Parshuram Temple

Parshuram Temple is a Hindu shrine located on the shores of Renuka Lake in Renuka Ji, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and son of Goddess Renuka. This modest stone structure houses an idol of Parshuram with his iconic axe and is part of a larger temple complex that includes shrines to Renuka, Vishnu, and Shiva. The site holds significant mythological importance as the place where Parshuram is believed to meet his mother annually during the Renuka Fair.

Visitors can expect a peaceful temple experience at this modest stone structure situated on the shores of Renuka Lake. The temple complex features an idol of Lord Parshuram with his axe, along with a separate standing idol near the main road. Adjacent to the temple is Parshuram Tal, a smaller companion lake where visitors can feed fish. The temple is part of a dense cluster of sacred sites including the main Renuka Temple, all within easy walking distance. Visitors should be cautious of monkeys in the area and can explore the lakeside parikrama path around Renuka Lake.

The main Renuka Temple in the complex was built in 1814 by Gurkha forces. The site has been referenced in Puranic texts predating the establishment of the princely state of Sirmaur. According to mythology, this is where Sage Jamadagni's wife Renuka transformed into the lake, and where her son Parshuram comes to meet her annually on Devprabodhini Ekadashi.

The temple is part of an important pilgrimage site associated with the legend of Goddess Renuka and Lord Parshuram. It hosts the annual Renuka Fair in November, a five-day festival featuring the Shobha Yatra procession carrying Lord Parshuram's silver palanquin, folk dances, and lake rituals. The site is recognized as a Ramsar wetland since 2005 and forms the core of Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary.