Rewalsar Lake
About Rewalsar Lake
Far From City: 12 kms from city center
Cost:
About Rewalsar Lake
Weather:
Time Required:1-2 hrs
Cost:No entry fee
Attractions at Rewalsar Lake
The major attraction that can be found at the Rewalsar Lake is the statue of Guru Rinpoche, a mighty tall structure that stands overlooking the lake and is the second largest statue in the entire country. Standing 123 feet tall, this figure is also the most enormous statue in Himachal Pradesh and is situated at the height of about 4,000 feet above the sea level. Guru Rinpoche is also known as the second Buddha, and he played a significant role in preaching and propagating Buddhism across Tibet and Bhutan.
The Rewalsar Lake houses a beautiful Gurudwara which was built by Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi in the year 1930 to honour Guru Gobind Singh Ji's visit to Rewalsar in 1738. This gurudwara is known by the name of Guru Gobind Singh Gurudwara. Also, beside the lake, there are three temples which are dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and the sage Lomas.
The place also has a Drikung Kagyu Gompa, which is an academy for Buddhist studies. There also exist three Buddhist monasteries at Rewalsar, and it was in Rewalsar that Sage Lomas did his penance in devotion to Lord Shiva. These religious buildings located around the lake have given the place an altogether different kind of aura and spiritual importance. People with different beliefs come here to relax their mind and purge negativity from their soul. The forest department of Rewalsar also maintains a small zoo at this site which is also worth paying a visit.
Historical Significance of Rewalsar Lake
The pages of history reveal that the King of Mandi tried to kill Guru Padmasambhava when he learned about his daughter's intentions to run away with him. The King sought to break their bond by cursing his daughter and Padmasambhava to die in a fire. However, Padmasambhava transformed the funeral pyre into a lake of sesame oil which was surrounded by a ring of fire by using his supernatural powers. To his astonishment, a huge lotus flower on which Guru Padmasambhava was seated surrounded by rainbows and clouds bloomed magically in the middle of the fire.
It was also from this spot that Padmasambhava left for Tibet. According to popular legends, the sage Padmasambhava used his tantric powers to take flight from Rewalsar to Tibet so that he could preach Buddhism there. Popularly known to the Tibetans as 'Guru Rinpoche' or the Precious Master, it was under his influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. The spirit of Padmasambhava is said to reside in the islands of floating reed that can be found on the Rewalsar Lake.
Sage Lomas performed his penance to Lord Shiva at the Rewalsar Lake, and the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh Ji also resided at this spot for a month. Owing to these historical connections and tales, the Rewalsar Lake has become an essential destination for people belonging to multiple religions, including Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists.
Festivals Celebrated at Rewalsar Lake
The festival of Baisakhi is rejoiced with great zeal and gusto at the Rewalsar Lake. Annually, a large fair known by the name of the Sisu Fair also takes place here in late February or early March, which is visited by a large number of locals as well as tourists.
Best time to visit Rewalsar Lake
The best time to visit the Rewalsar Lake is between March and October.
How to Reach Rewalsar Lake
The Rewalsar Lake is situated really close to Mandi and is just a short ride away by a local bus. You can also hire a bus from Manali to reach your final destination.
Top Tourist Places in Mandi
Bhutnath temple
Rewalsar Lake
Pandoh Dam
Sunder Nagar
Tattapani
Kamru Nag Lake
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Tips
1. If you are looking for accommodation nearby, the Sikh Gurudwara offers some options. You can also rent a room for a really good price in the three monasteries.2. The Padmasambhava Caves, Zigar Drukpa Kagyud Institute, Naina Devi Temple, Drikung Kagyud Gompa, Kunt Bhyog, Jigar Monastery and six other prominent lakes that are associated with an epic episode of Mahabharata whereby an attempt to kill Pandavas in the palace of wax was made, are all located nearby, and you must visit them in combination with the Lake.
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