The Floating Islands of Rewalsar: A Spiritual Wonderland

Rewalsar The Amalgamation of Three Religions, Sacred Lake, And Secret Caves!

Most people visit places like Kullu, Manali, Leh etc., whenever they visit Himachal Pradesh. People do not know there is a beautiful place named Rewalsar, just about 25 km from Sundernagar. Rewalsar is a small place situated about 24 kilometers to the west of district Mandi of this state. It is a  beautiful picturesque town surrounded by gorgeous hills with a great lake as its focal point. 

The interesting thing about Rewalsar is that people might not know that Vidhu Vinod Chopra's film 'Kareeb' was shot here. A song from the movie "Chori Chori Jab Nazrein Mili... " was shot at Rewalsar Lake. Today this place has become more beautiful with time. People of three religions, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh, live here. Foreigners also come here to visit.

 It has one of the very few lakes in Himachal where you do not have to walk a lot to experience the beauty of this place (it is just a 2-minute walk from the road head).

Rewalsar Lake is also called Tso Pema Lotus Lake. This lake is square and is situated at an altitude of 1,360 meters above sea level. 

This place is preferred by tourists for its serene environment and natural beauty. Rewalsar Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Himachal Pradesh that tourists must visit once. 

From adventure to pilgrimage, the land of Himachal Pradesh has every feature that attracts and excites people of all ages. Rewalsar expedition is present in all these features, where the central part is the Rewalsar lake and the massive statue of Padmasambhava.

Today we are talking about the beautiful lake in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, where a small colorful town is situated. This lake is the real identity of this small place. Rewalsar Sarovar perfectly complements the beauty of Rewalsar town. Rewalsar, located at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, is vibrant and serene.

Rewalsar is one of the best places to see the confluence of different cultures and religions in one place. It is mainly known as the main pilgrimage center of Buddhism. 

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Rewalsar Myth

History reveals that the King of Mandi tried to kill Guru Padmasambhava because Guru Padmasambhava had taught his daughter, and he came to know about his daughter and Guru's intention to elope. The King tried to separate his daughter and Padmasambhava by setting her on fire to separate them. But, to his surprise, the pyre's flames transformed into a deep, lovely lake, and the master emerged, unaffected, sitting on a lotus flower in the middle of the lake. Realizing the master's abilities, King apologized for his actions and dedicated the remainder of his life to the sublime teachings of 'Dhamma'. It is still thought that the Guru Padmasambhava's spirit can be found on the lake's floating reed island. Here an idol of Padmasambhava is enshrined with a giant lotus flower. It has also been said about this place that Padmasambhava left this place and left for Tibet. According to legend, Sage Padmasambhava used his tantric powers to fly from Rewalsar to Tibet to preach Buddhism there.

Padmasambhava, popularly known as 'Guru Rinpoche', was the teacher of Tibetans. It was because of the influence of Padmasambhava that Buddhism spread in Tibet. Apart from this, it has also been said that sage Lomas did penance to Lord Shiva at Rewalsar Lake, and the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, also resided at this place for a month. Due to these historical connections and stories, Rewalsar Lake is an important religious site for people of the Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist faiths.

Attractions of Rewalsar

There are multitudinous attractions in Rewalsar . Some of them are given below that are a must-visit for everyone who comes there.

 Also Read: Kullu Manali

1. Statue of Guru Rinpoche/Padmasambhava

The colossal statue of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) at Rewalsar is the most beautiful attraction here. This grand statue of Guru Rinpoche is also valid as the identity of Rewalsar.

Guru Padmasambhava's soul is believed to reside in the periodic mounds of Rewalsar Lake from one bank to the other.

People of Tibet come to Rewalsar to worship and pay homage to Guru Rinpoche.

2. Rewalsar Lake

Rewalsar Lake, also known as Kamal Sarovar, located in the center of Rewalsar, is the most crucial center here. The Buddhist people believe that Rewalsar Lake is their "Haridwar." They use the water of Rewalsar Lake as Gangajal and cure the disease. The fishes found in the 

lake are also considered sacred here.

3. 'Mani-Pani' Monastery

A Buddhist monastery named 'Mani-Pani' was established by Guru Padmasambhava. 

4. Rewalsar Math

Rewalsar Math is one of the primary intellectual math located in Rewalsar. It comes under the Hinayana tradition of Buddhism. This beautiful creation of Rewalsar Math is a beautiful place here.

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5. Zoo

Rewalsar Zoo is also a center of attraction. It is a small zoo.   

6. Krishna temple and Shiva temple 

Krishna temple and Shiva temple have been built on the banks of the lake, from where the    beautiful view of the lake is even more captivating. 

7. Lomas Rishi Temple 

Another exciting attraction close to Rewalsar is the Temple of Lomas Rishi. It is believed that Lomas Rishi did penance inside this cave. That is why it is also called Tapobhoomi of Lomas Rishi. 

8. Gurdwara Rewalsar Sahib 

Gurdwara Rewalsar Sahib was built to mark the visit of Guru Gobind Singh. He came here to seek help from the hill kings in the war with the Mughals and stayed here for thirty days. Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi got this Gurdwara built in 1930. Devotees come here for a bath on the occasion of Baisakhi.

Must Do Things That Are Special In Rewalsar: 

Every place has something special that we always want to know when we are there. Rewalsar also has some auspicious and special things that everyone should know. The list of those top  and special things to do are given below:

1. Taking a walk around the lake

It is believed that whoever comes here must walk around the Rewalsar Lake, and all sins are removed by walking here.

2. Rewalsar Lake water Bath 

It is believed that Bathing in this water is considered very auspicious .

3. Feeding the monkey and fishes

Here, feeding monkeys and fishes is considered an act of virtue.

4. Eating Momos

Momos are special in Rewalsar; you must taste these.

5. Eating Kachori

Kachori is a fried and stuffed roti famous in Rewalsar. You must taste this Kachori. 

Also Read: Shimla, Nature and Culture Intertwined

Famous Festivals Celebrated In Rewalsar

All festivals are celebrated in Rewalsar but two of them are very special that are celebrated in the month of February, March, and April. The two famous festival are given below: 

1. Vaishakhi: Hindu festival

2. Sheshchu: Buddhist festival

Nearby Places To Visit 

When you visit Rewalsar , you also must visit nearby places of Rewalsar. These places are nor very far, they are very close to Rewalsar lake . One can easily visit these beautiful places in one day along with Rewalsar lake. Following are the nearby places that are a must-visit for everyone.

1. Kunt Bhyo/Kunti Lake

According to mythology, the Pandavas stayed here for some time, and when their mother Kunti felt thirsty, Arjuna shot the mountains with his arrow, which pierced seven times and thus, seven lakes were formed. Of these seven lakes, only three survive, and the other four have dried up. This lake is at a level of 1600 feet.

2. Dayot Sidh Temple

The baba balak natha temple is between the forest and immaculate and calm surroundings.

3. Naina Devi Temple

The beautiful temple with scenic beauty is the naina devi temple. It is at the top of the hill.

4. Buddhist Caves

These caves are between the mountains of Naina Devi Road. These caves are very astonishing.

How to Reach

To reach Rewalsar, you must first come to Mandi, from where you can reach Rewalsar by bus or taxi. Rewalsar is at a distance of about 24 kilometers from Mandi. There is a bus service available from Mandi to Rewalsar. Sundernagar to Rewalsar Lake Road is the nearest one for those from Chandigarh, Shimla, Solan etc. There is also a bus service available from Sundernagar to Rewalsar.You can also reach Rewalsar by bus or taxi from Dharamshala, about 155 km from here. 

Best time to visit-

January to December