Shri Renukaji Fair dedicated to the mother of Lord Parashuram (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) is held during the last five days of Kartik Month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Himachal Pradesh. Shri Renuka Fair 2024 is from November 12 to November 15. On the Ekadasi day during the fair (November 12), Lord Parashuram visits his mother Goddess Renuka who is worshipped in the form of lake – Renuka Lake
Shri Renukaji Fair Legend
In one of the most famous stories in Hindu Puranas, Renuka the wife of Rishi Jamdagni and mother of Lord Parshuram was suspected for infidelity. Obeying his father’s orders, Lord Parashuram beheaded his mother. But later Rishi Jamdagni regretted his anger and asked Lord Parshuram to bring her back to life and he brought her back to life immediately. (There are several versions of this story). After the incident Lord Parshuram left to live a life of solitude in Mahendra Mountain
Shri Renukaji Fair
Renuka is one of the biggest lakes in Himachal Pradesh and is located at an altitude of 672 m. She is believed to be an embodiment of Goddess Renuka. During the Renukaji Fair, a palanquin carrying the murti (idol) of Lord Parshuram from an ancient temple in Jamu Koti Village visits the Holy Lake Jamu Koti Village to Dadahu and on Ekadasi day from Dadahu to Renuka Lake
The main priest goes into an oracular trance and is besieged by questions from crowds for the three days that the deity presides over the festivities.
The fair attracts thousands of local and devotees from neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan. Local produces, handicrafts and other local products are traded during the period. Thus the fair is an important part of the economy of the region.
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