān, Suhotra, Vasu, Viśvāvasu, [[Parashurama]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241636.html | title=Story of Jamadagni | date=28 January 2019 }}</ref>
| mount = Lion
| deity_of = Goddess of the Fallen<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nDfZDQAAQBAJ&dq=renuka+goddess+of&pg=PA82 | title=Rajam Krishnan and Indian Feminist Hermeneutics | isbn=9781443864916 | last1=Thallam | first1=Sarada | date=6 January 2017 | publisher=Cambridge Scholars }}</ref>
| region = [[India]]
| mantra = ॐ रेणुकायै विद्महे मातृरूपाय धीमहि । तन्नो देवी प्रचोदयात् ॥
| texts = Renuka Tantram<ref>{{cite book |last=Khandelwal |first=S. N. |title=श्री रेणुका तन्त्रम् |publisher=Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy |isbn=9788121804035}}</ref>
}}
}}
'''Reṇukā''', also referred to as '''Renuga''' and '''Renu''', is a [[Hindu]] goddess worshipped predominantly in [[Karnataka]], [[Maharashtra]] and southern Indian states of, [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Telangana]], and [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.renukaparameswari.org/|title = Sri Renuka Amman Parameswari|access-date = 2015-04-29|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150518065743/http://www.renukaparameswari.org/|archive-date = 18 May 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> ancient Renuka Yellamma Devi temple at
'''Goddess Renuka or Mahur Renuka''', also known as '''Renuka Bhavani, Yellamma Devi''', is a Hindu mother goddess venerated predominantly in the South & Western Indian states of [[Karnataka]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Telangana]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Gujarat]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Madhya Pradesh]].<ref name="Sri Renuka Amman Parameswari">{{Cite web|url = http://www.renukaparameswari.org/|title = Sri Renuka Mahar Amman Parameswari|access-date = 2015-04-29|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150518065743/http://www.renukaparameswari.org/|archive-date = 18 May 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> She is regarded as the mother of [[Parashurama]], the sixth avatar of [[Vishnu]] and is considered a manifestation of the Mother Goddess or Shakti in regional devotional traditions in [[Hindu mythology]], and was the wife of sage [[Jamadagni]], one of the [[Saptarishi]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Varadpande |first=Manohar Laxman |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_XrFh2S8nlEC&dq=renuka+goddess+of&pg=PA88 |title=Mythology of Vishnu and His Incarnations |date=2009 |publisher=Gyan Publishing House |isbn=978-81-212-1016-4 |language=en}}</ref>
[[Saundatti|Savadatti]] is one among the prominent shakthi peetas in Karnataka, Renuka's temple at [[Mahur, Maharashtra|Mahur]] in Maharashtra is one of the [[shakti peetha]]s.


==Different names==
==Names==
'''Renuka/Renu''' or '''Yellamma''' or '''[[Ekvira]] '''or '''Ellai amman '''or '''Ellai amma '''([[Marathi language|Marathi]]:श्री. रेणुका/ येल्लुआई (Shree Renuka/ Yelluai), [[Kannada]]: ಶ್ರೀ ಎಲ್ಲಮ್ಮ ರೇಣುಕಾ, [[Tamil language|Tamil]]: ரேணு/Renukai ambal/ரேணுகை அம்பாள், [[Telugu language|Telugu]] : శ్రీ రేణుక/ ఎల్లమ్మ) is worshipped as the goddess ([[devi]]) of the fallen, in the [[Hindu]] pantheon. Yellamma is the patron goddess of [[Karnataka]], [[Maharashtra]] and the south Indian states of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Telangana]], and [[Andhra Pradesh]], . Her devotees revere her as the "Mother of the Universe" or "[[Jagadamba]]".
Renuka is venerated across India under various regional names, including '''Aai Yellamma''', [[Ekvira]], [[Yamai Temple|Yamai]], Ellai Amman, Padmakshi Renuka, Ucchangi [[Mariamman|Mariamma]], and Ellai Amma Mahar. Her worship spans multiple local traditions, where she is regarded as a protective mother goddess. She is worshipped in the [[Hindu]] pantheon as a goddess associated with several communities and is often regarded as the divine protector. Devotees revere her as [[Jagadamba]] (Mother of the Universe).


==Legends==
==Legends==
{{Unsourced section|date=June 2021}}
Legends surrounding Renuka are chronicled in Hindu scriptures such as the ''[[Mahabharata]]'', [[Harivaṃśa|''Harivamsa'']], and ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pattanaik |first=Devdutt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8wKK7KNnMzAC&dq=renuka+bhagavata+purana&pg=PT176 |title=Myth = Mithya: Decoding Hindu Mythology |date=2014-07-11 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-81-8475-021-8 |language=en}}</ref>
The legends of Renuka are contained in the [[Mahabharata]], the [[Harivamsa]] and in the [[Bhagavata Purana]].  


[[File:Saundatti Renuka Sagara 21.11.2008.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Renuka Sagara, [[Malaprabha River]], [[Saundatti]]. ([[Belgaum District]]), [[North Karnataka]], [[Karnataka]]]]
[[File:Saundatti Renuka Sagara 21.11.2008.jpg|thumb|right|Renuka Sagara, [[Malaprabha River]], [[Saundatti]]. ([[Belgaum District]]), [[North Karnataka]], [[Karnataka]]]]
 
===Incarnations of Adi Parashakti===
In Hindu tradition, Renuka is identified as one of four principal incarnations of Adi Parashakti (the primordial goddess):
# [[Kamakshi]] (worshipped in Kanchi).<ref name=Hindu>{{cite book|title=Hindu Pilgrimage Centres|last=Harshananda|first=Swami|ref=Harsha|edition=second|publisher=Ramakrishna Math|location=Bangalore|year=2012|isbn=978-81-7907-053-6|page=61}}</ref>
# [[Vishalakshi]] (venerated in Varanasi, North India).<ref>{{lang|bn-Latn|Bangala Bhasar Abhidhaan}} [''Dictioanary of the Bengali Language''], Kolkata: Shishu Sahitya Samsad, Volume 2, p.1600. (ed. 1988)</ref>
# Renukakshi (also called Padmakshi Renuka in Konkan, notably Alibag).<ref name="Sri Renuka Amman Parameswari"/>{{clarify|reason=Bad punctuation and grammar makes this text incomprehensible|date=August 2023}}
# [[Meenakshi]] (revered in Madurai, South India)<ref name="William P. Harman 1992 24">{{cite book |first=William P. |last=Harman |title=The Sacred Marriage of a Hindu Goddess |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F_siW9T3ev4C&pg=PA24 |year=1992 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0810-2 |page=24 }}</ref> and [[Bahulakshi]] (associated with East India).<ref>{{Cite book|last=পাইন|first=সুগত|title=নানারূপে সতীঅঙ্গ|year=2021|pages=27}}</ref>


===Early life===
===Early life===
King Reṇu (father of Reṇukā) performed a [[yajna]] &mdash; a ritual performed to maintain peace and good health. He was blessed with a daughter, who originated from the fire of this yajna. Reṇukā was a bright and active child and became the most beloved child of her parents.
Renuka was born to King Renu after he performed a [[yajna]] (ritual fire sacrifice) to ensure peace and prosperity. Emerging from the sacrificial fire, she became her parents' cherished child. At age eight, the sage [[Agastya]], advised her marriage to [[Jamadagni]], when she reached maturity. Jamadagni was the son of Richika and Satyavati, who had earned divine blessings through [[penance]]. Renuka assisted Jamadagni in rituals.


