Shri Renuka Ji Fair: A Divine Festival of Devotion. 2nd part
Shri Renuka Ji lake near the confluence of the Giri and Jalal rivers, at a distance of 325 km from Delhi is a rare beauteous spot of Himachal Pradesh. The main attractions there are the sacred Renuka Lake, Parsuram Tal and the temples dedicated to Lord Parsuram and his mother Goddess Renuka including wild life sanctuary & Lion Safari. A big fair is held here every year on Kartik Ekadashi.
Legend also has it that Renuka like a devoted wife fetched water from the Giri river every day for Jamadagni. One day she saw a Gandharva couple bathing in water. Renuka kept watching them and therefore reached the ashram late. A suspicion arose in Jamadagni’s mind regarding her fidelity and in a fit of anger he ordered his sons to kill her. All the sons except Parsuram refused to do so. Parsuram slayed his mother. Jamadagni was pleased with his son’s devotion and offered to grant him any boon. Parsuram quickly asked for restoration of his mother’s life and thus Renuka came back to life.
People from all over Sirmour, particularly from trans-Giri region, throng the fair. Local visitors set up temporary hearths for cooking their food. They pass their nights under the sky, singing and dancing. Beside the coming up of a big bazaar at the site, cultural performances are held to entertain the visitors.
The forest around has been declared a wildlife sanctuary. A mini-zoo is an added attraction situated near the lake. One has an opportunity to see lions from a close distance. Near the lake is a place called Sahasradhara. Numerous tiny streams flow from between the rocks and provide a bewitching spectacle. The droplets of water sparkle in the sun and combine to form a spring, which is used by pilgrims for drinking water.
Killing of fish is banned here. Pilgrims feed them with balls of flour, which are available for a price. The fish and tortoise swim on to the ghats; have their fill of flour balls and then leisurely swim back to the depths of lake.
Separate bathing ghats for men and women have been built all along the parikrama path where people take a holy dip. Bathing in the lake on the day of Kartik Ekadashi is considered to be of great religious merit and is said to purge one of all sins.
An HPTDC Hotel and rest houses built by the PWD, Renuka Development Board and the Forest Department come handy for tourists. There is a big complex known as Kubza Pavilion near the Mela Ground, which also offers a serai.
Be they nature lovers or spiritual or religious people, Renuka has something special for all kinds of visitors.
Local artists performing Himachali dances during the mela.
The elaborate description of Maa Renuka ji by mr Sanjeev is delighting. I have visited the place once and the calm and peace of the area is heart wondering. The lion safari along with the banks of Renuka lake takes u close to the nature. I visited the place when I was in schools at Nahan the nearby city. I was with my class and we camped there for whole day. Its was one of the best exeperience of my life.
Long Live Himachal