Mansar Lake: The most sacred of the twin lakes of Jammu
Jammu, June 09: Mansar is the second lake among the two interconnected lakes of Jammu and is also considered as the holier of the two which is also evident from the fact that many important temples exist here with many believing that it was Surinsar from where the Babruvahana shot the arrow and emerged out from Mansar.
Mansar and Surinsar date back to Mahabharata period and both share the same history. Even as we have discussed how the twin lakes came into existence it is imperative that we discuss it briefly once again to make this article complete.
Apart from being one of the most popular tourist destinations of Jammu Mansar lake is also considered holier than its counterpart Surinsar.
Mansar Lake is situated 62 km from Jammu, Mansar is a lake fringed by forest-covered hills, over a mile in length by half-a-mile in width.
Besides being a popular excursion destination in Jammu, it is also a holy site, sharing the legend and sanctity of Lake Mansarovar. On the Eastern Bank of the Lake there is a shrine to Sheshnag, a mythological snake with six heads. The shrine comprises a big boulder on which are placed a number of iron chains perhaps representing the small serpents waiting on the tutelary deity of the Sheshnag. Two ancient temples of Umapati Mahadev & Narsimha as also a temple of Durga are situated in the vicinity of the Mansar Lake. People take a holy dip in the water of the lake on festive occasions.
Newlyweds consider it auspicious to perform three circum-ambulations (Parikarma) around the lake to seek the blessings of Sheshnag, the lord of serpents, whose shrine is located on its eastern bank.
Certain communities of Hindus perform the Mundan ceremony (First hair cut) of their male children here.
There are also some ancient temples on the lake’s shores, which are visited by devotees in large numbers. Mansar is also ideal for boating for which the Tourism Department provides adequate facilities.
With all religions belief and heritage behind the Mansar Lake is also picking up its fame among the tourists with all its flora & fauna. The lake has cemented path all around with required illumination, with projected view decks to enjoy flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fishes of different species. There is a wild life Sanctuary housing jungle life like Spotted Deer, Neelgai etc. besides other water birds such as Cranes, Ducks etc. One can also witness the traditional and typical distinct life style of Gujjar and Backarwals wearing ethnic costume, living in open Kullhas around on the hills of Mansar Lake.
This Mansar lake road joins to another important road that directly links Pathankot (Punjab) to Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir, Jammu Province. Udhampur is a Town of strategic importance, again on National Highway No. 1A. The shortcut road from Mansar or Samba to Udhampur by-passes the Jammu town. Surinsar Lake, a smaller lake that is linked to Mansar, is 24 km (15 mi) from Jammu (via a bypass road).
The history of mansar and surinsar goes back to the time of Mahabhartata. Babaruvahan, son of Arjun and Ulpi (daughter of King Nag), was ruling this area during Mahabhartata. After the war of the Mahabhartata Arjun performed “Ashwamegh Yagya” to prove his superiority over the land. The horse (used as sign of power for Ashwamegh Yagya) was captured by Babaruvahan at village ‘khoon’ nearby village Ramkot onDhar Udhampur road where Arjun was defeated by Babaruvahan. When the news of defeat of Arjun reached to his mother Ulpi. She was furious and told him that he was his father. To make Arjuna alive again, Herb from Sheshnag was required. Hence Babaruvahan shot his arrow which pierced the earth and emerged from another site alongwith the herb. These two spots later got filled and became Surinsar and Mansar. Some people believe it was Mansar from where the arrow emerged and that to revive Arjuna the Mani of Sheshnag was required hence Mansar is more sacred.
The Mansar Lake is one of the most famous adventure tourism destinations in India. It is considered as a very holy site known from mythological periods sharing the sanctity and legacy of Mansa Sarovar.
The Lake is already a tourist hub for domestic and national tourists and can become a must visit place for every tourist visiting Jammu and Kashmir if it is linked properly with pilgrim tourism circuit and leisure tourism circuit as its clean water and beautiful environment besides the abundant fish and other flora and fauns can captivate any one visiting the place. (Compiled with inputs from Wikipedia and tourism related sites)