When she was eight, [[Agastya]], who was the [[guru]] of king Reṇu, advised him to have his daughter married to [[Jamadagni]] when she reached maturity. Jamadagni was the son of Ruchik Muni and Satyavati and had obtained the blessings of the gods by performing severe [[penance]]. Renuka and Jamdagni Muni lived in the Ramshrung mountains, near the present day Saundatti area of [[Belagavi district]]. Renuka helped the Jamdagni Muni in all of his tasks of performing various rituals and [[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]. Gradually she became close and dear to Jamdagni.
Renuka's daily ritual involved bathing in the [[Malaprabha River]] with intense focus. Her spiritual power enabled her to mold sand into an unbaked pot and use a coiled serpent as a rope to carry water for her husband's [[Oblation|oblations]].
After a while Renuka was blessed with another daughter called Anjana (Anjana Devi).
Renuka would wake up early in the morning to bathe in the [[Malaprabha River]] with complete concentration and devotion. Her devotion was so powerful that she was able to create a pot to hold water made only of sand, one fresh pot every day. She would fill this pot, on the bank of the river and would use a snake which was nearby, turning it into a rope-like convolution and placing it on her head, so that it supported the pot. Thus, she brought the water to Jamdagni for his rituals of oblation. ("Renuka" is derived from the [[Sanskrit]] for "fine grain of sand".) Another temple of Renuka is situated at near [[Zamania]], Ghazipur.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}.
There is another temple in Tamilnadu near vellore (padaiveedu) where the goddess is in the form of swayambhu ( the Murti itself originated from the land).


===Married life===
===Married life===
Renuka gave birth to five sons: Vasu, Viswa Vasu, Brihudyanu, Brutwakanwa and Rambhargav. Rambhargav was the youngest and most beloved, gaining the favour of Lord [[Shiva]] and [[Parvati]]. Bhargav Ram did severe penance and was bestowed with an Axe (Parshu) and henceforth called as [[Parashurama]], (the sixth incarnation of [[Vishnu]]).<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sunil.A.Shah|url=http://religion.divyabhaskar.co.in/2010/05/13/a-great-lord-parshuram-966560.html|title= ચિરંજીવી, શૌર્યતા, જ્ઞાનના સંગમ સમાન ભગવાન પરશુરામ|trans-title=Ciran̄jīvī, śauryatā, jñānanā saṅgam samān Bhagavān Paraśurām|language=gu|work=[[Divya Bhaskar]]|date=May 2010|access-date=2015-04-29}}</ref> One day when Renuka went to the river, she saw [[Gandharva]] and [[Apsaras]] dwelling over the pond. She was captivated byv the sight for a moment as a result of which she lost her concentration and devotion to her husband for a moment. As she was distracted, she lost her power of collecting water in unbaked pots, which she had gotten from her chastity. She lost the water which she had collected. Disappointed by this, she returned to the [[ashram]] in worry. Jamadagni had seen these events through his yogic power and was furious when she returned in the Ashram.
Renuka and Jamadagni had a daughter, Anjana, and five sons: Ṛumaṇvān, Suhotra, Vasu, Viśvāvasu, and Rama Bhargava (later known as Parashurama, Vishnu's sixth avatar).<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Jamadagni |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241636.html |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> [[Parashurama]] earned [[Shiva]]'s favor through penance, receiving an axe (''[[parashu]]''), which became his namesake.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Sunil A. |last=Shah |url=http://religion.divyabhaskar.co.in/2010/05/13/a-great-lord-parshuram-966560.html |title=ચિરંજીવી, શૌર્યતા, જ્ઞાનના સંગમ સમાન ભગવાન પરશુરામ |trans-title=Ciran̄jīvī, śauryatā, jñānanā saṅgam samān Bhagavān Paraśurām |language=gu |work=[[Divya Bhaskar]] |date=May 2010 |access-date=2015-04-29 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305110700/http://religion.divyabhaskar.co.in/2010/05/13/a-great-lord-parshuram-966560.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
One day, when Renuka went to the river, she saw a king making love to his wives. She was captivated by the sight and momentarily lost her concentration and devotion to her husband. As she was distracted, she lost her spiritual power, granted to her through her [[chastity]], causing her to lose the water she collected. When she came back to the [[ashram]], Jamadagni divined these events through his yogic power, and cursed her lack of devotion.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pattanaik |first=Devdutt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OVsoDwAAQBAJ&dq=Jamadagni+renuka&pg=PP17 |title=Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent |date=2003-04-24 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-59477-558-1 |language=en}}</ref>


After being cursed by her husband, Renuka went east and sat in the forest to meditate. In her penance, she met with the saints Eknath{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}} <!-- Not Ekanath, the Varkari saint --> and Joginath; she requested to them and asked to gain the mercy of her husband. They first consoled her, then instructed her to follow their advice exactly as told. They told her to purify herself, first bathing in a nearby lake, and then to worship a [[Shivalinga]], which they had given to her. Next, she should go to the nearby town and beg for rice from the houses (this ritual, called "Joga Bedodu", is still carried out by women during a particular month in Karnataka/ "Jogawa" in marathi, "Yellamma Jogu" in Telangana).
After being cursed by her husband, Renuka went east and sat in the forest to meditate. In her penance, she met with the saints Eknath<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chugh |first=Lalit |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fdEkDwAAQBAJ&dq=eknath+joginath&pg=PT55 |title=Karnataka's Rich Heritage – Temple Sculptures & Dancing Apsaras: An Amalgam of Hindu Mythology, Natyasastra and Silpasastra |date=2017-05-23 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=978-1-947137-36-3 |language=en}}</ref> <!-- Not Ekanath, the Varkari saint --> and Joginath; and requested them to gain the mercy of her husband. They first consoled her and then instructed her to follow their advice exactly as told. They told her to purify herself, first bathing in a nearby lake, and then to worship a [[Shivalinga]], which they had given to her. Next, she was asked to visit the nearby town and beg for rice from the houses (this ritual, called "Joga Bedodu", is still carried out by women during a particular month in Karnataka/ "Jogawa" in Marathi, "Yellamma Jogu" in Telangana).


