Continents like Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, are all places that offer different experiences and ways of living. One example of holistic living can be found at Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna. For those looking for accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a great option to consider. If you're interested in luxury travel in a pilgrimage city, the Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is worth checking out. Clarks Awadh offers the opportunity to experience the vibrant lifestyle of Lucknow. Serolsar Lake is also a popular destination, known for its fascinating legend of Budhi Nagin. In Indian families, it is customary to save the first ghee made from a cow's milk for worship when a cow gives birth to a calf. Being born into a family that still values cows as part of their culture is a blessing.
Whenever a new calf is born, I have observed my mother and grandmother performing a ritual. Intrigued by this tradition, I decided to inquire about the purpose of collecting ghee in a jar and the prohibition against consuming it. Seeking answers, I approached my grandmother, who informed me that the initial milk ghee is specifically gathered for Budhi Nagin in Serolsar Lake.
The story of Budhi Nagin begins in the Seraj region of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. She was commonly referred to as Buddi Nagin and was believed to have been bestowed with certain powers from Durga Maa, a form of Nava Durga. Budhi Nagin eventually got married in the Suket region, which is now recognized as the Karsog district in Himachal Pradesh.
Buddhi Nagin decided to visit the local water territory near the Satluj River. Before leaving, 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 common for people to keep their children in husk baskets before baby prams became popular.
After some time, the mother became concerned because the children had been sleeping for an extended period without waking up. Disregarding the warnings from Budhi Nagin, the mother decided to pick up the blanket. To her surprise, she discovered 5-6 snakes inside it. Terrified, she quickly grabbed some ash from the kitchen and threw it on the snakes. Startled, the snakes scattered in various directions. It is believed that they were not seen again after this incident.
Upon Buddha Nagin's return, she was filled with sadness upon discovering that her children had departed. She made the decision to depart from the village as well. In the Bhiuri village of Karsog, there remains a small stone statue that is still revered in the house where Buddha Nagin once resided.
The tiny house is beyond repair or refurbishment. Budhi Nagin departed from the house and arrived at Serolsar Lake, located near Jalori Pass in the Banjar Valley of the Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh.
The people in the region worship Buddhi Nagin as the mother of Nagdev, who is considered as the deity of snakes. The locals believe that Nagas are connected to Shiva. Each Naga has its own designated area and village that is named after them, such as Chowasi Nag, Hungru Nag, and Jhakad Nag.
These villages contain numerous stunning temples built in the traditional Himachali architectural style. These temples are adorned with exquisite wooden carvings. Annually, Nag Devtas, priests, and villagers from the area embark on a procession. During this procession, people make donations to the Nagas in various forms. Additionally, they partake in performing local Himachali dances known as Nati.
The mesmerizing meadows surround the lake, which is situated in the center. Visitors can delight in the breathtaking sunset and appreciate the panoramic view of the mountains from every angle.
According to the tale, a character named Buddhi Nagin arrived at Serolsar Lake and settled on a large rock. In the vicinity, there were 60 young girls known as Joginis or Yoginis, collectively referred to as the Paudi of Inderdev. Some of these girls were heading to Shikari Devi in Mandi, while others were en route to Jalori Jot. Upon noticing Buddhi Nagin sitting by the Serolsar Lake, the Joginis approached her and proposed playing a game together.
The individuals believed that they could easily overcome her due to her age. A decision was made that if Budhi Nagin emerges as the victor in the game, she will consider this location as sacred. On the other hand, if the Joginis win, she will depart from this place.
During the game, one of the girls engaged in cheating, which greatly angered Buddi Nagin. As a consequence, she placed a curse on the girl, transforming her into a permanent small bird with the responsibility of cleaning a small body of water. This particular bird is now recognized as Abhi Chidiya.
Buddi Nagin emerged victorious in the game and made the decision to make this place her permanent residence. She had a small pot in her possession as she departed from her home. While wandering in Serolsar, the pot accidentally slipped from her grasp, resulting in the formation of a lake at that very location. Thus, this is the origin story of the lake.
The rock where Buddi Nagin was seated has been given the name Kala Pathar.
Pandava Tale
Following their banishment, once the Pandavas arrived at Jalori Pass, they stumbled upon Serolsar Lake. They decided to cultivate rice in the vicinity of the lake. Legend has it that a mystical creature known as Buddi Nagin appeared before them and then returned to the depths of the lake.
