Location:
Near Nahan, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 6,72m
Houses: The Math, Renuka Lake
Main Attraction: Renuka fair in Nov, temple.
Famous As: Hindu Pilgrimage
 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.
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.
|
