Rewalsar

Rewalsar

Rewalsar (1350 m)  has one of the most picturesque natural mountain
lakes of Himachal and is considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. The lake abounds in fish but fishing is prohibited. Hindu temples, a Sikh Gurudwara and Buddhist monasteries coexist in harmony here. Floating reeds on the lake are considered to contain the spirit of Padmasabhava, a great teacher who propagated Buddhism in Tibet. Tibetans who know him as Guru Rimpoche – the Precious Master,
converge to pay homage to him at the monasteries here. Guru Gobind Singh in his struggle with the Mughal Empire in 1738 spent some quiet moments besides the lake here.

GETTING THERE:

  • By Road : Mandi is at a distance of 24 Kms. From Chandigarh it is 227 km and from Shimla it is 178 km.
  • By Rail : Nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh 227 Km away. Jogindernagar the terminal point of Kangra narrow gauge line from Pathankot is at a distance of 80 km.
  • By Air : The Bhunter Airport, 83 Kms away in Kullu valley provides air connectivity to the region.

CLIMATE:

In winter the temperatures drop low and heavy woollens are required. Summers are pleasant and cottons are recommended.
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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

  • The three Buddhist monasteries at Rewalsar belong to the Nigmya sect of Buddhism.
  • The three Hindu temples at Rewalsar are dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Rishi Lomas (Padmasabhava).
  • The lake side Gurudwara was built by the erstwhile ruler of Mandi, Raja Joginder Sen.
  • Mini Zoo: The wild life department maintains a small zoo at Rewalsar.
    ln the surrounding foothills of Rewalsar are the picturesque lakes of Kunt-Bhyog, Sukh Sar and Kala Sar. At their scenic best during monsoons they can be reached on foot.
  • Mandi – 24 km. Nestled in the Beas valley where the Suketi river merges with the Beas, the riverside temple town of Mandi is known as ‘Kashi of the Hills‘. It was in 1527 AD that the this place was chosen as the capital of the small mountain kingdom by the ruling Sen dynasty. The town derives its name from sage Mandava Rishi, who, belief holds had mediated at this place. There are about 81 temples in Mandi. The old palaces, preserved by the erstwhile royal family of Mandi and the weather beaten stone built temples provide a rich heritage to this town of Himachal Pradesh.
  • Mandi Shivratri held in February-March is the most popular festival of the region. During the week long festivities hundreds of Devtas and Devis (local gods and goddesses) in Rathas (palanquin chariots carried on shoulders by devotees descend upon the town to pay homage, to Lord Shiva at the Bhootnath temple. This is a good time to witness hill folk exhibit their talent in dance, song and drama and also an opportunity to buy handicraft products of the valley.
  • Bhootnath Temple is as old as the town itself and dates back to the 1520s. The temple is dedicated to – Lord Shiva the presiding deity of Mandi. Raja Ajbar Sen the founding ruler of the town is said to have built this temple.
    The Panchvakhtra Temple on the opposite river bank of the Trilokinath temple is of the same design, and architecture. The temple houses a five faced stone deity of Lord Shiva and facing it, is a life size sculptor of “Nandi” bull. The symbolic bull is considered Shiva‘s vehicle.
  • At the Ardhanarisvara Temple, Lord Shiva is depicted in a composite half-male half-female form, symbolising the male and female principles of cosmic evolution.
  • Gyarah Rudra Temple is symbolic of the Amarnath cave in Kashmir. The day Amarnath Darshan in Kashmir takes place, the temple is decorated to resemble the famous cave shrine.
  • Syamakali Temple is located on a ridge of Tarna Devi hill towering above Mandi town. lt was built by Raja Syama Sen in the 17th century to commemorate success after a particularly trying time. The temple provides an overview of the settlements along Beas and its tributary Sukheti. Prashar Lake (Altitude 2730m, 40 Km by road from Mandi). This is a beautiful lake. The shore has a pagoda style temple dedicated to the sage Prashar.

 

HOTELS

Tourist Inn – Budget Hotel

Built on a slight rise and with a commanding view of the lake, the HPTDC runs a budget-range tourist inn at Rewalsar. This has comfortable rooms and is close to the monasteries and bazaar
ADDRESS : Tourist Inn, Rewalsar,District Mandi – 175001 HP
Tel. 01905-240252, E-mail: rewalsar@hptdc.in

 

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