Saundatti

Saundatti is one of the oldest towns in Belgaum district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is a celebrated pilgrimage centre located 78 kilometres from Belgaum and 37 kilometres from Dharwad. Savadatti is also the name of the taluk, which was previously named Parasgad. There are several ancient temples in Saudatti. The historical name of the Savadatti was Sugandavarti"Sougandipura". It was the capital of the Ratta dynasty (from 875-1230), until the capital shifted to Belgaum. Traces of the Ratta Dynasty and the Rashtrakuta Dynasty are seen in the form of two pillars present in this town. These pillars are situated at the Belgaum Fort and are known for their inscriptions in the Nagari script that belong to year 1199 AD and are attributed to Ratta king Kartaveerya IV.

The most popular temples of Saundatti include Yallammagudda, Shirasangi Shri Kalika Devi Temple, Savadatti Temples, Puradeshwara Temple, Navilatirtha and Ankeshwara Temple. The town also has a popular water reservoir named Renuka Sagara, which is formed by the water of Navilatirtha Dam. This reservoir touches the low-lying areas of Saundatti at a spot called Jogulabhavi, which forms the site for Navilatirtha Temple. The Yallammagudda Temple is dedicated to the goddess Yellamma and is a popula