Continents such as Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer various experiences and destinations for holistic living. One such place is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna, which promotes a holistic lifestyle. For accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a recommended option. Another luxurious choice is the Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa in the city of pilgrims, Pushkar. To experience the vibrant lifestyle of Lucknow, Clarks Awadh is an ideal place to stay. Serolsar Lake holds the legend of Budhi Nagin and is a popular destination. In Indian families, the first ghee made from a cow's milk after giving birth to a calf is considered sacred and is saved for worship. I am fortunate to belong to a family that values cows and incorporates them into our culture.
I have observed my mother and grandmother perform a specific tradition whenever a new calf is born. I was intrigued and wanted to understand the significance of collecting ghee in a jar and why it cannot be consumed by anyone. Seeking answers, I approached my grandmother, who informed me that the ghee obtained from the first milk is collected for Budhi Nagin in Serolsar Lake.
The story of Budhi Nagin starts in Seraj, a region in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. She earned the nickname "Buddi Nagin" due to her special abilities, which were believed to be a gift from the goddess Durga Maa, a form of Nava Durga. Budhi Nagin later got married in the Suket area, which is now known as Karsog district in Himachal Pradesh.
Buddhi Nagin decided to visit the local water area of the Satluj River. Before leaving, she told her mother not to disturb her sleeping children. In those days, people used to place their babies in baskets made of husks as a makeshift crib, before baby strollers became common.
After some time, the mother grew concerned because the children had been sleeping for an extended period without waking up. Ignoring the advice given by Budhi Nagin, the mother lifted the blanket. To her surprise, she discovered 5-6 snakes hidden within it. Filled with fear, she hastily grabbed some ash from the kitchen and threw it onto the snakes. Startled, the snakes slithered away in various directions. It is thought that they were not remembered or mentioned again after this incident.
Upon Buddha Nagin's return, she was filled with sadness and despair upon discovering that her children were no longer there. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she made the decision to leave the village. In the village of Karsog, in the house where Buddha Nagin resided, a small stone idol is still revered and worshiped.
It is not possible to reconstruct or renovate this tiny house. Budhi Nagin departed from the house and arrived at Serolsar Lake, located near Jalori Pass in the Banjar Valley of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh.
The people of the region believe in the worship of Naga, which is associated with the snake god Nagdev. It is believed that Buddhi Nagin is the mother of Nagdev. Each Naga has its own designated area and village, which is named after them, such as Chowasi Nag, Hungru Nag, and Jhakad Nag.
In these rural communities, numerous stunning temples are built using the traditional architectural style of Himachal Pradesh. These temples are adorned with intricate wooden carvings, adding to their beauty. Annually, the local deity Nag Devtas, along with priests and villagers, embark on a procession throughout the region. During this time, people generously offer donations of various kinds to the Nagas. Additionally, they partake in traditional Himachali dance performances known as Nati.
Situated amidst enchanting fields, the lake offers a captivating setting. Visitors can witness breathtaking sunsets and appreciate the panoramic scenery of the surrounding mountains from every angle.
According to the legend, Buddhi Nagin arrived at Serolsar Lake and found a comfortable spot on a large rock. Nearby, there were 60 Joginis, a group of young girls known as the Paudi of Inderdev. Some of these Joginis were on their way to visit Shikari Devi in Mandi, while others were headed to Jalori Jot. When they noticed Buddhi Nagin sitting by Serolsar Lake, the Joginis approached her and proposed playing a game together.
The assumption was made that it would be easy to overcome her due to her age. A decision was reached that if Budhi Nagin emerged victorious in the game, she would consider this location as her sacred place. Alternatively, if Joginis were to win, she would depart from this area.
During the game, a girl engaged in cheating, causing Buddi Nagin to feel immense anger. As a consequence, she placed a curse upon the girl, condemning her to eternal existence as a small bird and assigning her the duty of maintaining the cleanliness of a small water body. This transformed bird is now referred to as Abhi Chidiya.
After winning the game, Buddi Nagin made the decision to make this place her permanent home. During her journey in Serolsar, she accidentally dropped a small pot she was carrying, resulting in the creation of a lake at that very spot. And so, this is how the lake came into existence.
The rock where Buddi Nagin was seated is currently referred to as Kala Pathar.
