Exploring Himachal!
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| Colors of Himachal |
Decorated with the white snowy ranges, soulful green forests ,singing waters and verdant valleys , shimmering lakes of the “Devbhoomi” Himachal Pradesh .Its more than a tourist place. This pictoral hilly territory has become a household name amongst lakhs of people not only in India but all over the world.The life of Himachal is a vigilant canvas of a free and fearless colorfull society which takes its core values ,its strengths from the shrines of different religions.
After attaining full statehood Himachal has made various strides (improvements) in Social,Economic,Cultural fields .
The Himalayas:
He who goes to the hills,goes to his mother,the loving ,nourishing bountaneous mother.
The Himalayas in Hindu tradition are much more than a majestic mountain range that extends in a 2410 km curve across South Asia. The mighty altitude of Himalayas is a constant remembrance to the loftiness of human soul .
Even Mount Olympus is Greek mythology would pale in front of reverence shown to Himalayas in Hindu mythology. Neither in Mount Fuji as significant to the Japanese as Himalayas to Hindus.
It is one of the youngest mountain ranges on the planet!
himachal pradesh
Himachal Pradesh lies to the Western Himalyas zone.
According to a survey, the total area of Himachal Pradesh is 55,673 sqkm which is divided into 12 districts area wise Hamirpur is the smallest district which covers 2.01% and Lahaul spiti covers the largest area.
The lakes of Himachal:
1.Govind Sagar lake: It is an artificial man made lake formed as a result of Bhakra dam on river Satluj in the district Bilaspur and is largest man made lake in India. It is also country's largest fishing pond.
2.Ghadasaru Lake: It is located 24 kilometer from Tissa and located on the district Chamba . It is visited by local people to offer prayer at Kali temple ,located on its bank.
3.Khajjiar Lake: This is the magical paradise called paradise called "Khajjiar lake". A temple dedicated to 'Khaji naag" is also located here. It is 24km from Dalhousie on the way to Chamba. It is also known as "Mini Switzerland". Khajjiar became the 160^th tourist spot in the world to be christened mini Switzerland.
4.Manimahesh Lake: The lake is 3950 m above the sea level at the foot of Mount Kailash and 35km from Bharmaur. Manimahesh Lake is the highest of sacred waters in Chamba. This lake is supposed to be blessed by Kali and protected by lord Shiva. A fair is held every year during the month of August and September.
5.Mahakali Lake: It is a little bigger lake than Manimahesh and Khajjiar lake in Churah area of Chamba. It is dedicated to goddess Kali.
Interesting fact-It is evident from history and archeological excavations near the lake that Jahangeer had tried to rule this area but it is believed that blessings of Maa Kali saved the lake and area. Another myth is also popular that Goddess Mahakali, took a bath in this lake after killing so many evils and since then bathing in this lake is considered as vanishing all the sins.
6.Chanderkup Lake: This lake is situated at the highest altitude of Dhauladhar range.It is one of many lakes in upper regions of Chamba towards Dharamshala.During summer season ice blocks keep floating in it to make it a memorable scene.
7.Dal Lake: It is also known as' Bhagsunaag Lake' located in district Kangra and is 11km from Dharamshala,the district headquarters. Dal Lake is situated near Rikkarmar on Balan Dhar.There is also a temple dedicated to 'Lord Driveshwar' built by sage Agastya. After 15 days of Janmashtami a fair known 'Radhashtmi' takes place there.
8.Kareri Lake:It is 35km from Dharamshala. It is surrounded by green meadows, oak and pine trees. Kareri lake water falls into Layun river.
9.Machhiyal Lake: It is a natural lake and located in Kangra in village Mumta.It is 2km from Nagrota Bagwan on bank of rivulet Jaugal where on the one side is Maa Santoshi Mandir and on other is the ancient temple of Machhinder Mahadev. It is believed that Rishi Machhinder lived here and practised penance for a very long time.
Interesting fact: The fish of this lake are worshipped and no one can dare to kill them and golden mahseer fish wearing golden rings could be noticed easily in the lake. Tuesday and Saturday are the prominent days of the week, when people feed the fish and asked for the wish to be honoured.
10.Kumarwah Lake: This is situated in Chachiyot tehsil of Mandi district at an elevation of 3150m .It is considered as a sacred lake .
Interesting fact: All the gold and silver offerings accumulated at a shrine nearby are thrown in this lake.
11.Rewalsar Lake:
It is situated about 25km from Mandi.It is an important place for pilgrimage.This lake is known for its floating island.
