The legend of Renuka Yellamma, also known as Yellamma Devi, is a popular Hindu mythological story that originates from the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The story of Renuka Yellamma goes back to the time of the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic.
According to the legend, Renuka was the wife of the sage Jamadagni and mother of Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. Renuka was a devoted wife and was known for her purity and devotion to her husband. One day, while fetching water from the river, she saw a handsome prince bathing and was momentarily attracted to him. However, she quickly regained her composure and returned to her husband.
However, Jamadagni, who was a great sage and knew everything, found out about his wife's momentary lapse and was enraged. He ordered his son Parashurama to behead his mother as punishment for her infidelity. But Parashurama refused to do so and instead pleaded with his father to forgive his mother. But Jamadagni refused to budge and ordered his son to behead his mother. Parashurama obeyed his father's command and beheaded his mother.
The goddess Yellamma was pleased with Renuka's devotion and purity and appeared before Parashurama. She praised him for his devotion to his parents and granted him a boon. Parashurama asked for his mother's life back, and Yellamma restored Renuka to life, making her immortal.
Since then, Renuka Yellamma has been worshipped as a symbol of purity and devotion in the Hindu religion. Her temple is located in the town of Saundatti in the Indian state of Karnataka and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees. The annual Yellamma Devi fair is held at the temple in honor of the goddess and is attended by thousands of devotees from all over India.
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