My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
It is
a small lake,
nestled amidst the mountains, surrounded by forests. The shape is slightly elongated,
though not a regular oval. But then, you wouldn’t expect a natural lake to have
a perfect shape, would you? At first glance, it appears like any other mountain
lake. Why then is this one special? Because, it is associated with the divine,
by Buddhists, as well as Hindus!
There
are many legends and myths related to the lake at Khecheopalri, near Pelling in West Sikkim. It is said that these mountains are the abode of
the Goddess Tara, and that the lake is her footprint! Another legend states
that this is the site where the Guru Padmasambhava preached to the 64 Yoginis. Yet
another speaks of the locals witnessing two conches falling from the skies, the
ground shaking violently, and water emerging from the earth, forming the lake.
In Hindu
mythology, the
lake is Shiva’s footprint, and the Lord himself meditates in one of the caves
in the mountains here.
It is
also said that
no leaf ever floats on the lake, despite being surrounded by trees. As soon as
leaf falls, a bird picks it up and flies away!
 |
| Blue Fronted Redstart |
The legends
and myths have,
to a great extent, helped preserve the sanctity and the peace here. The lake
and its surroundings are home to a number of birds, and even in the short time
that we spent there, we saw quite a few. The ducks swimming in the lake were
especially a wonderful sight!
The only
sore point of
the trip was a bunch of visitors having a jolly time ringing the temple bell,
enjoying the echoes, and laughing raucously. It made me wonder if we would ever
learn to be responsible tourists.
Among
all the sites
we visited near Pelling, this is one I would love to go back to, someday, and
spend some leisurely time just sitting by the lake. Is it the divinity that
beckons me, the stories, or the birds? It doesn’t really matter. What does, is
being drawn to it.
Information:
- Location: Khecheopalri or Khacheodpalri Lake is located 34 Km from Pelling in West Sikkim.
- How to Reach: There are a few share jeeps which bring you here from Pelling, but relying on them can be dicey. It is best to hire a vehicle and combine a visit to the lake with Rabdentse ruins, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Kanchenjunga waterfalls.
- Where to Stay: There are just a few houses in the village here, and a couple of them accept guests, but accommodation is extremely basic. It is best to stay at Pelling and make a day trip.
- Tips:
- The village is a small one and there are a few shops which double up as restaurants offering basic food like momos and Maggi noodles. Even they shut down around 3 in the afternoon, so if you plan a visit, don’t plan on eating here.
- The lake is beautiful and peaceful. Try to keep it so. Avoid throwing plastic here, and please, the temple bell is meant to rung once or twice. Not incessantly.
- The best time to watch birds would be mornings and early evenings. In the winters, it starts getting dark here before 4, so plan accordingly.
Beautiful shots. Looks like a very calm and serene place.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chaitali. It is indeed a very serene and calm place.
Deletethose are beautiful shots a beautiful place ..
ReplyDeleteBikram's
Thank you Bikram. It is indeed a beautiful place and my photos don't really do justice to it!
DeleteWhat an interesting set of legends. Shiva or Padmasambhava or Tara, it is definitely a holy place.
ReplyDeleteAs for the tourists, having encounterd such types, everywhere, I'm actually surprised when I don't come across them. Sad state of affairs, really. :-(
Thank you Sudha! It certainly felt divine! and the stories simply added to the mystique. As to the people, well, I agree. I am surprised when such people arent around, but cant help wondering how they can be so loud in a place like this.
DeleteLovely shots and such a serene and divine place!
ReplyDeleteThere should be some law banning such tourists going to such heavenly places.
ReplyDeleteI met some similar samples at Gurudongmar Lake to whom I advised to go to Digha and Mandarmani and sip beer with chilli chicken. For some enjoyment is only shouting at the top of their voice..
Interesting stories! How did you hear such!! Wonderful !
ReplyDelete