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Himachal Pradesh Rewalsar Lake
With an altitude of 1360 m above sea level, on a mountain spur in the district of Mandi, around 2.5 km away from Mandi is the mid altitude Rewalsar Lake.
For all three religious practices, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, This Lake is considered a sacred spot. It is abode to natural beauty, with its beautiful waters, high hills and woodlands. It has a shoreline of 735 m.
Tso Pema, are the three Buddhist monasteries, located at Rewalsar, very famous and holy for Buddhists. Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva also are worshiped in Rewalsar Lake. Kunt Bhyog is another holy place located in Rewalsar. It is 1750 m above sea level. The escape of Pandavas, when they were being burnt in the palace of wax holds it roots from Rewalsar. It is an episode from the legendary epic, Mahabharata.
He reason this place holds so much importance for the Buddhists is because their Guru, guru Rimpoche is said to have left from Tibet from here. He was responsible for spreading Mahayana Buddhism over Tibet. The sage Lomas is said to have done his penance, by devoting to Lord
Shiva. Guru Gobind Singh also is said to have resided here for a month.
Baisakhi is an important festival around Rewalsar, and is a joy to attend it here held in late February or early March, Sisu fair is another important festival that takes place in Rewalsar Lake.
History
Padmasambhava and Mandarava were drawn towards each other in a magically energetic way. Afraid of the royal bloodline being contaminated, Vihardhara planned for the purification of them both by immolating them through the flames of a pyre. Surprisingly, instead of having a burnt and incensed corpse, the lit pyre had turned into a Lake, the Lake Rewalsar, from which a lotus bloomed, which held the unharmed Mandarava, and Padmasambhava, and they achieved the names, Vajravarahi and Hayariya, following which Vihardhara blessed them and their union.
They say that Guru Rimpoche, who is the teacher, Padmasambhava, took flight from Rewalsar to Tibet, using his powers. They believe his spirit resides in an island, which drifts over the water, and consists of floating reed.
Attractions
There are several places of interest in and around the Rewalsar Lake. We have listed a few below:
Rewalsar Lake
This Lake, having value for three different religions, is a place of scenic beauty and a place of divine holiness for several people around the world. Winters are extremely cold over here, and it is recommended that one carries woolen clothes to keep oneself warm. On summers, cotton clothes are advised, since it tends to get hot around the Lake. One can visit the Sisu fair which takes place around the lake. Baisakhi also is a nice time to visit the Rewalsar Lake.
Kora Community Cafe
Looking for a good cup of coffee, Tibetan snacks, or a nice veg thali? Well, this café is pretty good at all of that.
Topchen Restauran
this restaurant stays opposite to the Nyingmapa gompa, and serves delicious momos and thukpa, whch you can enjoy from its balcony location.
Boating Rides
are another attraction in the Rewalsar Lake for the tourists. There are a few caves, which can be visited going up the hills. The view from there is beautiful.
Wildlife Reserve
A wildlife reserve is up there, which encages a couple of Himalayan black bears.
Around the lake, you can take a walk, feed the fish, or sit in peace, and enjoy the beauty of Nature.
How to Reach
Bhuntar is the nearest airport, which is 59 kms away. Pathankot has a broad gauge railhead, which is 210 kms away. That connects Joginder Nagar, which is 56 kms from Mandi. Via Bilaspur and Ropar, one can drive to Mandi from Chandigarh, which takes around 5 hous, and is at distance of 203 kms.
Volvo or luxury coaches are available from Delhi and Shimla, for Kllu Manali via Mandi.
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