Sri Nagavi Yallamma Devi Temple, Chittapura

ಯಲ್ಲಮ್ಮ ತಾಯಿ ಉಧೋ.. ಉಧೋ... ತಹಸೀಲ್ದಾರ ಮಂಗಳಾರತಿ ಮಾಡಿ ಪಲ್ಲಕ್ಕಿ ಹೊತ್ತುಕೊಂಡು ಉತ್ಸವದ ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆ ಭಕ್ತಸಮೂಹ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಎದುರಿನ ಎರಡು ಬಾವಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ನಾನ ಹೊರ ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳಿಂದಲೂ ಹರಿದು ಬಂದ ಭಕ್ತಸಮೂಹ
The Nagavi Yellamma Temple, located near Chittapur, Kalaburagi (formerly known as Gulbarga), is a highly respected place of worship dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma. Originating from the Chalukya era, this temple showcases elaborate architecture, peaceful environs, and a main shrine devoted to the goddess. The place serves as a spiritual sanctuary, inviting worshippers in search of comfort and divine favour inside its serene atmosphere. This temple, easily reached by well-connected roads, embodies a wealth of cultural legacy and spiritual importance, beckoning tourists to fully immerse themselves in its sacred atmosphere. The Nagavi Yellamma Temple is a place where history, faith, and devotion come together, with a rich tradition that spans centuries. The innermost chamber of the temple has the sacred idol of Goddess Yellamma, embellished with colourful ornaments, which attract worshippers from all regions of Karnataka and beyond. The rituals and ceremonies performed at this location are firmly based on indigenous traditions, enhancing the temple's spiritual ambiance. The Nagavi Yellamma Temple building showcases remarkable architectural genius. The tourists are captivated by the intricate carvings, colourful themes, and the grandeur of the main sanctum, which provide a look into the artistic skill and cultural legacy of the region. The Nagavi Yellamma Temple offers a diverse range of cultural celebrations throughout the year. The temple reverberates with the sounds of jubilations and cultural revelries. The yearly Yellamma Jatra utsava is a remarkable and extravagant celebration that draws in a multitude of enthusiasts. Throughout this festival, the town becomes animated with lively processions, religious ceremonies, and cultural displays, representing the community's solidarity and dedication to the goddess. Karnataka is an area that is abundant in culture, with distinct features in terms of art, literature, and historical significance. Occasionally, these renowned monarchs, queens, and vassals have made significant contributions to the fields of art, literature, and culture. During that period, there existed modest administrative hubs in this nation with the purpose of safeguarding the integrity of the state. Various sorts of administrators were responsible for overseeing these matters. They served as vassals under the authority of the lords of Nadanna. The individuals in question are commonly referred to as Dandanayakas and Mahamandaleswaras. Located in the southern section of the town, the renowned Nagavi University, which was active from the 10th to the 13th century, holds great historical significance. This area is home to a number of dilapidated temples and mosques, which are believed to have belonged to the Rashtrakoot Empire. One notable site is the Nagavi temple, which is considered to be one of the Shakti peethas of the southern region. Another remarkable structure is the 60-pillared Nagavi institution, which was constructed approximately 1200 years ago by the Rastrakuta dynasty. It is worth noting that this institution is the second oldest in existence, behind Nalanda. The capital city of Malkhed, belonging to the Rashtrakoota dynasty, is situated around 14 km to the east of Chittapur. Today, the Nagavi region is commonly recognized as the sacred site dedicated to the worship of Goddess Yellamma. However, it is not widely known that this region was previously internationally renowned for its esteemed status as a prominent educational hub. Nagavi is sometimes referred to as 'Nagavapi' and 'Nagavavi'. The name Nagavi is derived from the ancient term 'Nagavavi', which combines the words 'naaga' (referring to a serpent) and 'baavi' (meaning well). The term 'Naaga' in the name is associated with the abundant presence of 'naagakallus' or serpent stones discovered in this area, as documented in previous surveys. The term Nagavapi is a combination of the words 'Naga' and 'Vapi'. The inscriptions of Nagavai refer to it as "Agrahara Nagavavi," "Maha Agrahara Nagavavi," and "Sarvanamasya Agrahara Nagavavi." The origins of the names Nagavapi, Nagavavi, and Nagavi can be traced back to legendary narratives and local folklore. The territory was governed by the Shatavans, Rashtrakutas, Kalyana Chalukyas, and Kalachuryas. Subsequently, this region came under the governance of Muhammadans (Bahumani, Nizam of Hyderabad), and the control of Company governments also exerted significant influence in this area. Malkhed was chosen as the capital by the Rashtrakutas in this region. Sedam, located in close proximity, served as the residence of the queen, while Nilahalli housed the treasury, and Dandoti accommodated the army's quarters. Scholars believe that Nagavi was a renowned Agrahara during this time. In ancient times, rulers, Mahamandaleshwaras, Dandanayakas, and knowledgeable Brahmins would gather learnt Brahmins in a single location to facilitate uninterrupted Jnana Yajna. The inhabitants of this agrahara who belonged to the Brahmin caste were referred to as Mahajanas. The educated Brahmins possessed extensive knowledge in significant disciplines such as Vedas, Shastras, Astrology, Mathematics, and Yoga. The knowledgeable Brahmins were allocated exclusive parcels of land. The term used to describe this well-organised lodging is Agrahara. This individual previously held the position of Dandanayaka in that nation and currently serves as an Agrahara official. The Nagavi inscription records the dedication of four hundred eminent scholars, known as Viprottams, to Abhinava Brahma Loka. Vasumatti Talake, as the leader, was appointed as the head of Kuntala Mahitala, with the title of Tilak, in the grand city of Maha Agrahara Nagavavi. The temple known as Nagavelamba is actually the renowned Velamba temple. She is the deity known as Shakti, and there exists a legendary narrative surrounding this divine figure. The ritual of Shakti Puja has been prevalent in our nation since ancient times. The ancient monarchs revered Shakti by satisfying their ancestral divinity. Historical records confirm that the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheda have chosen Velamba Devi as their ancestral goddess. According to reports, the temple originally consisted of merely a sanctum sanctorum, but it was subsequently enlarged. The temple is orientated towards the west and features an exposed sanctum sanctorum, navaranga, and ardhamantapam. During the subsequent expansion, a corridor was constructed in front of the navaranga. Within the sanctum sanctorum, there are two distinct water springs in addition to the sculpture of the goddess and the padukas. There are three lampposts on the broad embankment in front of Nagarakatte. During Navratri, the festival is held here with grandeur for a duration of nine days. There are pavilions located around the temple grounds.The temple architecture exhibits a distinct style reminiscent of Islamic shrine architecture. I am uncertain whether it was reconstructed or not, as I have been informed of a renowned dargah in Chittapur. This location has excellent connectivity through air, train, and bus transportation.

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