After collecting the rice, she was to give half to the saints and cook the remaining half, adding jaggery, partaking of the cooked rice with full devotion. They said that if she performed this ritual for three days, she would be able to visit her husband on the fourth day.
After collecting the rice, she was to give half to the saints and cook the remaining half, adding [[jaggery]], partaking of the cooked rice with full devotion. They said that if she performed this ritual for three days, she would be able to visit her husband on the fourth day.


[[File:Yellamma temple at Badami.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Yellamma temple at [[Badami]].]]
[[File:Yellamma temple at Badami.jpg|thumb|left|Yellamma temple at [[Badami]].]]
Knowing the anger of Jamadagni, they warned her that she may not be fully pardoned by him, and that she would have to experience the most difficult time of her life for a few minutes. "After that," they said, "you will be eternally revered and will be blessed with your husband. You will be worshiped by all the people henceforth." After blessing her this way, they disappeared. Renuka followed their instructions with devotion and worshipped the Shivalinga with full care and reverence. On the fourth day, she went to see her husband.
Knowing the anger of Jamadagni, they warned her that she may not be fully pardoned by him and that she would have to experience the most difficult time of her life for a few minutes. "After that," they said, "you will be eternally revered and will be blessed with your husband. You will be worshipped by all the people henceforth." After blessing her thus, they disappeared. Renuka followed their instructions with devotion and worshipped the Shivalinga with reverence. On the fourth day, she went to see her husband.


===Punishment and resurrection===
===Decapitation and resurrection ===
Jamadagni was still furious with Renuka and ordered his elder four sons to kill Renuka Devi but all of them refuse to kill their mother. Jamadagni, cursed his four sons and reduced them to ashes for disobeying his order. Then Jamadagni called his fifth son Parashurama who was meditating on Lord Shiva and ordered him to behead Renuka Devi. [[Parashurama]] immediately obeyed his father's words and beheaded his mother with his axe. Jamadagni was pleased by Parashurama's devotion and obedience towards him.  
Jamadagni was still furious with Renuka and ordered his elder four sons to kill his wife, but all of them refused to kill their mother. Jamadagni cursed his four sons and reduced them to ashes for disobeying his order. Then, Jamadagni called his fifth son Parashurama, who was meditating on Shiva, and ordered him to behead Renuka. [[Parashurama]] immediately obeyed his father's words and beheaded his mother with his axe. Jamadagni was pleased by Parashurama's devotion and obedience towards him.


[[File:Renuka temple 2.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Renuka temple at Yallammagudi, [[Saundatti]] ([[Belgaum District]] ). [[North Karnataka]], [[Karnataka]]]]
[[File:Renuka temple 2.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Renuka temple at Yallammagudi, [[Saundatti]] ([[Belgaum District]]). [[North Karnataka]], [[Karnataka]]]]


He then offered a boon to Parushurama, who wisely asked for his mother and brothers to be brought back to life. Jamadagni was impressed by Parshuram's intelligence and brought Renuka and her four sons back to life. Jamadagni felt a strong remorse for what he had done to his beloved and compassionate wife. He then vowed not to get angered ever again and gave up [[Krodha]] forever.
He then offered a boon to Parushurama, who wisely asked for his mother and brothers to be brought back to life. Jamadagni was impressed by Parshuram's pragmatism and brought Renuka and her four sons back to life. Jamadagni felt strong remorse for what he had done to his beloved and compassionate wife. He then vowed not to get angered ever again and gave up ''[[Krodha (Mental factor)|krodha]]'' forever. However, in that happiness of bringing his mother's life back, Parashurama brings another head belonging to another lady called Yellamma. Hence she is now called Renuka Yellamma. She becomes the deity of transgender community. Parashurama's father cursed the other sons who didn't listen to him that they would lose their masculinity. Once Renuka Yellamma is brought back to life, the other sons go and seeks shelter and she protects them.


===Renuka vs. Yellamma===
A common version of this story in South India is that a low or out caste woman sees Renuka/Yellamma being taken to the forest to be killed by her son, and the woman intervenes. Unfortunately this only results in her head and Renuka's being cut off, and when the women are restored to life they become goddesses (sometimes this is used as the origin of Yellamma and Mariamman, with each goddess coming from each woman).<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Jaganathan V.R. |first=Arun |date=April 2013 |title=Yellamma Cult and Divine Prostitution: Its Historical and Cultural Background |journal=International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications |volume=3 |issue=4}}</ref>
In all traditions, Renuka and Yellamma are taken to be two names for the same goddess. According to these tales, Renuka apparently fled to a fisherman community when her son [[Parashurama|Parushurama]] was coming to kill her. A woman belonging fishing community is claimed to have helped Renuka Devi and asked her to hide in her hut.  Parashurama found and apparently beheaded her, allegedly along with the woman who belonged to fishing community  who had tried to protect Renuka Devi. When he later brought them back to life, he is claimed to have mistakenly attached the woman's head to Renuka's body, and vice versa. [[Jamadagni]] is alleged accepted the former as his wife Renuka, while the latter remained to be worshipped by all caste people as Yellamma, the mother of all. Renuka and Yellamma are names of the Goddess.<ref>{{cite book| last = Pattanaik| first = Devdutt| title = Indian Mythology| url = https://books.google.com/?id=zdkswFlJtjQC&pg=PA1| year = 2003| publisher = Inner Traditions / Bear & Co| isbn = 978-0-89281-870-9| page = 17 }}</ref>


==Temples and related places==
=== Disappearance ===
One of the famous temples of Renuka Yellamma Thalli is located at [[Balkampet]] in [[Hyderabad]] where every year in [[Ashadha]] month Yellamma Kalyanothsavam is celebrated with thousands of pilgrims performing special rituals to get the blessings of [[Renuka]] Yellamma Thalli. The Murti of the goddess, interestingly, is 10 feet deeper than the ground level. There is also a well in the Balkampet Yellamma temple complex and some devotees believe that the water in the well heals all ills. Therefore, a bath here is supposed to purify you of all disorders and skin diseases. This holy water is called ‘Theertham’. An [[Akhand Jyoti]] is also present in the temple that was lit during the renovation. In fact, [[Nita Ambani]] wife of India's richest person [[Mukesh Ambani]] visits the temple whenever she is in [[Hyderabad]] to express her faith in the deity.


