PLACES

RENAPUR

Renapur, with a population of 7,173 inhabitants in 1961, is largely an agricultural village in Ambejogai tahsil. It is noted for the temple of Renukadevi which is situated to its north and reported to be a few centuries old.

Renukadevi Mandir: The main structure was extended by an outer hall built in 1934. The temple is built in stone masonry and is in very good shape. In the courtyard near the entrance are two lamp-pillars or dipmals, of which the one to the right swings, if given a jerk or two. This may more properly be termed as a tower which has a flight of steps leading up to the top. Just near the top it has a window. The crowns of both these have collapsed. The top of the dipmal to the left is however, replaced by a Asok stambha of cement. The temple is in Hemadpanti style and consists of three parts, the outer and the inner halls and the sanctuary. The outer hall is 6.10 x 6.10 metres (20' x 20') and has two rows of pillars, each having 4 pillars. Each row forms three arches in between the pillars. In the walls, on cither side of the entrance leading in the inner hall, there are two niches containing some images of deities. The inner hall measures 15 ft. square. In the centre of this hall, are the padukas of the goddess embossed on a flint-stone. The sanctuary or the gabhara which is 3.04x3.04 metres (10' x 10') contains the facial plaque (cçáKçJçìç) of the goddess installed on a pedestal. Around the idol there is a prabhaval of silver. A fair lasting for three days is held on Vaisakh Paurnima. Besides, the festivals of Navratra and Dasara are also celebrated. The goddess is held in great reverence by the people and is supposed to cure maladies and diseases.

Among other temples at Renapur the temple of Mahadev is of some significance. In front of the temple there are five nandi images of black stone. The pillars also bear some artistic designs.