- Special FeaturesFoundation YearSthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureOther SpecialityThere are three mountains in Mahur. The first one and most known is having Renuka Mata Temple, who is mother of the god Parshuram. Other two are called Datta Shikhar and Atri Anasuya Shikar Temple's. Mahur has a sacred temple to Renuka Mata, which is considered one of the three and half Shakti Peethas (temples) in the state. A big fair is held here every year on the occasion of Vijayadashami.
- Sthala Puran
Sahasrarjun attacked Renuka Devi while somewhere in today's Telangana, for he wanted to grab the sacred Kamdhenu cow — this cow has the divine power to fulfill wishes. When Renuka Mata refused to him that saying asking gift of your own choice by the guest visitor is uncalled. He attacked her & injured her. She dies in this & when Lord Parshuram knew about it, he went berserk. Then the elderly people pacified him & asked him to do the last rites in Mahur under Dattatreya's guidance. Then he was told by him that Renuka Mata will appear on first mountain for you to worship. This became the famous Renuka Mata temple. The "Matru Tirth" (means sacred place for Mother's worship) Place on this Mountain is the one which is where today stands a lake, is "Antyeshti Sthan" (Means place where last rites were performed).[citation needed]
There are many other temples in Mahur like Rishi Jamdagni Temple, Lord Parshuram Temple, Kalika Mata Temple, Devdevshwar Temple, and also the Caves called Pandav Leni.
Raje Udaram, a Deshastha Rigvedi Brahmin from Washim was the Jagirdar of Mahur. He was initially a sardar in Nizamshahi Kingdom along with Sardar Lakhuji Jadhavrao, father of Rajmata Jijau Saheb. In year 1616, both Lakhuji and Udaram deserted Malik Ambar to join Mughals. Maratha Sardars were desired by both sides for their light infantry and cavalry. Both Sardars changed sides according to their interests. Raje Udaram was a good friend of Sardar Raje Lakhuji Jadhavrao. He died in 1632 AD, on the foothills of Daulatabad fort. Later Pandita Sawitribai or Rai Bagan, his wife, was the ruler of Mahur. There is a story of her valour. After death of her husband Raje Udaram-Deshmukh of the Mahur in Varhad province, who was in Mughal services, she took sword and joined Mughal services. After her son Jagjivanrao's death she continued to manage her jagir along with her grandson, Baburao. She was maintaining the Jagirs in Berar province, viz., Mahur, Pusad, Washim, Malegaon, Umarkhed, etc. Aurangzeb entrusted this Mahur-queen with the responsibility to quell the rebellion of Sardar Herchandrai. Savitri thereupon readied herself for the encounter. Taking the army from the Mahur-hills she proceeded towards the warfield. She tied her choli (bodice) to the flag-pole and exhorted to the army: “I am marching on the army, making flag of choli. "You are, after all men! You ought to be more valorous than me! Fight with full might! Kill the enemy! Win the battle! Protect the honour of your sister!" this call by her really kindled fire in the minds of the soldiers and they fought relentlessly. She also personally fought with all her might and consequently Harchandrai was defeated. For her valour during the war of accession in 1658, she was given an honorary name Rai Bagan by Aurangzeb. The meaning of Rai Bagan is Royal Tigress.
She fought on side of Kartalab Khan in Battle of Umberkhind. She called Shivaji A Lion and advised Kartalab khan to surrender himself before Shivaji.
Raje Udaram was a title conferred by Shahajahan to the family. Hence, all the descendants of Udaram called themselves Raje Udaram. Peshwas, in early 18th century questioned the title. But later permission was given to use the title. In 1802, the Jahagirdari was divided into six sons. And each keeping the title called himself Raje Udaram Deshmukh.
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The temple is considered as a revered shrine for the Shaktism sect, because of the above told mythology and also because the Shrine is a Shakti Peetha. It is believed that Renuka Mata, (the wife of Sage Jamadagni) was decapitated by her own son Parashurama and her head fell here. Renuka was later given rebirth as a boon by Sage Jamadagni to his son Parashurama. The temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha because of the mythology of Daksha yaga and Sati's self immolation.
Shakti Peethas are Durga or Adiparashakti shrines that are believes to have enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when Lord Shiva carried it and wandered. There are 51 Shakti Peeth linking to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. The Shakti of Mahur is addressed as Renuka Devi. Most of the Shakti Peetha is associated with a Kalabhairava shrine.
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