Renuka Temple, Mahur, Maharashtra

Renuka Temple, Mahur, Maharashtra

Renuka Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Renuka, located in Mahur town in Nanded district of Maharashtra, India. The Temple is considered as one of 51 Shakti Peethas, highly revered temples throughout South Asia, that commemorate the location of fallen body parts of the Hindu deity Sati. Ekaveerika Temple in Mahur is considered as actual Shakthi Peetha. Three and a half Shakti Peethas (prominent seats of the Hindu Goddess) are reported in Maharashtra. These four Goddess temples are Mahalakshmi Temple at Kolhapur, Tulja Bhavani Temple at Tuljapur, Renuka Temple at Mahur (Matripur) and the Sapatashrungi Temple of Vani.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/renuka-temple-mahur-legends.html

History

It is believed that the temple was constructed by a Yadava king of Devagiri in 12^th Century CE.

The Temple

Renuka Devi Temple is situated on Hill top. The Temple follows Chalukyan and Rashtrakuta architectural styles. There are about 250 steps for the devotees to climb up in order to the reach the Temple. Doli facility is available for the convenience of the devotees who cannot reach the temple on the hill top. The Sanctum houses a head idol of Renuka Devi. The idol is Swayambhu.

She is adorned with various gold ornaments such as the golden flower earrings, gold garlands, nose-ring etc. There are shrines for Ganesha, Siddheshwara, Eknath, Mallikarjuna and Parashurama in the temple premises. There are many caves in the hills around Mahur. The breath-taking view of Mahur sprawling beneath and Sahyadri ranges can be viewed from the Temple.

Festivals

The nine-day Navaratri festival at the temple is famous for its unique rituals. Thousands of people arrive to celebrate Navratri at the abode of Renuka Devi. On auspicious occasions like Navaratris, Datta Poornima; Mahapuja is organised followed by Mahaprasad (Feast for the Pilgrims). A big fair is held here every year on the occasion of Vijayadashami.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Mahur Bus Stand, 50 Kms from Kinwat Railway Station, 108 Kms from Washim Railway Station, 118 Kms from Hingoli Railway Station, 132 Kms from Nanded, 158 Kms from Amravati, 183 Kms from Akola, 224 Kms from Nagpur Airport and 230 Kms from Nagpur. Maharashtra State transport buses connect Mahur with Nagpur, Amravati, Akola, Nanded, Kinwat, Yavatmal and Pusad.

Location