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Surrounded by lush forest supporting a variety of animal and
bird life, Renuka Lake is not only an idyllic holiday resort but also a
revered pilgrim centre. Mythology has it that the Parshuram Tal, which
appears shaped in the profile of a sleeping lady, was created to mark the
immortality of Renuka, the wife of 'Rishi Jamdagni'.
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.
TEMPLES
Renuka Temple: Located at the base of the
Renuka Lake is the Parashurama
Tal, a massive pool embodying, it is believed, 'Parashurama', who desired
to spend eternity at his mother's feet.
Mother and son are reunited every year at the great Renuka Fair, held on
banks of the lake, in the month of November. The original temple of
Renukaji, is said to have been built overnight by a contingent of Gurkhas
in the early 19th century.
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. more...
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. more...
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. more...
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.
Air: The nearest airheads are
Dehra
Dun and Chandigarh
, which are accessible from Nahan and Renuka by road.
Dehra
Dun and Chandigarh
are served from Delhi
by Indian Airlines. Within the state, the capital Shimla, is connected by
air, from which the region is accessible by road.
Rail: For Nahan, the nearest railhead is Ambala, 100-km away,
Dehra
Dun also serves as a railhead, 65-km from
Paonta Sahib. Regular train
services from Delhi connect both rail terminals.
Road: Delhi
is the entry point for the region. For reaching Renuka, there are two
routes from both approximately 350-km. The first route from
Delhi is via Shahabad,
Naraingarh, Kala Amb, and Nahan to Renuka. The
second route begins in Delhi and goes via Pipli, Yamunagar to Renuka. The
Distance between Nahan and Paonta is 45-km; between Nahan and Renuka is
35-Km; and between Paonta and Renuka is 58-km. Saketi is 22-km from Nahan.
Hotel Renuka, Renuka, District Sirmour
The HP Tourism Development Corporation makes boating facility available
for tourists.
In winter, the climate is pleasant and medium woollens are suggested. Summer temperatures are high and cottons are recommended.
The reunion of mother and son is celebrated at the annual Renuka Fair in November where people come to seek the goddess' blessings for a happy and prosperous family life. Caps and turbans are exchanged as symbols of brotherhood. Processions of twelve local gods visit the Devi's temple during the fair. A number of food kiosks and entertainment pavilions are also set up for visiting pilgrims.
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