History: As with the formation of Rewalsar lake,the legend goes that princess Mandarva,the daughter of king 'Arshadhara' of 'Zahor'(the Tibetan name of Mandi) resolved to renounce her royal ties and dedicated herself to the religious order.The king agreeed and she took her bows before a buddhist scholar named 'Shantarakshita'(believed to be the brother of Padmasambhava).Padmasambhava having observed that she was a dedicated pupil,came through the air from'uddiyana' and appeared in person to give her teachings.A cowherd who saw all this spread the rumour that he had seen the princess with Charlatan.The news aroused king's wrath.He thought that his daughter has broken the vow by flirting with a man.On King's order,the princess was put in a deep hole in the earth full of thorns and Padmasambhava wa taken out to a secluded place,tied to a wooden pyre which was set on fire.When the smoke did not clear off for a week,the king visited the spot and found to his surprise that the place had turned into "a Lake with Lotus in centre" .Padmasambhava had manifested himself.Repenting king offered his kingdom and princess Mandharva was married to him.Rewalsar is known as Padmacan to the Buddhist which means Lotus possesing and is considered the place ,where the spirit of Padmasambhava rests.
The lake is also associated with the Nag cult or serpent wishing.The lake water is believed to be floating undrground from Rewalsar to 'Nagchala'( a place 10km from Mandi on Mandi-Shimla National Highway).The Hindus believed that it was here that 'Lomas Rishi' held his penance in devotion to lord Shiva.Overwhelmed ,Shiva gave the Rishi, the seven floating islands in reward.There is also a Sikh shrine'Gurudwara' built i commermoration of Guru Govind Singh's visit to this place.
12.Bhrigu Lake:
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13.Chandranahan Lake:
It is situated on 'Chanshal peak'in Rohru tehsil district Shimla.The Pabar river originates from this lake.
14.Tanu Jubbal Lake:
It is situated near Narkanda in Shimla district. It is a small artificially waterfed oval-shaped shallow mass of water that is more of a pond than a lake.
15.Prashar Lake:
This lake is situated 30km from Mandi town and have a floating island.The pagoda like three storeyed temple.A fair is held here in the month of June every year.High mountains of middle himalayas surround this lake. It has a temple which has been constructed by King Ban Sen in 13th-14th century with the Rishi being present in the form of pindi. 
Interesting facts: It is said that the whole temple was built by using single deodar tree and took 12 years to complete the temple construction.It is believed that Sage Prashar meditated on the banks of this lake.Bhima,one of the pandava brothers, had created the lake after Kurukshetra war, the pandavas were returning with lord Kamrunaag.
16.Karali Lake:
It is located on the chotta shali hillock just on the other side of Shali peak and district Shimla.The lake is a sheet of dirty water,but from a great way up the hill,its first sight between the trees is unforgettable,beacuse of,its shining like big emarald in the sun.
17.Nako Lake:
Famous for skating.It is near Nako village and is freezes in winter and people enjoy skating here.There is another lake named'Sorang Lake' in Kinnaur district.
18.Renuka Lake:
It is about 45km from Nahan,is one of the most picturesque lakes in Himachal with crystal clear water.It is shaped like sleeping women.It is the biggest natural water lake in Himachal Pradesh.The lake shelters a wild life sanctuary having species of deer, water birds,red jungle fowl etc.On the basis of physico-chemical characterstics this lake should be regarded as hard water type.
Interesting facts: It is said that lake was founded when mother Renuka was sacrificed by her son Parshuram(who is believed to be 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu) in obedience to his father,the sage 'Jamdagni'.Each year in November, a fair is held to celebrate the immortality of Renuka and her son. Several idols of Parshuram and local deities ,placed in decorated planquins are carried by an impressive procession to Parshuram Tal.Before the idols are installed in the temple,they are given bath n this holy lake symbolising the body of mother.
19.Mantalai Lake:
This lake is the source of Parbati river.It is situated at an elevation of 4116km.There is a beautiful range of Parbati peak surrounding the lake.
20.Shringtingu Lake:
Its height is 4200m from Seri.If one follows Guru Nullaha,one would reach Shringtingu Lake located in district Kullu.The panaromic view of Bara Banghal is enjoyable from this place.
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| Bar Banghal |
21.Suraj Tal:
It is a source of Bhaga river and located in Lahaul-Spiti.This lake is located opposite to Baralacha .There is a good trek to it by Zingzing bar.
22.Chandra Tal:
Chandra Tal is in central Lahaul and also known as the 'Lake of the Moon'.It is the source of Chandra river,beautifully set on a large meadow between a lower ridge and Kunzum range.Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang,called this lake,Lohitya Sarovar.
Exquisite
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