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Himachal Pradesh Renuka Lake
Located in Himachal Pradesh, India, Renuka Lake remains one among the many attractive natural wetlands which find home in the state. Located at a distance of 670 meters above sea level, it is named after the Goddess Renuka, and looks from a distance like a woman sleeping from the side. It got recognised as the National Wetland in November, 2005. It is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh; possessing a circumference of nearly three thousand two hundred meters (3200 m).the area around the lake has been recognised as a Wild Life Sanctuary. An annual fair is held every year in November on this site.
The government has also allowed boating on the lake, and lion safaris and zoos are the other attractions in and around the Renuka Lake.
History
A five day fair takes place in the area surrounding the lake, which attracts millions of tourists from over the country, who come to watch the meeting of Parshurama and his mother, Lordess Renuka. The fair begins when Lord Parshurama arrives at the Renuka Lake, the home where his mother resides. It begins on the eve of Devprabodini Akadshi.
Lord Parshurama is the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and his birth place is the Renuka Tirtha. Renuka ji and her husband, Yamdagni, who is a Maharishi, were blessed from Lord Shiva after their meditation on a hillock which is known as Tape ka Tiba, which is situated near Renuka Lake. His incarnation got its name after he procured the divine weapon which is called Parshu, from Lord Shiva. Ram was the name his parents had named him.
When Sahastrabahu and his army tried to attack Maharishi for giving Kamdhenu cow, and the maharishi denied, he was killed by the King and his army. Seeing this, his wife, Renuka, jumped into the Ram Sarovar, to sacrifice herself. When Parshurama returned, he eliminated Sahastrabahu and with his powers, he brought his father back to life. His mother remained in the lake forever, and promised to come out every year on Devprabodini Akadshi, to meet him.
Every year, on the eve of the occasion, Lord Parshurama is brought to meet his mother, from the temple which is situated in Jamu koti village. This Shobha Yatra attracts several lakhs of devotees from all around the world.
Attractions
There are several places of interest in and around the Renuka Lake. We have listed a few below
Renuka Lake
Good defeats evil always. This river is the embodiment of that. When Sahasarjuna tried to kill Jamadagini, and then tried to kidnap Renuka, his wife, pious as she was, she sacrificed herself to the water. Seeing this, the Gods brought her back to life. The lake is considered to be a form of her. Now, temples have been erected around the lake, and boating is also available on the lake.
Parshurama Tal and Renuka Lake
a large pool exists at the bottom of the Renuka Lake, which is said to be built in the glory of Lord Parshurama. His desire was to spend an eternity at his mother’s feet. At a fair held every November, the mother son pair is united. The original Renuka temple is said to be constructed by the Gurkhas in the early 19th century.
Jamu Peak
Rishi Jamadagini practiced his meditation at this peak, and a temple here provides a breath taking view of the area below.
Mini Zoo
Spotted deers, Lion tailed macaques, ‘Nilgai’ Metheun, Asiatic Lions, Himalayan black bears, barking deer’s are all present in the zoo which you can take a oat to, or drive across to.
Lion Safari
This is another very interesting place of attraction around the Renuka Lake.
How to Reach
The lake is on the the Nahan Renukaji Highway, in the foothills of district, Sirmour, in Himachal Pradesh. It is at a distance of 37 kms from Nahan, which is the headquarter of Sirmour district. 17 km further is Kalaamb, on Panhkula, Yamunanagar Highway. Chandigarh likes 90 kms away from Nahan.
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