Mahur Renuka Devi is the patron deity of many families in
the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. It is believed that Devi Anasuya gave
birth to Bhagwan Dattatreya at Mahur. It is also associated with the divine
incident of Renuka and Parshuram. Mahur village is located around 40 km
northwest of Kinwat town in Nanded District.
Mahur Renuka Mata Mandir
One has to travel around 7 km from Mahur Village to reach the temple, which is located atop a mountain. Surrounded by forests (with sighting of wild animals), the shrine has a history of more than 800 years. The temple was established by a Yadav king.
Goddess Renuka is the mother of Lord Parashuram, the manifestation
of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that she was born at Mahur also known as Mahurgad.
Another legend has it that when Parashuram decapitated her head, it fell here
and he got it restored also here. The place is known as Matripur or Matapur in
Devi Bhagavatam.
Mother Goddess is worshipped here in the form of a large
Swayambhu Murti. The murti is painted red and is adorned with a huge crown.
Lion, the vehicle of mother, is depicted as leaping. Another interesting aspect
of the murti are the eyes and the symbol running from forehead to the nose.
Renuka mata mandir are found widely in Maharashtra and
Karnataka. Rituals dedicated to her are observed throughout various temples
dedicated to the Goddess.
The most important festival at Mahur is observed during the
Sharad Navratri and concludes with Dasara (September – October).
Dattatreya and Mata Anasuya Mandir
The village has two other famous temples. They are also
located atop mountains. The first one is dedicated to Dattatreya and the other
one is dedicated to his mother Anasuya.
Dattatreya Jayanti, or the birth anniversary of Lord
Dattatreya, attracts thousands of devotees to Mahur.
The other smaller temples in the village include Parashuram and
Dev Deveshwar Mandir. Kali mandir is another sacred spot here. Sacred places include
Sarva Tirth, Mathru Tirth, Bhanu Tirth, Pandav Leni and Mahakali Mandir.
Direction to Reach Mahur in Maharashtra
The nearest railway station to Mahur Renuka Devi Temple is Kinwat which is 50 KM away, but Nanded Railway Station which is 126 KM is the more convenient railway station on South Central railway.
Direction to Reach Mahur in Maharashtra
The nearest railway station to Mahur Renuka Devi Temple is Kinwat which is 50 KM away, but Nanded Railway Station which is 126 KM is the more convenient railway station on South Central railway.
Related
Nagnath Aundha – Story of Origin of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple at Aundh in Maharashtra