Continents like Asia and Europe, as well as the rest of the world, offer unique experiences for holistic living. One such place is Swaswara, located on Om Beach in Gokarna. For accommodation in Shekhawati, Piramal Haveli is a great option to consider. If you're looking for luxury travel in a pilgrim's city, Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is a good choice. Experience the vibrant Lucknow life at Clarks Awadh. Serolsar Lake holds the legend of Budhi Nagin, adding to its allure. In Indian families, the first ghee made from a cow's milk after it gives birth to a calf is saved for worship, as it is considered auspicious. Fortunately, I come from a family that still values the presence and importance of cows in our culture.
I have observed my mother and grandmother perform a certain tradition whenever a new calf is born. I became interested in understanding the reason behind collecting ghee in a jar and prohibiting anyone from consuming it. Seeking answers, I approached my grandmother who informed me that the initial milk ghee is actually gathered for Budhi Nagin at Serolsar Lake.
The legendary figure known as Buddi Nagin originated from the Seraj region of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. She possessed certain abilities bestowed upon her by Durga Maa, a form of Nava Durga. Buddi Nagin eventually married and settled in the Suket region, which is now referred to as Karsog district in Himachal Pradesh.
Buddhi Nagin ventured close to the local water area of the Satluj River. She specifically asked her mother not to disturb her children while she was away. Her children were peacefully sleeping in a basket made of husks, which was a common practice before baby prams became popular.
Her mother became concerned when the children continued to sleep for an extended period of time without waking up. Ignoring the advice given by Budhi Nagin, the mother decided to remove the blanket. To her surprise, she discovered 5-6 snakes hidden within it. Feeling scared, she grabbed some ash from the kitchen and threw it at the snakes, causing them to scatter 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 to discover that her children were no longer present. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she decided to leave the village. In the Bhiuri village of Karsog, there exists a house where Buddha Nagin resided, and within it, a small stone Murti is still revered and worshipped.
It is impossible to reconstruct or refurbish this petite house. Budhi Nagin departed from the dwelling and arrived at Serolsar Lake, which is situated near Jalori Pass in the Banjar Valley of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh.
The people in the area believe in the worship of Buddhi Nagin, who is considered the mother of Nagdev, the god of snakes. They also believe that the Nagas, or snake beings, are connected to the deity Shiva. Each Naga has their own designated area and village, which is named after them, such as Chowasi Nag, Hungru Nag, and Jhakad Nag.
In the villages, there are numerous exquisite temples built in the traditional Himachali style, featuring charming wooden carvings. Annually, Nag Devtas, priests, and villagers gather to tour their vicinity. The locals make various donations to the Nagas in gratitude. Additionally, they engage in traditional Himachali dances known as Nati.
The enchanting meadows surround the lake, creating a picturesque setting. Visitors can witness breathtaking sunsets and marvel at the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains in every direction.
According to the tale, a serpent named Buddhi Nagin arrived at Serolsar Lake and settled on a large rock. Around 60 young girls known as Joginis, who were on their way to Shikari Devi in Mandi or Jalori Jot, spotted Buddhi Nagin sitting in the lake. The Joginis approached her and suggested playing a game together.
The individuals believed that they could easily conquer her due to her age. A decision was made that if Budhi Nagin emerged victorious in the game, she would accept this location as her sacred place. Conversely, if the Joginis were triumphant, she would vacate this area.
During the game, one of the girls engaged in dishonest behavior, which greatly angered Buddi Nagin. As a consequence, she placed a curse upon the girl, transforming her into a permanent small bird. Additionally, Buddi Nagin assigned the bird the responsibility of cleaning a small body of water. This transformed bird is now referred to as Abhi Chidiya.
After emerging victorious in the game, Buddi Nagin made the decision to stay in this location permanently. She had a small pot with her as she left her home. While exploring Serolsar, the pot accidentally slipped from her grasp and as a result, a lake was created in that exact spot. This is the story behind the formation of the lake.
The rock where Buddi Nagin was seated has been given the name Kala Pathar.
The Pandavas, who were in the midst of their exile, arrived at Serolsar Lake after reaching Jalori Pass. They decided to cultivate rice around the lake. According to the story, a mythical serpent named Buddi Nagin appeared before them and then returned to the lake.
