- Location: Nahan, Himachal Pradesh
- Timings: 9 am–5 pm
- Entry Fees: No entry fee
- Time Require: 30 minutes to 1 hour
The Renuka Ji temple in Nahan is located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is dedicated to the goddess Renuka, also known as the mother of sage Parashurama, and is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region. The temple is located on the banks of the Renuka Lake, which is also a popular tourist destination.
Renuka pilgrimage site of Himachal Pradesh state is bounded through a wide verdant forest that contains various types of bird life and animal species. This is not just a spiritual pilgrimage but it is also ideal holiday spot to enjoy the pleasurable vacation. As per other pilgrimage site’s mythological History, Himachal Pradesh state’s this spiritual temple also comprise a historical story of origin. At the location of Renuka temple, during the ancient time Parshuram Tal was manifested in the shape of a sleeping lady, which was a sign of permanence of Renuka, she was Rishi Jamadagni’s wife.
There is a believe that Renuka’s husband Rishi Jamdagni was unsatisfied through his wife, he had given instruction to Parshuram ( his son) to decapitate her. As per his order, he did that. His son satisfied his father that why Rishi agreed his wish; his one wish was to again give life to his mother. Such a divine incident or moment has made this pilgrimage place great and memorable.
Sacred Structures
The Math
Within the prime Renuka temple, this Math is constructed. It has been made through attacking Gurkhas during the year of 1814. Here you will get to see Parshuram’s mother and divine Renuka Devi.
Let’s Explore Wild World
Mini Zoo
During your trip of the religious Renuka pilgrimage, to refresh your body and soul you can visit the tiny zoological park. It is very near the pilgrimage place that’s why you need not think about the journey, it is located over Renuka Lake’s banks. Here you can see various ranges of regional Fauna. There are few scarce animals like the spotted deer, Asiatic lions, mithun, macaques with lion tail, barking deer, nilgai and black bears of Himalaya.
Lakes
Renuka Temple and Parashurama Tal
Below the Renuka temple, there is a big pool that is believed to hug Lord Parashurama; the son of Rishi, Parashurama, who was wishing to expend infinity on the foot of his mother. During the oldest nineteenth century, attacking Gurkhas had constructed original Renuka temple. If you want to see the actual Renuka temple, then it is here. On the auspicious occasion of Renuka fair son and mother meets each other.
Renuka Lake
As per Hindu mythology, the moment Saint Jamadagni was killed through Sahasrarjun and he had struggles to kidnap Renuka. At that time she through herself into the water of this holy Lake. But God saved her life but this Lake became popular by her name. On the banks of this Lake, you will get to see row of shrines. You will be able to experience the real beauty of this Lake from close distance, by boating activity. This facility has been offered through Himachal Pradesh state Tourism Development Corporation Office.
Jataun
From the temple of Renuka, Jataun is almost five kilometers far. it is a Giri Hydel Project dam.
Jamu Peak
If you go on the other side of the Lake, there is a peak, as per regional people’s believe it was a place where Rishi Jamadagni used to meditate to reach this location, there is a footpath that will take you to the correct location. At this place also you will find the presence of spiritual ambience due to the tiny shrine, from this shrine you will get a marvelous look of entire Lake and the surrounded area.
How to Reach
This pilgrimage place is a very well developed site that’s why it is connected through different transportation modes like rail, air and road. The closest railway station of Renuka pilgrimage is Ambala, it is hundred kilometers away. At Dehradun too you will find a railway station that is sixty five kilometers from another pilgrimage temple. there are frequent rails that run between Delhi and other prime terminals.
If you prefer air transportation then you can easily reach here, the closest airports are Chandigarh and Dehradun. At these airports you can reach Renuka and Nahan pilgrimages through road. You can even take a flight from Delhi towards Chandigarh or Dehradun. Himachal Pradesh state’s capital city Shimla is well connected through air, from Shimla Renuka pilgrimage is accessible.
If you enjoy road journey then the entry gate of Himachal Pradesh state would be Delhi. To reach at Renuka, you have 2 routes from those routes Renuka pilgrimage is about three hundred fifty kilometers. From Delhi the 1st route goes through Naraingarh, Shahabad, Nahan and Kala Amb; and the second route goes through Yamunagar, Pipli. The detachment among Paonta and Nahan is forty five kilometers, among Renuka and Nahan it is thirty five kilometers, among Renuka and Paonta the distance is fifty eight kilometers. From Nahan, Saketi is twenty two kilometers far.
Stay
In the Sirmaur district, there is the Renuka hotel where you can get accommodation facility. From Himachal Pradesh especially for the tourists they have provided boating facility.
Climate
Try to visit this state during the winter season. Exploring Himachal Pradesh state in the cool and pleasant weather is just fabulous, your mind and soul won’t allow you to leave this state.
Occasion to Rejoice
The yearly Renuka fair is a perfect occasion to see the enthusiastic devotees, who come to attain this fair with lots of faith for Renuka Devi. The occasion of this fair is very happy and joyful because on that occasion a mother and son meet each other. The unique feature of this fair is people exchange their turbans and caps with each other. The march of 12 regional gods gathers in the Renuka Devi temple during the fair. This is the best period to closely experience the local life of Himachal Pradesh state’s people.