Location:
Near Nahan, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 6,72m
Houses: The Math, Renuka Lake
Main Attraction: Renuka fair in
Nov, temple.
Famous As: Hindu Pilgrimage
It
is believed that Rishi Jamdagni, displeased by his wife
Renuka, instructed his son Parshuram to behead her. The son
obeyed his father's wishes. Pleased at Parshuram's loyalty,
the Rishi granted his son a wish, and Parshuram asked for
the restoration of his mother to life.
ATTRACTION
TEMPLES
The
Math: The main
temple at Renuka, the Math was constructed by the invading
Gurkhas in 1814. The temple houses an image of Renuka Devi,
Parshuram's mother.
WILDLIFE
Mini
Zoo: A small
zoological park on the banks of the Renuka Lake has a
representative collection of the local fauna. Some of the
animals that can be spotted over here include Asiatic lions,
spotted deer, lion tailed macaques, 'nilgai', 'mithun',
barking deer and Himalayan black bears. Adjoining the zoo,
an armoured van enters the large enclosure allowing for a
close glimpse of the lions within.
Wildlife
Sanctuary: The wildlife sanctuary in the thick forest around
the lake is inhabited by a variety of deer and pheasants.
The lake also supports a large number of water birds.
LAKES
Renuka
Lake:
Legend has it
that when the evil Sahasarjuna killed the sage Jamadagini
and tried to abduct his wife Renuka, she flung herself into
these waters. The gods restored her to life and this lake is
regarded by her embodiment. There is a row of temples along
its banks, and a track encircles the waters. Facilities for
boating on the Renuka Lake are available through the office
of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.
Parashurama
Tal and Renuka temple:
At
the base of Renuka temple, this large pool is considered to
embrace Lord Parashurama, who wished to spend all eternity
at his mother's feet. Reportedly built overnight by an
invading force of Gurkhas in early 19th century, the
original temple of Renukji is here. Both mother and son are
reunited every year at a celebratory fair held in November.
OTHERS
Jamu
Peak:
Directly above
the lake is this peak where 'Rishi Jamdagini' is said to
have meditated. A footpath leads to this. There is a small
temple and it offers an excellent view of the lake and
surrounding area.
Jataun:
5-kms from Renuka is the Giri Hydel Project dam and angling
for Mahseer fish may be done.
Himachal
Pilgrim Tour
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