About Renukaji Temple
The Renukaji Temple is one of the major Hindu temples in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is an important pilgrimage site in the Sirmour district of the state. The principal shrine at Renuka which is also known as the 'Math' was built in 1814 by the Gorkha raiders. The shrine is home to a stunning deity of Goddess Renuka Devi.
The Renukaji Temple is the most significant site of worship and tourist destination in the district of Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh. The distance from Nahan is approximately 40 km. The place enjoys good connectivity through metalled motorable ways. There is a popular lake known as the Renuka Lake. There is another lake in the area which is named Parshu Ram Lake and it is assumed to symbolize Lord Parshu Rama. It lies near the Renuka Lake which indistinctly looks like a human body. There is a saying that the mother of Parshurama sanctified into water as a result of which this sacred water body was created. At the corner of this holy water body, you will find a host of lofty palm trees and this makes the place a perfect spot for picnic in the day. The site gets crowded by devotees at the time of the Renuka Fair which is held in November and is famous for an amazing range of pursuits.
There is another myth associated with the Renuka Lake which says at the time when Rishi Jamdagni was executed by the wicked Sahasarjuna and when he attempted to kidnap Renuka, Renuka jumped into the water. Her life was reinstated by the deities. As a consequence, this lake is looked upon as her incarnation.
Mythology associated with Renukaji Temple
The pilgrims regard the Renuka lake as an incarnation of Renuka, who was the mother of Lord Parshurama and spouse of Rishi Jamdagni. At one time, Rishi Jamdagni became angry with Renuka. He ordered Parshurama to cut off Renuka's head. The obedient son had no option to go against his father. When Parshurama performed the task that was ordered by Rishi Jamdagni, he was not able to endure the death of Renuka, his mother. His father was also regretful and upset regarding the heartrending event. Rishi Jamdagni at that moment ordered Parshurama to breathe life into his mother. His son, who was the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, did it instantly which otherwise was an unattainable job.
Mythologies claim that Lord Parshurama, after this event, moved towards Mehendra mountain for carrying out contemplation. Since he made a vow to come to his blessed mother every year, the Renuka fair is celebrated as a festive event to honor the happening. As a result, this fair is being organized for more than hundreds of years. At the time of the Renuka fair, the statue of Lord Parshurama is carried by devotees in a vibrant parade in the bedecked palanquin. This parade begins at Jamu village and ends at Dadahu which is situated at a distance of 9 km. The distance of Renuka temple from Dadahu is only 2 kilometers. The statues of local goddesses like Masu and Kattaka are also taken out. When the parade receives a customary reception in Dadahu, it heads in the direction of the 'Parsuram Temple', which is the heavenly dwelling of Lord Parshurama. On the day of Ekadashi, Parshurama becomes the visitor of Renuka, his mother. The following day, Parshurama gets back to Jamu. The mela carries on for a period of seven days and presentations and shows by cultural bands is one of the salient features of this event as well. The display of a collection of things created by different government divisions and tourism agencies draw a significant number of footfalls as well.
The objective of celebrating this event is to have a reunion between the mother and son every year since Parashurama wanted to spend an endless period of time at the feet of his mother.
Significance of Renuka Lake
The Renuka lake is situated in the Sirmour district. It is bordered by verdant green jungles that are home to a range of flora and fauna. The lake is not only a vacation spot but also a venerated religious site. The water body is joined with roadways. The distance from Nahan is about 40 km, from Parwanoo it is 123 km, and from Paonta Sahib it is 60 km. The perimeter of the lake is 3214 meters, making it the biggest natural lake in the state. The water body resembles a sleeping lady. Trekking and boating are popular adventure sports near this area.
Renuka Sanctuary/Zoo: Spanning more than 400 hectares of forest that shares borders with the holy and beautiful Renuka lake, this wildlife reserve in spite of its tiny area is home to different varieties of deer such as Sambar, Chital, and Barking Deer. The whole wildlife reserve is known as Renuka Reserve Forest as well. The sanctuary covers a total area of 4.028 sq km.
The wildlife comprises Sambar, Leopard, Barking deer, Jackal, Hare, Spotted Deer, Palm Civet, Jungle cat, Blue jay, Porcupine, Drongos, Black Partridge, Scarlet Minivet, Hill Crow, Common Coots, Bulbul, Black Buck, Green Pigeons and Nilgai.
How to reach there
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Ambala, lying at a distance of 63 km from Nahan. Other major railway stations include Chandigarh (95 km) and Dehradun (105 km).
By Bus: Nahan is well joined by roadways. Taxis and buses run from Chandigarh and Ambala. The distance from Delhi is 315 km.
By Air: The closest airport is Chandigarh, which is situated at a distance of 87 km from Nahan. Dehradun is another airport near Nahan.
Last Updated on 19 March 2012
