Who is Renuka Devi
In the town of Mahur, in Maharashtra's Nanded district, Renuka Devi is worshipped as one of the state's most revered forms of the Mother Goddess. Alongside Tuljapur, Kolhapur and Saptashrungi, Mahur is counted among the seats devotees together call the "three and a half" shakti peethas of Maharashtra.
Here the Devi is worshipped as Renuka Mata, remembered above all as the devoted wife of sage Jamadagni and the mother of Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu.
History and the Katha
Tradition places sage Jamadagni's ashram on this very hill, with Renuka as his devoted companion through a life of penance and devotion. Puranic memory recounts that a rare and difficult test arose within the sage's household, and that Renuka's life and honour were ultimately restored through the deep filial devotion of her son Parashurama, who was granted a boon for her revival.
Devotees hold that after this restoration, Renuka came to be worshipped in her own right as a form of the Devi at Mahur, her presence sanctifying a hill that has drawn pilgrims for generations. The nearby Dattatreya temple, associated with sage Atri and Anasuya, adds to Mahur's standing as a wider devotional destination.
Significance and What Devotees Pray For
Devotees turn to Renuka Devi especially for the strength and harmony of family bonds, given her own story of devotion and restoration:
- Harmony and trust between husband and wife
- Protection and long life for children
- Courage to remain faithful through hardship
- Combined blessings with the nearby Dattatreya-Anasuya shrine
Her worship at Mahur is deeply woven into the devotional life of Marathwada.
Darshan Guide: Timings and Festivals
The temple observes a regular pattern of morning and evening aarti, with darshan open to pilgrims through the day.
Both Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri bring large gatherings to Mahur, with many devotees combining their visit with darshan at the nearby Dattatreya and Anasuya temples on the same hill for a fuller pilgrimage experience.
How to Reach Mahur
Mahur is located in Nanded district, Maharashtra, close to the border with Telangana.
- Nearest railway station: Kinwat or Nanded, with onward road travel
- Nearest airport: Nanded
- By road: well connected from Nanded, Yavatmal and Kinwat by state and private buses.
Mantra to Chant and the Takeaway
Devotees chant Om Renuka Devyai Namah (I bow to Goddess Renuka) in her honour, along with prayers to Parashurama and Dattatreya during their visit to Mahur.
Renuka's story, at its heart, is one of devotion restoring what seemed lost. Devotees carry that faith home with them, remembering that worship is an act of faith and love, not a transaction.
Reader Questions Answered
Why is Renuka Devi at Mahur significant?+
She is worshipped as one of Maharashtra's three-and-a-half shakti peethas and remembered as the mother of Lord Parashurama, revered for family devotion and harmony.
What festivals are celebrated at Mahur?+
Both Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri bring large gatherings, often combined with visits to the nearby Dattatreya and Anasuya temples.
How do I reach Renuka Devi Temple, Mahur?+
Mahur is reached via Nanded, the nearest major railway station and airport, followed by road travel to the town.
About the author
Pandit Ravindra Sharma · Vedic Rituals & Bhakti, 22+ years
Pandit Ravindra is the Vandnaa editorial team's resident specialist on aarti, chalisa, and daily devotion. He has performed home and temple pujas across Varanasi and Delhi for over two decades and contributes the bhakti-focused articles on this site.
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