Parshuram Kund is a holy pilgrimage site in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Parshuram Kund is situated on the banks of the Lohit River, and it is believed that Parashurama washed his axe in the river after killing his mother, Renuka.
Religious Significance of Parshuram Kund
It has a link with the Hindu deity Parshurama; Parshuram Kund is a significant pilgrimage place for Hindus. Lord Vishnu’s sixth incarnation, Parashurama, is venerated as a great warrior and sage. According to Hindu legend, Parashurama was the son of the sage Jamadagni and his wife Renuka. Jamadagni was a wise sage with a magical axe that could grant any request. Renuka went to the river to get some water one day. She noticed a group of Gandharvas (celestial beings) bathing in the river when she was there. Renuka was so taken with the beauty of the Gandharvas that she forgot about her responsibilities and did not return home on time. Jamadagni was enraged when he found out what had transpired. He gave Parashurama the order to kill his mother as a punishment for her disobedience. Parashurama was hesitant to fulfil his father’s command, but he did so. Parashurama was stricken with regret after murdering his mother. To purge himself of his sin, he walked to the Lohit River and washed his axe in the water. The water of the Lohit River is said to have become crimson due to the blood of Parashurama’s mother.
Pilgrimage to Parshuram Kund
For Hindus from around India, Parshuram Kund is a famous pilgrimage location. It is trendy during the Makar Sankranti festival when hundreds of pilgrims go to the holy kund. Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. On Makar Sankranti, it is thought that taking a plunge in the sacred kund can wash away one’s sins and bring good luck.
Things to Do at Parshuram Kund
Aside from bathing in the holy kund, there are a variety of additional activities available at Parshuram Kund. On the banks of the Lohit River, you can visit the Parshuram Kund Temple. The temple honours the Hindu deity Parashurama.
You can also go to the Parshuram Kund Mela, an annual fair held around the Makar Sankranti festival. Various stalls providing food, drinks, and souvenirs are available during the fair. If you want to trek, you can go to the adjacent Parasuram Parvat, a sacred mountain to Hindus. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.
