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Located on a mountain spur, an hour's drive from
Mandi brings one to this dark
jewel- like lakeplace called Rewalsar. With water, woodland and high
hills, it presents a variety of natural beauty and the spot is sacred for
Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was from here that the great Indian
teacher and 'Tantaric' Padmasabhava left for Tibet. The Tibetans knew him
as 'Guru Rimpoche', the Precious Master.
It was under Padmasambahava's influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over
Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar Lake and the spirit
of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas
did penance in development to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh
also resided here for one month.
There are islands of floating reed on
Rewalsar lake and the sprit of
Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did
penance in devotion of Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also
resided here for one month. The Sisu fair held in late February/early
March and the festival of Baisakhi
are important events at Rewalsa
MONSATERIES
Monasteries: At opposite ends if the lake there are two Tibetan
monasteries. The Bhutanese also have one.
GURDWARAS
Gurudwara: Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi built this gurudwara in
1930. It commemorates Guru Gobind Singh's visit, when he sought to evolve
a common strategy with the hill rulers against the Mughal emperor
Aurangzeb.
TEMPLES
Temples: At Rewalsar there are three Hindu temples. These are
dedicated to the sage Lomas, to Lord Krishna and to Lord Shiva.
GARDENS
Mini Zoo: The forest department maintains a small zoo at Rewalsar.
Above Rewalsar, the 'Seven Lakes' are also of great interest.
LAKES
Rewalsar Lake: 24-km
from Mandi is a famous lake, which is equally sacred to Hindus, Buddhists
and Sikhs. It was from this place that Padmasambhava, a zealous teacher
and a missionary left for Tibet to preach the doctrine of "The
Enlightened".
Air: The airport at Bhuntar is at a distance of
89-km. Taxis/buses are available from this place to Rewalsar.
Rail: The closest railhead is at Pathankot, 234-km away from
Pathankot the narrow gauge railway connects Jogindernagar which is 80-km
from Rewalsar. Pathankot is linked with many big cities through broad
gauge.
Road: Rewalsar is connected by road and is 24-km from
Mandi
The HPTDC Rewalsar Inn has quiet good accommodation facilities. Even Drikung Kagyud Gompa and Nyinggmapa Gompa also offer some good basic rooms for staying.
In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy woollens are required. During summer, the clime is mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.
Mandi: 24-km
Jogindar Nagar: 80-km
Bhuntar: 89-km
Manali : 131-km
Dharamsala: 171-km
Shimla : 174-km