Kamru Nag Lake is situated at a height of 3,334 meters above sea level on the Mandi – Karsog road in District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Kamru Nag Lake and the Kamru Nag temple near the lake is located in the beautiful Balh valley in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh. The lake is enclosed from all sides by dense deodar and pine forests, offering expansive views of mountains, valleys, and lush greenery.
Kamru Nag Religious Significance
The lake has enormous religious significance in the region as the temple of one of the most revered deities in Mandi, known as Kamrunag Dev, is situated on the banks of the lake. Kamrunag is a famous weather god of the Seraj Valley. People often pray to the weather God in the temple for favourable weather conditions. Ancient folklore also says that Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, created the lake to honour King Yaksha, the celestial guardian of wealth. The lake is also linked to Barbarika (Kamrunag), Bhima’s grandson, who, blessed by Lord Krishna, is worshipped here as the rain god, lending his name to this sacred site.
Kamrunag Lake History
Pilgrims flock to the Dev Kamrunag temple, situated beside the lake, to offer prayers and gratitude for wishes fulfilled. Devotees often present offerings of gold, silver, coins, and paper currency. It is believed that these offerings over the centuries have accumulated, forming a legendary, vast treasure beneath the lake’s waters. Local folklore warns of divine retribution—blindness, illness, or even death—to anyone who dares to disturb this mythical hoard.
Kamrunag Gold
Thus, gold and other ornaments, much more than anyone’s imagination, lie buried in the depths of the holy lake of Kamrunag. Thieves have attempted several times in the past but without any success. During winters, the lake is completely frozen.
The Annual Kamrunag Fair
Every year, in mid-June (typically around June 14–16), Kamrunag becomes the vibrant setting for a three-day fair known as ‘jatar.’ Thousands of devotees gather to participate in rituals, immerse offerings into the lake. Pilgrims take holy baths during Kamrunag ‘jatar’ in the lake. People make various offerings, especially gold ornaments, coins etc. People have been making offerings of gold and other precious metals and stones for centuries.
How to Reach Kamrunag
The journey to Kamrunag Lake begins at Rohanda village, located approximately 35–47 km from Mandi or Sundernagar by road. From Rohanda, a steep 6 to 7 km trek, taking about 3 to 4 hours, passing through charming apple orchards and forested slopes. It is also interesting to note that Rohanda village is also a beautiful, unspoilt place in Himachal Pradesh. Beyond its spiritual allure, the lake and its surroundings are recognized for their ecological value. In 2020, the Himachal Pradesh Biodiversity Board proposed designating the area as a Biodiversity Heritage Site to safeguard its medicinal plants, rare species, and delicate ecosystem.
Shikara Devi Temple
One can also trek to Shikari Devi temple, passing through Kamru Nag and the distance from Rohanda would be approx 16 km. Shikari Devi temple is an ancient temple from the times of Pandavas. The beauty of the entire place has to be seen to be believed. It is simply heavenly.
Transfers, Rides and Deliveries in All Countries !