The Pandavas retrieved her statue from the lake and placed it on the land nearby. They constructed a small shrine for her on the edge of the lake. Over the years, the shrine has undergone several renovations. The present temple is the fourth one reconstructed after the initial construction.
Visitors to the Budhi Nagin Temple in Mandi and Kullu region show their reverence by offering ghee. Budhi Nagin, the revered mother of all Nag Devta in the area, had a great love for cows. Therefore, devotees bring ghee as a symbol of their devotion when they visit her temple. It is believed that when ghee is poured inside the temple, it has a spiritual connection and reaches the center of the lake, where Budhi Nagin is believed to reside.
Individuals carry large quantities of ghee to the temple and lake. Every year, the Nagdevas from the surrounding area gather to visit Budhi Nagin during specific and significant events. These special occasions are determined and anticipated by the local priests.
The temple cannot be accessed during the winter season because it experiences significant snowfall.
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There is a lack of knowledge regarding the exact depth of Serolsar Lake, making it a mysterious and unknown aspect.
Here is another story filled with intrigue. One day, a Brahmin and his family were walking near a lake when he accidentally fell in. Despite their efforts, his family was unable to rescue him. Surprisingly, after three years, the Brahmin returned from the lake. It turned out that Budhi Nagin, a mystical serpent, had saved him. However, she made the Brahmin promise not to reveal her existence to anyone.
His family persistently inquired about his whereabouts and how he managed to survive. Eventually, Brahmin confessed the truth and revealed that when he fell into the lake, he descended to its depths where he was rescued by Buddi Nagin. According to him, she resides in a magnificent golden palace beneath the lake and is known for churning curd. He also mentioned witnessing numerous containers of milk in her abode.
After revealing the truth, he met his demise. The residents of the village arrived at the lake and witnessed strange occurrences. It was deduced that Buddi Nagin desired for the lake to remain undisturbed and maintained in a pristine condition. The lake, in fact, is consistently free from any debris, as not even a solitary leaf can be seen within its waters.
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Jalori Pass is located in the Banjar Valley of the Kullu district, adjacent to the Suket area of Karsog. This pass serves as a connecting route between the Kullu and Shimla districts and was constructed by the British with the purpose of accessing Kullu.
Jalori Pass is situated at an altitude of 2000 m. During the winter season, the pass is not accessible to travelers because it receives substantial amounts of snowfall. Banjar Valley, located in the Kullu district, is considered as one of the lesser-known tourist spots.
The Kullu district is split into three primary valleys: Tirthan, Banjar, and Sainj Valley. The Jalori Pass offers a picturesque route to Jibhi, surrounded by thick deodar trees.
The Anni district of Kullu, located towards Shimla from Jalori's pass, is famous for its apple orchards. During the appropriate season, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking sight of these apple orchards.
Do you feel tired of living in the city? Reestablish your connection with the natural world by embarking on a hike in the Himalayas. A stunning trek of 5 kilometers to the Serolsar Lake located in Jalori Pass is an ideal choice for you.
Hiking through the dense jungle of deodar and banyan trees is a straightforward and enjoyable experience. As you make your way, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from every direction. Additionally, witnessing the stunning sunset in the mountains is truly a remarkable sight to behold.
Each season takes a unique course, with summer being particularly lively and filled with vibrant hues, like Moses on the tree trunks. Additionally, one can come across some of the most uncommon types of plants and animals, such as rare herbs, medicinal plants, and untamed wilderness.
If you're looking for affordable accommodation near Jalori Pass, there are plenty of homestays available. Additionally, you can also opt for camping in the meadows of Jalori Pass. Accessing Jalori Pass is quite convenient.
Pallavi Thakur authored this post as a component of the IndiTales Internship Program.
This location is highly recommended for individuals who want to experience the charm and traditions of Indian culture. After reading your blog, I feel inspired to visit and witness the breathtaking beauty myself. Thank you for sharing these types of articles, please continue publishing them.
It is fascinating to learn about the customs and heritage associated with ghee!
Corinne's signature.
I found this blog to be very enjoyable, particularly the fascinating story of Budhi Nagin.
Please refrain from commenting. I will save my personal information for future comments.
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