Continents like Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer various experiences and destinations for travelers. One such destination is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna, which provides a holistic living experience. For those visiting Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a recommended accommodation option. If you're looking for luxury travel in a city of pilgrimage, the Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is a great choice. Clarks Awadh allows visitors to experience the vibrant lifestyle of Lucknow. Serolsar Lake holds a legendary story about Budhi Nagin. It is a tradition in Indian families to save the first ghee made from the milk of a cow for worship, as it is considered auspicious. I am fortunate to have been born into a family that values cows as an integral part of our culture.
Whenever a new calf is born, I have observed my mother and grandmother partaking in a specific ritual. Piqued by curiosity, I sought an explanation for the practice of collecting ghee in a jar and prohibiting anyone from consuming from it. Seeking answers, I approached my grandmother, who informed me that the initial milk ghee was collected for Budhi Nagin in Serolsar Lake.
The story of Budhi Nagin begins in the Seraj region of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. She was a woman who possessed certain powers bestowed upon her by Durga Maa, a form of the goddess Nava Durga. Budhi Nagin eventually got married in the Suket area, which is now referred to as Karsog district in Himachal Pradesh.
Buddhi Nagin ventured close to the local water area of the Satluj River. Prior to her departure, she told her mother not to disturb her sleeping children who were resting in a basket made of husks in the kitchen. In the past, it was customary for people to place their children in husk baskets as a substitute for baby prams.
Eventually, the mother became concerned because the children had been sleeping for an extended period of time without waking up. Despite disregarding the advice of Budhi Nagin, the mother decided to pick up the blanket. To her surprise, she discovered 5-6 snakes hiding inside. Filled with fear, she quickly grabbed some ash from the kitchen and threw it at the snakes. Startled, the snakes scattered in various directions. It is believed that they were not seen or heard of again after this incident.
Upon Buddha Nagin's return, she was filled with deep sadness upon discovering that her children were no longer present. This led her to make the decision to leave the village. In the Bhiuri village of Karsog, there remains a small stone idol that is revered and worshipped in the very house where Buddha Nagin once resided.
The house is in such a condition that it is impossible to rebuild or renovate it. Budhi Nagin decided to leave the house and made his way to Serolsar Lake, which is located near Jalori Pass in Banjar Valley of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh.
Naga worship is a practice that involves the veneration of Buddhi Nagin, who is considered the mother of Nagdev, the deity of snakes. In the local area, it is believed that Nagas are closely connected to Shiva, the Hindu god. Each Naga is associated with a specific area and village, which are named after them, such as Chowasi Nag, Hungru Nag, and Jhakad Nag.
Within these villages, numerous exquisite temples are built using the traditional architectural style of Himachal Pradesh. These temples feature intricate wooden carvings that add to their beauty. Annually, Nag Devtas (serpent deities), priests, and local villagers come together to make a procession throughout the area. During this procession, people offer donations in various forms to the Nagas. Additionally, they partake in the traditional Himachali dance known as Nati.
The meadows surrounding the lake are truly captivating. Visitors can witness breathtaking sunsets and take in the panoramic view of the entire mountain range.
According to the legend, a mythical serpent named Buddhi Nagin arrived at Serolsar Lake and settled down on a large stone. At that time, there were 60 young girls known as Joginis or Yoginis, who were headed to different destinations such as Shikari Devi in Mandi and Jalori Jot. These Joginis noticed Buddhi Nagin sitting in Serolsar Lake and decided to approach her, suggesting that they play a game together.
They believed that they could easily overcome her due to her old age. A decision was made that if Budhi Nagin emerged victorious in the game, she would consider this place sacred. Conversely, if the Joginis were to win, she would depart from this location.
During the game, one of the girls engaged in dishonest behavior, which greatly angered Buddi Nagin. As a consequence, she placed a curse on the girl, transforming her into a permanent small bird. Additionally, Buddi Nagin gave the bird the responsibility of cleaning a small body of water. This particular bird is now referred to as Abhi Chidiya.
After winning the game, Buddi Nagin made the decision to make this place her permanent home. While she was exploring Serolsar, she accidentally dropped a small pot she was carrying, resulting in the creation of a lake at that exact location. Thus, the lake was formed.
The rock where Buddi Nagin was seated is currently referred to as Kala Pathar.
