Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple

According to the Mahabharata and Puranic sources, Renuka was the wife of Sage Jamadagni and mother of Parashuram. After she was wrongly suspected of infidelity, Parashuram beheaded his mother and was ordered to atone; the lake is said to have originated from her pure form. A separate Parashuram shrine stands on the eastern bank so the mother and son face each other across the water. The site has been a tirtha for centuries and is referenced in the Markandeya Purana and local Pahari traditions. The Renuka Wetland received Ramsar status in 2005. The temple is governed by the Renuka Vikas Board under the Government of Himachal Pradesh.

• Renuka Ji International Fair (Prabodhini Ekadashi, November)
• Chaitra Navratri
• Sharad Navratri
• Makar Sankranti

Nearest airport: Chandigarh International Airport (~120 km). Nearest major railhead: Ambala Cantt (~95 km) — no rail link to Nahan. By road: 315 km from Delhi, 37 km from Nahan, 60 km from Paonta Sahib via NH-72. HRTC buses and shared taxis run from Nahan.

Where is Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple located?

Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple is located at Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple, Renuka Ji, Tehsil Pachhad, Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh 173022, in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Who is the presiding deity at Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple?

The presiding deity at Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple is Devi (also known as Shakti, Durga), worshipped in the Shakta tradition.

What are the timings of Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple?

Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple is generally open Darshan: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (general); core darshan ~6:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Morning aarti ~5:00 AM; Sandhya aarti ~6:00 PM. Open all days.. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.

When was Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple built?

Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple was established Ancient (legendary Parashuramyuga; temple rebuilt multiple times). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.

What is the architectural style of Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple?

Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple is built in the Stone-and-concrete lakeside temple with a stepped ghat, classic North Indian shikhara style, characteristic of Devi shrines of this region.

Which festivals are celebrated at Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple?

The principal festivals celebrated at Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple include Renuka Ji International Fair (Prabodhini Ekadashi, November), Chaitra Navratri, Sharad Navratri, Makar Sankranti. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.

How can I reach Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple?

Nearest airport: Chandigarh International Airport (~120 km). Nearest major railhead: Ambala Cantt (~95 km) — no rail link to Nahan. By road: 315 km from Delhi, 37 km from Nahan, 60 km from Paonta Sahib via NH-72. HRTC buses and shared taxis run from Nahan.

Why is Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple significant?

Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple on Renuka Lake, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, honors Renuka, mother of Parashuram, with the lake said to be her very body.

Is there an entry fee at Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple?

Entry to the main shrine of Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.

What is the dress code at Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple?

Shri Mata Renuka Ji Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.