Parshuram Kund: Don't visit this place if you love your mother

Feb 19, 2024

Parshuram Kund, as a place, is a spectacular destination. Pristine aquamarine Lohit river cuts through the valley, creating one of the most beautiful views you will see in Arunachal Pradesh.

A spectacular spot

This pilgrimage site is located on the lower reaches of the Lohit river, and it is here where thousands of pilgrims come to take a dip in the waters of the holy site. 

The holy Lohit river

Interestingly, the site is also surrounded by rudraksha trees whose fruit is considered holy by the Hindus.

Surrounded by Rudraksha trees

It is believed that sage Parshuram was once tested by his father Rishi Jamadagni. As a part of the test which Parshuram was unaware of, Rishi Jamadagni ordered Parshuram to behead his mother Renuka.

What is the history?

Soon after committing the horrid crime of killing his own mother, the axe with which he beheaded Renuka, got stuck to his hand.

What happened after the crime?

Seeing how Parshuram passed the test of obedience, his father, now pleased, gave Parshuram a boon, which he used to bring his mother back to life. But the axe was still stuck to his hand.

The test of obedience

Seeing him in this predicament, some rishis (sages) advised him to wash his hands in the pure waters of Lohit. And lo and behold, the axe dropped as soon as he dipped his hands in the water. Since then the spot became a place of worship and pilgrimage and was called Parshuram Kund.

Dropping the axe on water

Following this legend, thousands of pilgrims visit this site every year during Makar Sankranti. If you make it to Parshuram for this festival, you will also be able to experience the annual fair where the local tribes of Arunachal Pradesh come together to sell their traditional items.

What to expect here?