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Ekvira Devi, also known as Renuka or Renuka Mata, is a Hindu goddess primarily worshiped in the Indian state of Maharashtra and some parts of Goa. She is often considered a folk deity and holds a significant place in the local religious and cultural practices of the region.

Origin and Mythology:
The mythology of Ekvira Devi is intertwined with the story of Renuka, who was the wife of Sage Jamadagni and the mother of Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The most well-known version of the story involves Renuka's unwavering devotion to her husband, her chastity, and her dedication to performing her wifely duties. Her extraordinary commitment and purity are highlighted when she demonstrates the ability to fetch water from a river in a pot made of unbaked clay, a task she accomplishes with her absolute concentration and virtue.

Renuka's devotion is eventually tested when she momentarily admires a handsome Gandharva (celestial musician) while fetching water. This lapse in concentration leads to her losing her divine power to hold water in the unbaked pot. Sage Jamadagni perceives her momentary distraction as a breach of her purity and asks his son Parashurama to punish her. Parashurama, who is devoted to his father, fulfills the command, but he later restores his mother's life and pleads with his father for her forgiveness.

Worship and Practices:
Ekvira Devi is often depicted as a powerful and protective goddess, symbolizing strength, devotion, and maternal care. Her worship is most prominent during the festival of Navaratri (nine nights), a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Durga and her various forms. Many devotees visit Ekvira Devi's temples, particularly the ones located on hills and in caves, during this time.

One of the most famous temples dedicated to Ekvira Devi is situated atop the Karla Caves near Lonavala in Maharashtra. Devotees often undertake pilgrimages to this temple, seeking blessings for various purposes including protection, well-being, and fulfillment of desires.

Iconography:
Ekvira Devi is often depicted seated on a horse, holding various weapons and symbols of power in her multiple arms. She is adorned with traditional jewelry and garments, signifying her divine and regal nature.

Significance:
The worship of Ekvira Devi is deeply rooted in the local traditions and culture of Maharashtra. Her story exemplifies the importance of devotion, loyalty, and the consequences of straying from one's virtuous path. The mythology surrounding her showcases the complex interplay of family dynamics, duty, and forgiveness.

It's important to note that while Ekvira Devi might not have the same level of recognition as some of the more widely worshiped Hindu deities, she holds immense significance for her devotees in the regions where she is revered.