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The Lake Town of Rewalsar in Mandi

Rewalsar is the town from where Guru Riponche started his journey towards Tibet in the pursuit of spreading Buddhism.

By Akshatha Vinayak

The beautiful statue of Padmasambhava on a hill top, a beautiful lake and a colourful town bustling around the lake describes the beautiful Rewalsar. Tucked in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rewalsar is vibrant and serene. Rewalsar is famous as a Buddhist site but it is considered sacred for Sikhs and Hindus as well. So, one gets to explore a blend of cultures and religious set up in this hill town. In this article, let us stroll around this offbeat place of Rewalsar in Mandi.

Rewalsar in Mandi

Statue of Riponche
PC: John Hill

Mythology

Guru Padmasambhava is said to have fallen in love the local princess Mandarava. However, the King was not at all happy with this relationship and tries to burn Padmasambhava. Miraculously, Padmasambhava doesn't get hurt by the fire instead he will be meditating in the place surrounded by fire and smoke. So, the King gives his daughter and his kingdom to Guru Padmasambhava.

Attractions at Rewalsar

The statue of Guru Riponche (Padmasambhava) is itself a beautiful attraction in Rewalsar. The big idol of Guru Riponche is also one of the landmarks of Rewalsar.

Rewalsar Lake or the Lotus Lake at the centre of Rewalsar is the most important destinations. It is not just a holy site for Buddhists but also for Hindus and Sikhs. According to mythology, Guru Padmasambhava was burnt in the same place where the lake is located.

Rewalsar in Mandi

Lotus Lake
PC: Doron

As said earlier, Rewalsar is dotted by several religious places. It has Buddhist monasteries, temples and a Gurudwara.

Rewalsar Monastery is one of the prominent Buddhist monasteries in Rewalsar (Rawalsar). It belongs to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. This beautiful architecture of Rewalsar Monastery is most wonderful to explore.

You can also visit a Krishna Temple and a Shiva Temple on the banks of Lotus Lake.

Rewalsar in Mandi

Cave shrine for Mandarava
PC: John Hill

Another interesting place is the Lomas Rishi Cave. It is believed that the sage Lomas performed penance in this cave. Interestingly, the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh is also said to have stayed at this cave during his visit to Rewalsar. Thus, the town became a holy place for Sikhs.

Gurudwara Rawalsar Sahib

Gurudwara Rawalsar Sahib was built to mark the visit of Guru Gobind Singh. The Sikh Guru had come to Rewalsar to meet a local chieftain. One of his devotees constructed this Gurudwara in Rewalsar.

Visitors can also enjoy some scenic views of the Himalayan foothills and stay amidst this colourful town in Mandi. Hence, Rewalsar is one of the most beautiful lesser known hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.

These are the prominent tourist attractions in Rewalsar which you should explore.

Rewalsar in Mandi

Distant View of Rewalsar
PC: Ritpr9

How to Reach Rewalsar

Rewalsar is around 24km from Mandi. Visitors should reach Mandi and then take buses or taxis to Rewalsar. There are regular buses from Mandi to reach Rewalsar.

You can also take a bus or taxi from Dharmshala which is around 155km from Rewalsar. However, this journey takes around 5 to 6 depending on the climatic changes.

Click: How to Reach Mandi

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