Cradled in the lush green folds of the Shivalik hills, Renuka Ji Temple is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most cherished pilgrimage sites. Dedicated to Goddess Renuka, the mother of Lord Parashurama, this temple sits beside the tranquil Renuka Lake, the largest natural lake in the state. It’s a place where mythology, nature, and devotion converge in perfect harmony.
🌄 Location & Accessibility
- Location: Renuka Ji, near Dadahu, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: ~672 meters above sea level
- Nearest Town: Nahan (37 km)
- How to Reach:
- By Road: Well-connected via NH-7 from Chandigarh, Dehradun, and Nahan
- By Rail: Nearest stations – Ambala (95 km), Dehradun (105 km), Chandigarh (95 km)
- By Air: Chandigarh International Airport (~130 km), Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~100 km)
🛕 Mythological Significance
According to legend, Renuka Devi, wife of Rishi Jamadagni, was known for her purity and devotion. When her husband suspected her fidelity, he ordered their son Parashurama to behead her. Obediently, he did so, but later, moved by his remorse, he was granted a boon to bring her back to life.
Another tale recounts that when King Sahastrarjuna tried to abduct her, Renuka jumped into the lake to protect her chastity. The lake is thus believed to be her embodiment, and the temple stands as a tribute to her sacrifice and divinity.
🕉️ Deity & Worship
- Goddess Renuka is worshipped as an incarnation of Durga, symbolizing motherhood, strength, and purity
- The temple also houses a shrine to Lord Parashurama, her son and the sixth avatar of Vishnu
- Devotees offer milk, flowers, and coconut at the sanctum and perform aarti by the lakeside
🏛️ Temple Highlights
- Built in 1814 CE, the temple features traditional Himachali architecture
- Located on the banks of Renuka Lake, surrounded by dense forests and hills
- A floating idol of Parashurama is ceremonially brought to the temple during the annual fair
- The temple complex includes shrines to Lord Shiva, Ganesh, and Hanuman
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
Renuka Fair (Renuka Mela) – November (Kartik month)
- A five-day celebration marking the reunion of Renuka and Parashurama
- Begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi, with a grand procession of Parashurama’s idol from Jamu Koti
- Includes folk music, cultural performances, devotional rituals, and community feasts
Other Celebrations:
- Navratri: Special pujas and aartis
- Guru Purnima & Shravan Month: Observed with fasting and offerings
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Renuka Lake: Boating, nature walks, and birdwatching
- Mini Zoo & Lion Safari: Home to Himalayan black bears, deer, and leopards
- Jamu Koti Temple: The origin point of Parashurama’s annual journey
- Suketi Fossil Park: India’s first fossil park, just 21 km away
- Dadahu Village: A peaceful riverside hamlet with local markets and homestays
🙏 Spiritual Experience
The still waters of Renuka Lake, the chants echoing through the forest, and the timeless legends of divine love between mother and son make this temple a place of deep emotional and spiritual resonance. Whether you come for faith, folklore, or the sheer beauty of nature, Renuka Ji Temple leaves a lasting imprint on the soul.