Pandava Narrative
While in exile, the Pandavas arrived at Jalori Pass and eventually arrived at Serolsar Lake. They decided to cultivate rice in the vicinity of the lake. According to the story, Buddi Nagin appeared before them and returned to the lake.
The Pandavas retrieved the statue of her from the lake and placed it outside of the lake. They constructed a small shrine for her along the shores of the lake. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations. The present temple is the fourth one after undergoing renovation.
Visitors to the Budhi Nagin Temple in Mandi and Kullu region show their reverence for Budhi Nagin, the revered mother of all Nag Devta, by offering ghee. This act is a reflection of Budhi Nagin's deep affection for cows. According to beliefs, when ghee is poured inside the temple, it is believed to reach the heart of the lake where Budhi Nagin resides.
Individuals carry numerous kilograms of clarified butter (ghee) to both the temple and the lake. Once a year, during special events, all the Nagdevas from the area pay a visit to Budhi Nagin. The occurrence of these special events is foretold by local priests.
During the winter season, the temple remains closed because of the excessive amount of snowfall it experiences
Discover more by exploring the top 10 books that delve into the wonders of the Himalayas
There is a lack of knowledge regarding the exact depth of Serolsar Lake.
Here is another story full of intrigue. A Brahmin and his family were walking near a lake when he accidentally fell in. Despite their efforts, his family was unable to save him. Surprisingly, after a span of three years, the Brahmin returned from the lake. It was revealed that he had made a promise to Budhi Nagin, a mystical serpent, not to disclose her existence to anyone.
His relatives persistently inquired about his whereabouts and how he managed to survive. Eventually, the Brahmin confessed the truth. He revealed that when he fell into the lake, he descended to its depths and was rescued by Buddi Nagin. According to him, she resides in a magnificent golden palace beneath the lake's surface. He also witnessed numerous containers filled with milk, which she would use to make curd.
After revealing the truth, he instantly perished. The residents of the village gathered at the lake and witnessed peculiar occurrences. It was deduced that Buddi Nagin desired for the lake to remain undisturbed and maintain its cleanliness. True enough, the lake is always pristine, without a single leaf to be found within its waters.
Discover the 12 most stunning lakes in India by reading further.
Jalori Pass is located in the Banjar Valley of the Kullu district, adjacent to the Suket area of Karsog. It is a pass that connects the Kullu and Shimla districts, and was constructed by the British in order to have a route to Kullu.
Jalori Pass is situated at an elevation of 2000 meters. During the winter season, Jalori Pass is not accessible due to the significant amount of snowfall it receives. Banjar Valley, located in the Kullu district, is a unique and less popular tourist spot.
The Kullu district is split into three primary valleys: Tirthan, Banjar, and Sainj Valley. The Jalori Pass is a scenic road that leads to Jibhi and is lined with thick deodar trees.
The Anni district of Kullu, located between Jalori's pass and Shimla, is famous for its apple orchards. Visitors can appreciate the stunning sight of apple orchards during the season.
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city living? Reestablish a connection with the natural world by embarking on a hike in the stunning Himalayas. The picturesque journey to Serolsar Lake, spanning a distance of 5 km, is an ideal option for you. It is situated in Jalori Pass, offering a serene and
Hiking in this area is a straightforward journey through a thick jungle filled with deodar and banyan trees. The hike offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from every angle, as well as the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset.
Each season follows a unique course; during the summer, the path is filled with lively hues as moss adorns the tree trunks. This season also offers the opportunity to encounter some of the most uncommon types of plants and animals, such as rare herbs, medicinal plants, and untouched wilderness.
Tips for Traveling
If you're looking for affordable accommodation near Jalori Pass, there are plenty of homestays available. Additionally, you can enjoy camping in the meadows of Jalori Pass. The pass is easily reachable, making it convenient for travelers.
Pallavi Thakur wrote this post as a contribution to the IndiTales Internship Program.
This blog post discusses Bhuira Jams, an enterprise run by women in the mountains. It also mentions the temples from the Pandava era in the Karsog Valley of Himachal. Additionally, it highlights some of the places to visit in Tirthan Valley, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The author expresses their motivation to visit these places after reading the blog post and appreciates the publication of such articles.
It is fascinating to learn about the customs and heritage associated with ghee.
Dear Corinne,
I found this blog to be quite enjoyable, particularly the captivating tale of Budhi Nagin.
Please cancel any response you may have. I would like to save my name, email, and website on this browser for future comments.
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