The Pandavas retrieved the statue of the deity from the lake and placed it outside of the water. They constructed a small shrine for her along the shores of the lake. Over time, the temple has undergone several renovations. The present temple is the fourth one following the restoration efforts.
Visitors to the Budhi Nagin Temple in Mandi and Kullu region have a tradition of offering ghee to Budhi Nagin, the revered mother of all Nag Devta. This is because Budhi Nagin had a deep affection for cows. It is believed that when ghee is poured inside the temple, it is magically transported to the center of the lake where Budhi Nagin is believed to reside.
Individuals carry large quantities of ghee to both the temple and the lake. Once a year, on specific events, the Nagdevas from the area come to visit Budhi Nagin. These particular occasions are anticipated and determined by the nearby priests.
During the winter season, the temple is not accessible to visitors because it is shut down as a
Discover the top 10 books about the Himalayas that you should read.
There is a lack of knowledge regarding the exact depth of Serolsar Lake.
Here is another intriguing and enigmatic tale. A Brahmin, accompanied by his family, was leisurely walking near a lake when he accidentally fell into its depths. Despite their efforts, his family was unable to rescue him. Surprisingly, after a span of three years, the Brahmin returned from the lake. However, he made a solemn vow to Budhi Nagin, a mystical serpent-like creature, not to disclose her existence to anyone.
His relatives persistently inquired about his whereabouts and how he managed to survive. Eventually, Brahmin disclosed the truth, explaining that he had fallen into a lake and reached its depths, where he was rescued by Buddi Nagin. He revealed that she resides in a magnificent golden palace within the lake and that he witnessed numerous containers of milk while in her presence.
After revealing the truth, he immediately passed away. The residents of the village arrived at the lake and witnessed various unexplained phenomena. It was deduced that Buddi Nagin desired for the lake to remain undisturbed and in pristine condition. In reality, the lake is consistently immaculate, without a single leaf present within its waters.
Discover more about the 12 most stunning lakes in India.
Jalori Pass is located in the Banjar Valley of the Kullu district, next to the Suket area of Karsog. This pass serves as a connection between the Kullu and Shimla districts and was constructed by the British in order to have entry into Kullu.
Jalori Pass is situated at an altitude of 2000 m and it is inaccessible during the winter season because of the significant amount of snowfall it receives. Banjar Valley, located in the Kullu district, is a unique and less explored tourist spot.
The Kullu district is separated into three primary valleys: Tirthan, Banjar, and Sainj Valley. When traveling to Jibhi, the Jalori Pass provides a picturesque route surrounded by thick deodar trees.
The Anni district of Kullu, located towards Shimla from Jalori's pass, is famous for its apple orchards. Visitors can admire the stunning sight of apple orchards during the season.
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city living? Reconnect with the natural world by taking a hike in the majestic Himalayas. A stunning 5 km trek to Serolsar Lake, located in Jalori Pass, is an ideal choice for you.
Hiking is a simple and straightforward activity that involves walking in a dense jungle filled with deodar and banyan trees. The hike offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and an incredibly stunning sunset experience.
Each season has its own unique characteristics; during the summer, the landscape becomes vibrant with the bright colors of moss growing on tree trunks. Additionally, one can discover an array of rare plant and animal species, such as uncommon 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 also opt for camping in the beautiful meadows of Jalori Pass. Accessing Jalori Pass is convenient and hassle-free.
Pallavi Thakur has contributed this post as a participant of the IndiTales Internship Program.
Discover the captivating story of Bhuira Jams, an empowering enterprise led by women from the mountains. Explore the ancient temples from the Pandava Era in the scenic Karsog Valley of Himachal. Uncover the hidden gems of Tirthan Valley in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. This destination is a must-visit for those eager to immerse themselves in the rich beauty of Indian culture and tradition. After reading your blog, I am inspired and motivated to experience this incredible beauty firsthand. Thank you for continuously sharing articles like these.
I find it fascinating to learn about the customs and heritage associated with ghee.
Dear Corinne,
I found this blog to be quite enjoyable, especially the captivating story of Budhi Nagin.
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