Renuka

Reṇukā is a Hindu goddess worshipped predominantly in the indian state of Maharashtra and the south indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karanataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The Temple at Mahur dedicated to Goddess Renuka in Maharashtra is considered one of the shakti peethas.

Different names

Renuka or Yellamma or Ekvira or Ellai amman or Ellai amma (Kannada: ಶ್ರೀ ಎಲ್ಲಮ್ಮ ರೇಣುಕಾ, Marathi: श्री रेणुका/ येल्लुआई, Telugu: శ్రీ రేణుక/ ఎల్లమ్మ, Tamil: ரேணுகா) is worshiped as the Goddess (devi) of the fallen, in the Hindu pantheon. Yellamma is the patron Goddess of the south Indian states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Her devotees revere her as the "Mother of the Universe" or "Jagadamba".

Origin story

The legends of Renuka are contained in the Mahabharata, the Harivamsa and in the Bhagavata Purana.

Early life

King Reṇuka (father of Reṇukā) performed a yajna — a ritual performed to maintain peace and good health. He was blessed with a daughter, who originated from the fire of this yajna. Reṇukā was a bright and active child and became the most beloved child of her parents.