Every year, there is a gathering of 200,000 to 600,000 devotees at the Yellamma Gudi temple (Yellamma Temple) in [[Saundatti]]<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2017-01-12|title=Six lakh devotees throng Yellamma temple|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Six-lakh-devotees-throng-Yellamma-temple/article17030361.ece|access-date=2021-05-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-01-30|title=Lakhs visit Yellamma temple on Bharat Hunnime fair|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/49861/lakhs-visit-yellamma-temple-bharat.html|access-date=2021-05-30|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref>
According to one legend, the emperor Sahastarva wanted to marry Renuka. When Parashuram was away, Sahastarva killed [[Jamadagni]] and his four sons and then Renuka jumped in the pond known as ''Ramsarover''. This lake is today venerated as [[Renuka Sanctuary]].<ref name="yadav">{{cite book | last=Yadav | first=Krishna | title=The Royal Bargain | publisher=Har Anand | year=2010 | isbn=978-81-241-1530-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uRM4l9Ee7PcC&pg=PA119 | access-date=2023-04-23 | page=119}}</ref>


Two other very famous Temples of Renuka Yellamma are located in Bidarahalli, Gadag,  and Chaandragutti, Shivmoga, Karnataka, India. Many devotees from different region come to temple in the month of kartik to celebrate Karthik of Renuka-Yellamma. It is believed that after marriage with the sage Jamadagni, Renuka devi lived in this place. Renuka used to wake up early in morning and have bath in the holy Tungabhadra River. With complete concentration and devotion to fill the pot, which she used to prepare out of the sand on the bank the river and would hold the snake which was there and turn it into a convolution and place it on head so that it supported to the pot. She bought the pot to Jamdagni for performance of rituals.
A version among [[Deori people]] states that Jamadagni asked his sons to kill Renuka to prove their obedience before bringing her back to life.<ref name="Behera">{{cite book | last=Behera | first=M.C. | title=Pilgrim Centre Parashuram Kund: Articulation of Indian Society, Culture, and Economic Dimension | publisher=Commonwealth Publishers | year=1998 | isbn=978-81-7169-503-4 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QU0vAAAAYAAJ | page=38}}</ref>


Another temple Renukambe [Yellamma] is atop a hill in Chandragutti, Soraba Taluk in [[Shivamogga|Shimoga]]. This temple is an example of ancient architecture and dates back to the [[Kadamba Dynasty|Kadamba]] period. Another temple is in [[Mahur, Maharashtra]], the supposed birthplace of the goddess, which finds mention in ''Devi Gita'', the final chapter of [[Devi Bhagawatam]] as, "Matripura in the [[Sahyadri]] mountain; here the Devi Renuka dwells&nbsp;...".<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dg/dg08.htm |chapter=Chapter XXXVIII: The Vow and the Sacred Places of the Devi |title=The Devi Gita |trans-title=Song of the Goddess |series=Excerpt from the [[Devi Bhagawatam|Srimad Devi Bhagawatam]] |translator=Swami Vijnanananda (Hari Prasanna Chatterji) |year=1921 |quote=O King of Mountains! Still I am now telling something out of My affection to My [[Bhakta]]s. Hear.}}</ref>
==Temples and related places==
There is a Renuka Amba temple in Shahalibanda Banda Charminar, Hyderabad. This is a 17th century ancient temple. It is located in the Devdi of Renukadas Bhalerao,a king and the prime minister of Hyderabad during the nizam rule. It is believed that this goddess is the granter of wishes and just visiting her wards off all evil and black magic. The temple is open for public only during the 9 days of Navratri and is visited by lakhs of devotees.
[[File:Sri Ellai Amman, Renukaparameswari, Triplicane, Chennai, India.jpg|thumb|Renuka as Ellai Amman, [[Chennai]]]]
One of the famous temples of [[Balkampet Yellamma Temple]], located in the [[Balkampet]] neighbourhood of [[Hyderabad]] where every year in the [[Ashadha]] month Yellamma Kalyanothsavam is celebrated with thousands of pilgrims performing special rituals to receive the goddess's blessing. The [[Murti|statue]] of the goddess is 10 feet deeper than the ground level. There is also a well in the Balkampet Yellamma temple complex and some devotees believe that the water in the well heals all ills. Taking a bath here is supposed to purify one of all disorders and skin diseases.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Iyer |first1=Lalita |date=7 April 2018 |title=Jala Durga at Balkampet fulfills all your desires |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/080418/jala-durga-at-balkampet-fulfills-all-your-desires.html |access-date=28 October 2024 |publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> This holy water is called 'tirtham'. An [[Akhand Jyoti]] is also present in the temple that was lit during the renovation.


One of the temple of Renuka Devi is [[Chandwad]] in [[Nasik]]. The temple was constructed by her highness Maharani [[Ahilyabai Holkar]] of [[Indore]]. The second place is [[Mahur, Maharashtra|Matripura]] in the Sahyadrî mountains.  
Every year, there is a gathering of 200,000 to 600,000 devotees at the [[Yellamma Temple, Saundatti|Yellamma Gudi temple (Yellamma Temple) in Saundatti]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-01-12|title=Six lakh devotees throng Yellamma temple|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Six-lakh-devotees-throng-Yellamma-temple/article17030361.ece|access-date=2021-05-30|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2010-01-30|title=Lakhs visit Yellamma temple on Bharat Hunnime fair|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/49861/lakhs-visit-yellamma-temple-bharat.html|access-date=2021-05-30|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref>


Another Temple of Devi is at Dhamnand-Posare, Taluka Khed, District Ratnagiri, Maharashtra known as "Devi Yalubai".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dg/dg08.htm |title=Devi Yalubai |at=Verses: 3-10 |access-date=2013-03-03 |df=dmy-all |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012124820/http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dg/dg08.htm |archive-date=12 October 2013}}</ref> Another temple becoming famous is Nalgonda, Telangana where Tuesday is main auspicious day.
Another temple Renukambe [Yellamma] is atop a hill in Chandragutti, [[Soraba]] Taluk in [[Shivamogga|Shimoga]]. This temple is an example of ancient architecture and dates back to the [[Kadamba Dynasty|Kadamba]] period. Another temple is in [[Mahur, Maharashtra]], the supposed birthplace of the goddess, which finds mention in ''Devi Gita'', the final chapter of [[Devi Bhagawatam]] as, "Matripura in the [[Sahyadri]] mountain; here the Devi Renuka dwells".<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dg/dg08.htm |chapter=Chapter XXXVIII: The Vow and the Sacred Places of the Devi |title=The Devi Gita |trans-title=Song of the Goddess |series=Excerpt from the [[Devi Bhagawatam|Srimad Devi Bhagawatam]] |translator=Swami Vijnanananda (Hari Prasanna Chatterji) |year=1921 |quote=O King of Mountains! Still, I am now telling something out of My affection to My [[Bhakta]]s. Hear.}}</ref>
 
Another temple of Devi is at [[Dhamnand village|Dhamnand-Posare]], Taluka Khed, Maharashtra known as "Devi Yalubai".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dg/dg08.htm |title=Devi Yalubai |at=Verses: 3-10 |access-date=2013-03-03 |df=dmy-all |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012124820/http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dg/dg08.htm |archive-date=12 October 2013}}</ref>


