Deep in the heart of Sarkidhar, a region known for its ephemeral lakes, lies an enchanting oasis called Kunt Bhayog Lake. While most neighboring lakes dry up for most of the year, this magnificent body of water defies the vagaries of nature, always remaining filled with crystal clear water and teeming with vibrant fish. Nestled in the mountains, Lake Kunt Bhayog and its surrounding attractions offer an extraordinary experience that captivates visitors from near and far.
Revealing the mythical origins of Kunt Bhayog Lake
The history of Kunt Bhayog Lake is steeped in ancient legends reminiscent of the mythical era of Mahabharata. When the Pandavas embarked on their arduous journey, they traversed the verdant landscapes of this region. The story begins when Kunti, plagued by thirst, asked her brave son Arjuna for water. In response to her request, Arjuna shot a powerful arrow that pierced the earth and invoked the sacred water that forms Lake Kunt Bhayog.
Kalasar Lake
However, the water that gushed forth was impure and contained sediments and impurities. Bheem, who was known for his indomitable strength, took it upon himself to purify the lake. He tirelessly scoured the murky depths, sifting out stones and debris to restore the lake to its original clarity. The discarded water found its own resting place and gave rise to another lake nearby, now known as Kalasar, distinguished by its mysterious black waters.
The Eternal Waters of Lake Kunt Bhayog
Locals fervently affirm that the divine waters of Kunt Bhayog Lake never run dry and provide life-giving nourishment all year round, regardless of the season. The abundant water not only fulfills the spiritual needs of the devotees, but also quenches the thirst of the surrounding villages and serves as a vital resource. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the stillness of the lake, walk along its shores, and find solace amidst the symphony of meditative music while watching the graceful dance of fish beneath the tranquil surface.
Source of Water for Villages
Nearby villages depended on this lake to meet their drinking water needs. Today, the HPIPH (Himachal Pradesh Irrigation and Public Health) Department supplies water directly from this lake to the homes of the villages.
Conservation and tranquility amidst the domain of the lake
The sanctity of Kunt Bhayog Lake is lovingly preserved, enhanced by the magnificent Lord Hanuman Temple on its shore. The temple can be reached by a well-constructed concrete road, making the pilgrimage easy for the devotees. On this side of the lake is an ancient temple dedicated to Mata Kunti. The view of the lake and the surrounding areas is simply breathtaking. On the other side of the lake, a shady pavilion with a few inviting benches that awaits you, offering a mesmerizing view. Climbing the nearby stairs, one can sit back and relax in the tranquility of the surroundings. In these moments, the village turns into an oasis of tranquility, where serenity reigns and the noise of daily life fades.
How to reach Kunt Bhayog Lake
Kunt Bhayog Lake is located just 7 kilometers from Rewalsar, the famous pilgrimage site in Himachal Pradesh. Visitors can embark on this enchanting journey of discovery by private vehicles, cabs or the convenient HRTC buses. The revered Naina Devi Temple is just 8 kilometers away, offering the opportunity to delve deeper into the spiritual fabric of this sacred land. The mystical realm known as Sar Ki Dhar serves as a link between these two sacred destinations, adding to the allure of this extraordinary region.
Other interesting places near
Naina Devi Temple
Shri Naina Devi Ji is one of the most famous places of worship in Himachal Pradesh. It is located in Bilaspur district and is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths where limbs of Sati fell to earth. This sacred site is visited by a large number of pilgrims and devotees throughout the year, especially during Shravan Ashtami and during the Navratras of Chaitra and Ashwin. During Chaitra, Shravan and Ashwin Navrati, a special fair is organised which attracts millions of visitors from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country.
Rewalsar
Rewalsar is an important religious place for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists alike. The natural lake of Rewalsar is famous for its floating reed islands and fish. Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh shrines are located on the edge of the lake. An imposing statue of Padamsambhava was also erected in Rewalsar. This is the place where Sage Lomas is said to have done his penance to appease Lord Shiva. The Gurudwara Shri Rewalsar Sahib is associated with the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji, who called upon the Pahari Rajas to unite in his struggle against the Mughals.
Mandi
The historic town of Mandi which is also a District is located on the banks of the Beas River. It has a rich culture and history represented by its temples, which are an important attraction for tourists. Mandi is an important commercial centre located on the Pathankot-Kullu road. Mandi district is also a famous tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh, India. The city is also the gateway to the most famous valleys of Himachal – Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and Spiti. Mandi is also located on the road from Kullu to Chandigarh via Bilaspur. It is the headquarters of the district. There are hundreds of old and new beautiful temples throughout the city.