Rewalsar Lake

Rewalsar lake is in Mandi district, 24 kms from Mandi town. Shaped quite like a square and with a shoreline of 735 m, this dark jewel rests on a mountain spur and is protected by a variety of dense vegetation. The spot is held sacred by Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists alike. Legend has it that the great teacher and 'tantric', Padmasambhava used his enormous powers to take flight to Tibet from Rewalsar. There are three Buddhist monasteries at Rewalsar. It also has a gurudwara that was built in 1930 by raja Joginder Sen of Mandi. Rewalsar has three Hindi temples which are dedicated to lord Krishna, lord Shiva and to the sage Lomas. A small zoo also is maintained near the lake. Also known as Guru Rimpoche, it was under Padmasambhava's influence that Mahayana Buddhism took root in Tibet at Rewalsar, his spirit is said to reside in the tiny island of floating reed that drifts over the water. There are three Buddhist monasteries at Rewalsar. Rewalsar has three Hindu temples which are dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and to the sage Lomas. A small zoo is maintained near the lake. The lake of Kunt Bhyog (1750 m above sea level) lies above Rewalsar as do six other lakes of mythology. These are associated with the escape of 'Pandavs' from the burning palace of wax-an episode from the epic, Mahabharta.