The Pandavas, while in exile, arrived at Jalori Pass and discovered Serolsar Lake. They decided to cultivate rice in the vicinity of the lake. According to legend, an entity known as Buddi Nagin appeared before them and then returned to the lake.
The Pandavas retrieved the Murti of the goddess from the lake and placed it on the shore. They constructed a small temple for her near the lake. Over the years, the temple has undergone multiple renovations. The present temple is the fourth one following the renovations.
At the Budhi Nagin Temple, people show their devotion by offering ghee. Budhi Nagin, who is considered the supreme Nag Devta in the Mandi and Kullu region, had a special affection for cows. Therefore, visitors bring ghee as an offering to her temple. It is believed that when ghee is poured inside the temple, it magically reaches the center of the lake where Budhi Nagin is believed to reside.
Individuals bring large quantities of ghee to both the temple and the lake. Every year, the Nagdevas from the surrounding area pay a visit to Budhi Nagin on specific events. These events are anticipated by the priests who reside in the local community.
The temple cannot be accessed during the winter season because it receives a significant amount of snowfall.
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The depth of Serolsar Lake remains a mystery as no one has been able to determine it.
Here is another intriguing tale filled with mystery. One day, a Brahmin and his family were enjoying a leisurely walk near the lake when he accidentally fell in. Despite their best efforts, his family was unable to rescue him. Surprisingly, after three years, the Brahmin returned from the lake. It turns out that during his time underwater, he made a promise to Budhi Nagin, a mystical serpent, not to reveal her existence to anyone.
His relatives persistently inquired about his whereabouts and how he managed to survive. Eventually, Brahmin confessed the truth. He revealed that after falling into the lake, he descended to the lake's depths where he was rescued by Buddi Nagin. According to him, she resides in a magnificent palace made of gold. Brahmin further mentioned witnessing numerous containers of milk while she was busy churning curd.
After he revealed the truth, he passed away. The inhabitants of the village noticed strange occurrences when they arrived at the lake. It was deduced that Buddi Nagin desired the lake to remain untouched and maintained in a pristine condition. The lake is consistently clean, with no trace of even a single leaf found 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 connection between the Kullu and Shimla districts and was constructed by the British as a means to gain entry into Kullu.
Jalori Pass is situated at an elevation of 2000 m. During the winter season, Jalori Pass cannot be accessed as it remains closed due to the substantial amount of snowfall it receives. Banjar Valley, located in the Kullu district, is considered as one of the lesser-known
Kullu district is geographically divided into three primary valleys, namely Tirthan, Banjar, and Sainj Valley. The journey to Jibhi via Jalori Pass offers a picturesque drive through a forest filled with thick deodar trees.
The Anni district of Kullu, located between Jalori's pass and Shimla, is famous for its apple orchards. Visitors can enjoy the stunning sight of these orchards during the season.
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Take a break and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature by going on a hiking adventure in the majestic Himalayas. Embark on a scenic 5 km trek to reach the breathtaking Serolsar Lake, located in the serene surroundings of Jalori Pass. This hiking trail is
Hiking through a thick forest of deodar and banyan trees is a simple and straightforward experience. Along the way, you will be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and witness a truly magnificent sunset in this mountainous region.
Each season has its own unique characteristics and appearance. During the summer, the path becomes lively with the vibrant colors of moss on the tree trunks. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to encounter some of the most uncommon types of plants and animals, such as rare herbs, medicinal plants, and wilderness.
Tips for Traveling:
If you're looking for affordable accommodation near Jalori Pass, you'll find plenty of homestays available. Additionally, there are camping options in the meadows of Jalori Pass. Accessing Jalori Pass is also quite convenient.
Pallavi Thakur authored this post as a component of the IndiTales Internship Program.
There are three different articles related to Bhuira Jams, the enterprise started by women from the mountains. In the Karsog Valley of Himachal, there are temples dating back to the Pandava Era. Tirthan Valley in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh is a great place to visit. The author expresses that after reading the blog, they feel motivated to witness the beauty of Indian culture and tradition in person and thanks the writer for publishing these types of articles.
It is fascinating to learn about the customs and practices related to ghee.
Hello, Corinne.
I found this blog to be quite enjoyable, particularly the story about Budhi Nagin.
Please cancel your reply by leaving a comment. Remember to save my name, email, and website on this browser for future commenting.
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