There is something to be said about a place where divinity reigns supreme. That is the case with Mahur or Mahurgad, one of the most religious places in Maharashtra. Mahur is said to be the birthplace of Hindu goddess Renuka, mother of Lord Parshuram. With three important temples on three hills, the temple of Renuka Devi is considered the most important and it is during the annual fair held on Vijayadashmi day that you must visit to truly soak in the spiritual ambience.

Located in the Kinvat taluka of Nanded district, Mahur is where three deities i.e. Renuka Devi, Dattatreya and his mother Anasuya are worshiped. There are three temples located on three different hills and it is Renuka Devi who is worshipped more since the temple dedicated to her is one of the three-and-a-half  ‘shakti peethas’. This particular temple is said to be built by the Yadava rulers. It is believed that Renuka, wife of sage Jamadagni, was decapitated by her own son Parshurama and her head fell at this place. She was later re-born by the boon of Jamadagni. Mahur finds mention as one of the famous pilgrimages in ‘Devi Bhagvata’ where it is called Matripur or Matapur. Renuka Devi is also known by the name Jagadamba Devi.

It is the Navaratri festival which is celebrated with true grandeur at Mahur. A big fair is held on the occasion of Vijayadashami and ‘mahapooja’ and the ‘mahaprasad’ are especially arranged on auspicious occasions like Navaratri and Datta Poornima. The fascinating location of the three temples of Mahur appeals to devotees and tourists alike because it is surrounded by jungles, which also have an abundance of fauna in the form of peacocks, deer, panthers and black bears.

Mahur is also said to be the birthplace of Lord Dattatreya who was born to a goddess, Anasuyaa. As such, Datta Pournima is considered a very auspicious day and thousands of devotees visit the temple on this occasion. Mahur is approachable from different cities like Nanded, Kinvat, Pusad, etc. and the nearest railheads are at Kinvat and Nanded. State transport buses ply regularly from Nanded and Kinvat to Mahur and taxis and buses are also available from Hadgaon. There also are daily flights from Mumbai to Nanded. Accommodation facilities are ample in Mahur city which is 7 kilometers from the temple. These include lodges, hotels, government rest houses, etc. Local restaurants and ‘dhabas’ serve fresh and good food.

Distance from Mumbai: 680 kms