[[File:Renugambal Amman Temple.JPG|thumb|Renugambal Amman Temple Padavedu, Thiruvannamalai District]]
[[File:Renugambal Amman Temple.JPG|thumb|Renugambal Amman Temple Padavedu, Thiruvannamalai District]]
In Tamil Nadu, Renugambal Amman Temple (it is Kuladaivam for Jambu Maharishi (Jamadagini) gotra Vanniyars), Senguntha Muthaliyars and other communities' people tracing their origin in that locality. The temple is situated in Padavedu, Thiruvannamalai District and it is one of the most important Sakthi Sthalas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.renugambal.com/ |title=Arulmigu Renugambal Amman Temple, A.K. Padavedu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108174225/http://www.renugambal.com/ |archive-date=8 January 2014}}</ref>
In Tamil Nadu, Renugambal Amman Temple (it is Kuladaivam for Jambu Maharishi (Jamadagini) gotra Vanniyars), Senguntha Muthaliyars and other communities' people tracing their origin in that locality. The temple is situated in Padavedu, Thiruvannamalai District and it is one of the most important Sakthi Sthalas, another temple is located at Manthangal village, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity here is called Kondi Amman (worshipped by Pokanati Reddys settled from the Carnatic-Andhra regions).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.renugambal.com/ |title=Arulmigu Renugambal Amman Temple, A.K. Padavedu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108174225/http://www.renugambal.com/ |archive-date=8 January 2014}}</ref>


[[File:Renuka Lake.jpg|thumb|left|Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[File:Renuka Lake.jpg|thumb|left|Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Renuka Lake]] in the [[Renuka Sanctuary]] in [[Himachal Pradesh]] is named after the goddess. According to one legend, the Haihaya King Sahasrarjuna ([[Kartavirya Arjuna]]) wanted the [[Kamadhenu]] cow from [[Jamadagni]] and Renuka. So for this he killed Jamadagni, and Renuka became sati along with Jamadagni at Mahurgadh, Maharashtra.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kohli |first=M.S. |title=Mountains of India Tourism, Adventure, and Pilgrimage  |url=https://books.google.com/?id=GIs4zv17HHwC&pg=PA303 |year=2002 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-135-1 |page=303}}</ref>
[[Renuka Lake]] in the [[Renuka Sanctuary]] in [[Himachal Pradesh]] is named after the goddess. According to one legend, the [[Heheya Kingdom|Haihaya]] King Sahasrarjuna ([[Kartavirya Arjuna]]) wanted the [[Kamadhenu]] cow from [[Jamadagni]] and Renuka. So for this he killed Jamadagni, and Renuka jumped into pond here along with Jamadagni at Renuka, [[Sirmaur district|Sirmour]] ([[Himachal Pradesh]]).<ref name="yadav" /><ref>{{cite book |last=Kohli |first=M. S. |title=Mountains of India Tourism, Adventure, and Pilgrimage  |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GIs4zv17HHwC&pg=PA303 |year=2002 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-135-1 |page=303}}</ref>


Another famous temple for Renukambal is situated in Serampattu Village near Cheyyar in Tiruvannamalai district. Thousands of people gather here during Pongal festival. Another powerful temple of Renuka Parameshwari is located in Tiruchampalli near Sembanarkoil in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu.
== In popular culture ==


One more temple of Ellamma is situated at a village of Ragupathi Naicken Palayam of Erode, [[Tamil Nadu|Tamilnadu]]. Ragupathi Naicken Palayam can be reached from Erode - Poondurai Road as well as Erode - Vellode Road. Although it is unclear when the temple was constructed, it is understood from the inscription placed at the temple that the temple was renovated by Late Mr. Duraisamy Naicker in 1923. He is said to belong to community of Banajiga (or Balija) of Lingayat Society which has origin in Karnataka, but settled in Tamilnadu in 19th century. The temple is maintained by people of the Banajiga community now. Maha Shivarathiri in the month of Maasi and Full Moon day of Karthigai
* ''Sri Renukadevi Mahathme'', a Kannada film released in 1977 in which [[B. Saroja Devi|B.Saroja devi]] played the title role; Sri Renuka Devi(2003), another Kannada film in which [[Soundarya]] played the role of Goddess Renuka.
are celebrated by the Banajigas in this temple.  
* The Marathi film ''Jai Renuka Devi Yellamma'' from 1985 is a notable full-length feature about Goddess Renuka Devi.
* The TV serial ''Udho Udho Shri Renuka Yellamma'' is also about Renuka Devi, the avatar of Goddess Parvati.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-24 |title=Devotional show Udho Udho Shri Renuka Yellamma marks 300 episodes milestone |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/devotional-show-udho-udho-shri-renuka-yellamma-marks-300-episodes-milestone/articleshow/106245298.cms |access-date=2024-01-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>&nbsp; &nbsp;
* For the past 40 years, Padma Shri Awardee [[Manjamma Jogathi]] has been practicing the Jogathi folk dance form. In a distinctive performance, Manjamma dances with the metal-crafted Yellamma deity positioned on her head.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-19 |title=The Padma Shri for Manjamma Jogathi does her, her community and Karnataka proud |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/arts-and-culture/the-padma-shri-for-manjamma-jogathi-does-her-her-community-and-karnataka-proud/article33872818.ece |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Frontline |language=en}}</ref>
* The Jogappa community comprises transgender individuals devoted to serving Goddess Renuka Yellamma.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jogappas, the Men Who Marry a Goddess to Become Women |url=https://thewire.in/gender/jogappas-goddess-gender |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=The Wire}}</ref> According to folklore, members of the Jogappa community are regarded as being spiritually wedded to the goddess. These trans women willingly devote themselves to Goddess Renuka Yellamma during their transformation, following a cultural tradition observed in different regions of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and neighboring areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transgender folk dancer Manjamma Jogati receives Padma Shri {{!}} Watch |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/transgender-folk-dancer-manjamma-jogati-receives-padma-shri-1874871-2021-11-09 |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=India Today |date=9 November 2021 |language=en}}</ref> "Accompanied by the melodious tones of Chowdki and Shruthi, we sing and perform the legend of the Goddess, seeking alms. As we share the tale of the revered deity through our performance, people perceive us not only as conveyors of her spirit but also as messengers and voices sharing her life story."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-10 |title=Manjamma Jogati: The Story Of Transgender Folk Dancer Who Was Conferred The Padma Shri |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/manjamma-jogati-story-of-transgender-folk-dancer-who-was-conferred-the-padma-shri-553805.html |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=IndiaTimes |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Latest in entertainment, lifestyle, fashion {{!}} t2ONLINE - Vibe With The tRIBE |url=https://www.t2online.in/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=www.t2online.in |language=en}}</ref> Occasionally transgender men have also been recorded as devotees of Yellamma. These particular devotees of hers are sometimes called Yellavva and Yellappa (possibly meaning "Yell-mother" and "Yell-father").<ref name=":0" />
* Jogathi Nruthya, a ritualistic performance dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma, is practiced by the Jogathi community. This folk form, also known as Yellammaanata, is observed by individuals from the [[Devadasi]] and Jogathi (transgender) communities in [[Bidar]], [[Kalaburagi]], and [[Ballari]]. It is intricately tied to the worship of Goddess Renuka Yellamma and maintains profound connections with marginalized communities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madhukar |first=Jayanthi |date=March 8, 2019 |title=Gender Roles Over Centuries |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/080319/gender-roles-over-centuries.html |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> Bengaluru-born filmmaker and artist [[Shilpa Mudbi]] is currently engaged in documenting Yellammaanata, a traditional art form practiced by the Devadasi and Jogathi communities in Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Ballari.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-26 |title=Shilpa Mudbi |url=https://23in23.deccanherald.com/shilpa-mudbi |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=DH Changemakers |language=en}}</ref>


