There are four religious centers of Hindus in Nepal. They are Muktikshetra, Rurukshetra, Barahakshetra and Pashupatikshetra. Two of them, Muktikshetra and Rurukshetra are located on the Kali Gandaki River. Ruru Region lies in the western Nepal. About 96 km to the north of Lumbini and 30 km to the northwest of Tansen lies Rurukshetra, at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Ridi rivers. Ruru is on the tarred road linking Tansen with Tamghas. Ruru region covers Ruru, Thanapani and Aslewa VDCs of Gulmi district, Argali VDC of Palpa district and Karikot of Chanjebhanjyang VDC of Syangja district.
Ruru, commonly known as Ridi, was named after a mythological girl named Ruru. She was born to a fairy named Pramlocha and brought up by a doe. Ruru, through her penance, pleased Lord Vishnu. When Lord Vishnu appeared before her and asked her to beg of him for a boon, she asked him to stay there forever. So, Lord Vishnu stayed there as Hrishikeshav. There are two separate temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Ruru Kanya. A four armed stone- image is seen inside the Hrishikeshav Temple. Other places worth visiting are Bhrigutungeshwor Mahadev, cave, Achammeshwor, Ram temple at Rudrabeni etc.
Ruru is known as Banaras of Nepal because all the Hindu rituals which are performed on the bank of Ganges in Banaras are also performed here. The most important festival at Ridi is Maghesankranti, the first day of the Nepali month Magh (mid-January). Thousands of Hindu devotees have a holy dip in the water of Kali Gandaki River. This is also done on every Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the new moon and eclipses. It is believed that the holy dip cleanses their bodies and souls free from sins and prepare the souls for salvation. Most Hindus in surrounding areas wish to be cremated after their death on the bank of the Kali Gandaki at Ridi for salvation. In case of failure to bring dead bodies here for cremation, ashes are flowed in the water of Kali Gandaki.
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