A tapestry of mythology
The historical significance of Mansar Lake is rooted deeply in the epic Mahabharata. The lake is linked to the story of Babar Vahan, son of Arjuna and the princess Ulpi. Babar Vahan, the ruler of this region, unwittingly killed his father, Arjuna, after the Ashwamegh Yagya—a ritual for proving supremacy over the land. In a dramatic turn of events, upon learning that he had killed his father, Babar Vahan sought to revive him by obtaining a magical gem from Sheshnag. After a victorious encounter with Sheshnag, Babar emerged at what is now known as Mansar Lake. The lake, along with its counterpart Surinsar, named after the tunnel ‘Surangsar’ created by Babar Vahan, holds a mythological stature akin to that of Lake Mansarovar.
Captivating beauty and cultural significance
Mansar Lake’s allure is not just limited to its picturesque landscapes but extends to its cultural and religious importance. The lake is surrounded by several temples, including the ancient shrines of Umapati Mahadev, Narasimha, and Durga, visited by a large number of devotees. The eastern bank houses a shrine dedicated to Sheshnag, marked by a boulder adorned with iron chains representing serpents.