Goddess Renuka and Lord [[Jamdagni]] Muni are worshiped in villages around [[yamuna]] river in Rawain valley of [[Uttarkashi]] district in [[Uttaranchal]]. Many ancient temples in the region are dedicated to the divine couple – the famous being the [[Jamadagni]] temple at Thaan village near the bank of [[yamuna]] and Renuka temples in uphill village of Devadokhri, Banchangaon, and Sarnaul. The region has an age-old tradition of celebrations in commemoration of the local deities, and managing the temple affairs and customs. The priesthood is claimed on the basis of ancestry and merit both, and mainly held by Khanduri, Semwal, and Dimri Brahmins of [[Uttaranchal]].  The week-long annual festivities in the month of June are main attraction for the devotees around the region.
==See also==
 
*[[Chandragutti Renukamba Temple]]
==In Sri Lanka==
*[[Sirsi Marikamba Temple]]
In ancient [[Sri Lanka]], "Renuka" was the name of a minor goddess of wanton death and destruction, although at certain times was also a symbol of creativity and vibrancy{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}.
*[[LGBTQ rights in Telangana]]


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
Line 90: Line 106:
* ''Yellamma: A Goddess of South India'' (1995) by [[Channappa Uttangi]]
* ''Yellamma: A Goddess of South India'' (1995) by [[Channappa Uttangi]]
* ''Given to the Goddess: South Indian Devadasis and the Sexuality of Religion'' (2004) by Lucinda Ramberg
* ''Given to the Goddess: South Indian Devadasis and the Sexuality of Religion'' (2004) by Lucinda Ramberg
* {{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work: A-N. Vol. 1|editor=Melissa Hope Ditmore|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=2006|ISBN=9780313329685|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fcYq72qYRTcC|pages=103-104}}
* {{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work: A-N. Vol. 1|editor=Melissa Hope Ditmore|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=2006|isbn=9780313329685|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fcYq72qYRTcC|pages=103–104}}


==References==
==References==
{{commons category}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*{{commons category-inline}}


{{Hindu deities and texts}}
{{Hindu deities and texts}}
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[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]
[[Category:Hindu goddesses]]
[[Category:Rishis]]
[[Category:Characters in the Bhagavata Purana]]
[[Category:Hindu folk deities]]
[[Category:Hindu folk deities]]
[[Category:Renuka| ]]
[[Category:Renuka| ]]
[[Category:Characters in the Mahabharata]]

Latest revision as of 18:55, 6 March 2026


For other uses, see Renuka (disambiguation).

Renuka
Goddess of the Fallen[1]
Renuka
The Mahur shrine of Renuka, venerated as a Shakti Pitha in Shaktism
Devanagariरेणुका
Sanskrit transliterationRēṇuka
AffiliationDevi
Mantraॐ रेणुकायै विद्महे मातृरूपाय धीमहि । तन्नो देवी प्रचोदयात् ॥
TextsRenuka Tantram[2]
RegionIndia
Personal information
ConsortJamadagni
ChildrenṚumaṇvān, Suhotra, Vasu, Viśvāvasu, Parashurama[3]

Goddess Renuka or Mahur Renuka, also known as Renuka Bhavani, Yellamma Devi, is a Hindu mother goddess venerated predominantly in the South & Western Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh.[4] She is regarded as the mother of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu and is considered a manifestation of the Mother Goddess or Shakti in regional devotional traditions in Hindu mythology, and was the wife of sage Jamadagni, one of the Saptarishis.[5]

Names[edit | edit source]

Renuka is venerated across India under various regional names, including Aai Yellamma, Ekvira, Yamai, Ellai Amman, Padmakshi Renuka, Ucchangi Mariamma, and Ellai Amma Mahar. Her worship spans multiple local traditions, where she is regarded as a protective mother goddess. She is worshipped in the Hindu pantheon as a goddess associated with several communities and is often regarded as the divine protector. Devotees revere her as Jagadamba (Mother of the Universe).

Legends[edit | edit source]

Legends surrounding Renuka are chronicled in Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata, Harivamsa, and Bhagavata Purana.[6]

Renuka Sagara, Malaprabha River, Saundatti. (Belgaum District), North Karnataka, Karnataka

Incarnations of Adi Parashakti[edit | edit source]

In Hindu tradition, Renuka is identified as one of four principal incarnations of Adi Parashakti (the primordial goddess):

  1. Kamakshi (worshipped in Kanchi).[7]
  2. Vishalakshi (venerated in Varanasi, North India).[8]
  3. Renukakshi (also called Padmakshi Renuka in Konkan, notably Alibag).[4][clarification needed]
  4. Meenakshi (revered in Madurai, South India)[9] and Bahulakshi (associated with East India).[10]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Renuka was born to King Renu after he performed a yajna (ritual fire sacrifice) to ensure peace and prosperity. Emerging from the sacrificial fire, she became her parents' cherished child. At age eight, the sage Agastya, advised her marriage to Jamadagni, when she reached maturity. Jamadagni was the son of Richika and Satyavati, who had earned divine blessings through penance. Renuka assisted Jamadagni in rituals.

Renuka's daily ritual involved bathing in the Malaprabha River with intense focus. Her spiritual power enabled her to mold sand into an unbaked pot and use a coiled serpent as a rope to carry water for her husband's oblations.

Married life[edit | edit source]

Renuka and Jamadagni had a daughter, Anjana, and five sons: Ṛumaṇvān, Suhotra, Vasu, Viśvāvasu, and Rama Bhargava (later known as Parashurama, Vishnu's sixth avatar).[11] Parashurama earned Shiva's favor through penance, receiving an axe (parashu), which became his namesake.[12]

One day, when Renuka went to the river, she saw a king making love to his wives. She was captivated by the sight and momentarily lost her concentration and devotion to her husband. As she was distracted, she lost her spiritual power, granted to her through her chastity, causing her to lose the water she collected. When she came back to the ashram, Jamadagni divined these events through his yogic power, and cursed her lack of devotion.[13]

After being cursed by her husband, Renuka went east and sat in the forest to meditate. In her penance, she met with the saints Eknath[14] and Joginath; and requested them to gain the mercy of her husband. They first consoled her and then instructed her to follow their advice exactly as told. They told her to purify herself, first bathing in a nearby lake, and then to worship a Shivalinga, which they had given to her. Next, she was asked to visit the nearby town and beg for rice from the houses (this ritual, called "Joga Bedodu", is still carried out by women during a particular month in Karnataka/ "Jogawa" in Marathi, "Yellamma Jogu" in Telangana).

After collecting the rice, she was to give half to the saints and cook the remaining half, adding jaggery, partaking of the cooked rice with full devotion. They said that if she performed this ritual for three days, she would be able to visit her husband on the fourth day.

Yellamma temple at Badami.

Knowing the anger of Jamadagni, they warned her that she may not be fully pardoned by him and that she would have to experience the most difficult time of her life for a few minutes. "After that," they said, "you will be eternally revered and will be blessed with your husband. You will be worshipped by all the people henceforth." After blessing her thus, they disappeared. Renuka followed their instructions with devotion and worshipped the Shivalinga with reverence. On the fourth day, she went to see her husband.

Decapitation and resurrection[edit | edit source]

Jamadagni was still furious with Renuka and ordered his elder four sons to kill his wife, but all of them refused to kill their mother. Jamadagni cursed his four sons and reduced them to ashes for disobeying his order. Then, Jamadagni called his fifth son Parashurama, who was meditating on Shiva, and ordered him to behead Renuka. Parashurama immediately obeyed his father's words and beheaded his mother with his axe. Jamadagni was pleased by Parashurama's devotion and obedience towards him.

Renuka temple at Yallammagudi, Saundatti (Belgaum District). North Karnataka, Karnataka

He then offered a boon to Parushurama, who wisely asked for his mother and brothers to be brought back to life. Jamadagni was impressed by Parshuram's pragmatism and brought Renuka and her four sons back to life. Jamadagni felt strong remorse for what he had done to his beloved and compassionate wife. He then vowed not to get angered ever again and gave up krodha forever. However, in that happiness of bringing his mother's life back, Parashurama brings another head belonging to another lady called Yellamma. Hence she is now called Renuka Yellamma. She becomes the deity of transgender community. Parashurama's father cursed the other sons who didn't listen to him that they would lose their masculinity. Once Renuka Yellamma is brought back to life, the other sons go and seeks shelter and she protects them.

A common version of this story in South India is that a low or out caste woman sees Renuka/Yellamma being taken to the forest to be killed by her son, and the woman intervenes. Unfortunately this only results in her head and Renuka's being cut off, and when the women are restored to life they become goddesses (sometimes this is used as the origin of Yellamma and Mariamman, with each goddess coming from each woman).[15]

Disappearance[edit | edit source]

According to one legend, the emperor Sahastarva wanted to marry Renuka. When Parashuram was away, Sahastarva killed Jamadagni and his four sons and then Renuka jumped in the pond known as Ramsarover. This lake is today venerated as Renuka Sanctuary.[16]

A version among Deori people states that Jamadagni asked his sons to kill Renuka to prove their obedience before bringing her back to life.[17]

Temples and related places[edit | edit source]

There is a Renuka Amba temple in Shahalibanda Banda Charminar, Hyderabad. This is a 17th century ancient temple. It is located in the Devdi of Renukadas Bhalerao,a king and the prime minister of Hyderabad during the nizam rule. It is believed that this goddess is the granter of wishes and just visiting her wards off all evil and black magic. The temple is open for public only during the 9 days of Navratri and is visited by lakhs of devotees.

Renuka as Ellai Amman, Chennai

One of the famous temples of Balkampet Yellamma Temple, located in the Balkampet neighbourhood of Hyderabad where every year in the Ashadha month Yellamma Kalyanothsavam is celebrated with thousands of pilgrims performing special rituals to receive the goddess's blessing. The statue of the goddess is 10 feet deeper than the ground level. There is also a well in the Balkampet Yellamma temple complex and some devotees believe that the water in the well heals all ills. Taking a bath here is supposed to purify one of all disorders and skin diseases.[18] This holy water is called 'tirtham'. An Akhand Jyoti is also present in the temple that was lit during the renovation.

Every year, there is a gathering of 200,000 to 600,000 devotees at the Yellamma Gudi temple (Yellamma Temple) in Saundatti.[19][20]

Another temple Renukambe [Yellamma] is atop a hill in Chandragutti, Soraba Taluk in Shimoga. This temple is an example of ancient architecture and dates back to the Kadamba period. Another temple is in Mahur, Maharashtra, the supposed birthplace of the goddess, which finds mention in Devi Gita, the final chapter of Devi Bhagawatam as, "Matripura in the Sahyadri mountain; here the Devi Renuka dwells".[21]

Another temple of Devi is at Dhamnand-Posare, Taluka Khed, Maharashtra known as "Devi Yalubai".[22]

Renugambal Amman Temple Padavedu, Thiruvannamalai District

In Tamil Nadu, Renugambal Amman Temple (it is Kuladaivam for Jambu Maharishi (Jamadagini) gotra Vanniyars), Senguntha Muthaliyars and other communities' people tracing their origin in that locality. The temple is situated in Padavedu, Thiruvannamalai District and it is one of the most important Sakthi Sthalas, another temple is located at Manthangal village, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity here is called Kondi Amman (worshipped by Pokanati Reddys settled from the Carnatic-Andhra regions).[23]

Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh

Renuka Lake in the Renuka Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh is named after the goddess. According to one legend, the Haihaya King Sahasrarjuna (Kartavirya Arjuna) wanted the Kamadhenu cow from Jamadagni and Renuka. So for this he killed Jamadagni, and Renuka jumped into pond here along with Jamadagni at Renuka, Sirmour (Himachal Pradesh).[16][24]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

  • Sri Renukadevi Mahathme, a Kannada film released in 1977 in which B.Saroja devi played the title role; Sri Renuka Devi(2003), another Kannada film in which Soundarya played the role of Goddess Renuka.
  • The Marathi film Jai Renuka Devi Yellamma from 1985 is a notable full-length feature about Goddess Renuka Devi.
  • The TV serial Udho Udho Shri Renuka Yellamma is also about Renuka Devi, the avatar of Goddess Parvati.[25]   
  • For the past 40 years, Padma Shri Awardee Manjamma Jogathi has been practicing the Jogathi folk dance form. In a distinctive performance, Manjamma dances with the metal-crafted Yellamma deity positioned on her head.[26]
  • The Jogappa community comprises transgender individuals devoted to serving Goddess Renuka Yellamma.[27] According to folklore, members of the Jogappa community are regarded as being spiritually wedded to the goddess. These trans women willingly devote themselves to Goddess Renuka Yellamma during their transformation, following a cultural tradition observed in different regions of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and neighboring areas.[28] "Accompanied by the melodious tones of Chowdki and Shruthi, we sing and perform the legend of the Goddess, seeking alms. As we share the tale of the revered deity through our performance, people perceive us not only as conveyors of her spirit but also as messengers and voices sharing her life story."[29][30] Occasionally transgender men have also been recorded as devotees of Yellamma. These particular devotees of hers are sometimes called Yellavva and Yellappa (possibly meaning "Yell-mother" and "Yell-father").[15]
  • Jogathi Nruthya, a ritualistic performance dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma, is practiced by the Jogathi community. This folk form, also known as Yellammaanata, is observed by individuals from the Devadasi and Jogathi (transgender) communities in Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Ballari. It is intricately tied to the worship of Goddess Renuka Yellamma and maintains profound connections with marginalized communities.[31] Bengaluru-born filmmaker and artist Shilpa Mudbi is currently engaged in documenting Yellammaanata, a traditional art form practiced by the Devadasi and Jogathi communities in Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Ballari.[32]

See also[edit | edit source]

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • The Village Gods of South India (London, 1921) by H. Whitehead
  • Yellamma: A Goddess of South India (1995) by Channappa Uttangi
  • Given to the Goddess: South Indian Devadasis and the Sexuality of Religion (2004) by Lucinda Ramberg
  • Melissa Hope Ditmore, ed. (2006). Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work: A-N. Vol. 1. Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 103–104. ISBN 9780313329685.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Thallam, Sarada (6 January 2017). Rajam Krishnan and Indian Feminist Hermeneutics. Cambridge Scholars. ISBN 9781443864916.
  2. ↑ Khandelwal, S. N. श्री रेणुका तन्त्रम्. Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy. ISBN 9788121804035.
  3. ↑ "Story of Jamadagni". 28 January 2019.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Sri Renuka Mahar Amman Parameswari". Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  5. ↑ Varadpande, Manohar Laxman (2009). Mythology of Vishnu and His Incarnations. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-212-1016-4.
  6. ↑ Pattanaik, Devdutt (11 July 2014). Myth = Mithya: Decoding Hindu Mythology. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-81-8475-021-8.
  7. ↑ Harshananda, Swami (2012). Hindu Pilgrimage Centres (second ed.). Bangalore: Ramakrishna Math. p. 61. ISBN 978-81-7907-053-6.
  8. ↑ Bangala Bhasar Abhidhaan [Dictioanary of the Bengali Language], Kolkata: Shishu Sahitya Samsad, Volume 2, p.1600. (ed. 1988)
  9. ↑ Harman, William P. (1992). The Sacred Marriage of a Hindu Goddess. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 24. ISBN 978-81-208-0810-2.
  10. ↑ পাইন, সুগত (2021). নানারূপে সতীঅঙ্গ. p. 27.
  11. ↑ www.wisdomlib.org (28 January 2019). "Story of Jamadagni". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  12. ↑ Shah, Sunil A. (May 2010). "ચિરંજીવી, શૌર્યતા, જ્ઞાનના સંગમ સમાન ભગવાન પરશુરામ" [Ciran̄jīvī, śauryatā, jñānanā saṅgam samān Bhagavān Paraśurām]. Divya Bhaskar (in ગુજરાતી). Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  13. ↑ Pattanaik, Devdutt (24 April 2003). Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-59477-558-1.
  14. ↑ Chugh, Lalit (23 May 2017). Karnataka's Rich Heritage – Temple Sculptures & Dancing Apsaras: An Amalgam of Hindu Mythology, Natyasastra and Silpasastra. Notion Press. ISBN 978-1-947137-36-3.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Jaganathan V.R., Arun (April 2013). "Yellamma Cult and Divine Prostitution: Its Historical and Cultural Background". International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications. 3 (4).
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Yadav, Krishna (2010). The Royal Bargain. Har Anand. p. 119. ISBN 978-81-241-1530-5. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  17. ↑ Behera, M.C. (1998). Pilgrim Centre Parashuram Kund: Articulation of Indian Society, Culture, and Economic Dimension. Commonwealth Publishers. p. 38. ISBN 978-81-7169-503-4.
  18. ↑ Iyer, Lalita (7 April 2018). "Jala Durga at Balkampet fulfills all your desires". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  19. ↑ "Six lakh devotees throng Yellamma temple". The Hindu. 12 January 2017. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  20. ↑ "Lakhs visit Yellamma temple on Bharat Hunnime fair". Deccan Herald. 30 January 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  21. ↑ "Chapter XXXVIII: The Vow and the Sacred Places of the Devi". The Devi Gita [Song of the Goddess]. Excerpt from the Srimad Devi Bhagawatam. Translated by Swami Vijnanananda (Hari Prasanna Chatterji). 1921. O King of Mountains! Still, I am now telling something out of My affection to My Bhaktas. Hear.
  22. ↑ "Devi Yalubai". Verses: 3-10. Archived from the original on 12 October 2013. Retrieved 3 March 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  23. ↑ "Arulmigu Renugambal Amman Temple, A.K. Padavedu". Archived from the original on 8 January 2014.
  24. ↑ Kohli, M. S. (2002). Mountains of India Tourism, Adventure, and Pilgrimage. Indus Publishing. p. 303. ISBN 978-81-7387-135-1.
  25. ↑ "Devotional show Udho Udho Shri Renuka Yellamma marks 300 episodes milestone". The Times of India. 24 December 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  26. ↑ "The Padma Shri for Manjamma Jogathi does her, her community and Karnataka proud". Frontline. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  27. ↑ "Jogappas, the Men Who Marry a Goddess to Become Women". The Wire. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  28. ↑ "Transgender folk dancer Manjamma Jogati receives Padma Shri | Watch". India Today. 9 November 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  29. ↑ "Manjamma Jogati: The Story Of Transgender Folk Dancer Who Was Conferred The Padma Shri". IndiaTimes. 10 November 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  30. ↑ "Latest in entertainment, lifestyle, fashion | t2ONLINE - Vibe With The tRIBE". www.t2online.in. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  31. ↑ Madhukar, Jayanthi (8 March 2019). "Gender Roles Over Centuries". Deccan Chronicle.
  32. ↑ "Shilpa Mudbi". DH Changemakers. 26 December 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2024.

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