Temple of Kamru Nag – Rain God of Mandi Region

Frozen Kamrunag Lake in Winters

Places with solace and calm enrich your inner soul and transform the persona in the materialistic life of today. Many have experienced, many are experiencing and many are in the search for the spiritual liberation. The only obstacle is lack of knowledge about the right source.

Kamrunag Lake is one such blessed artwork of nature that bestows blessings on pilgrims from world over. The Kamrunag temple situated on the banks of the holy lake ensures the divine blessings reach the heart of every person visiting this heaven on earth.

Kamrunag Temple and the Lake
Frozen Kamrunag Lake in Winters
Frozen Kamrunag Lake in Winters

Geographical description-

Kamrunag Lake is situated at an altitude of 3300 meters in district Mandi of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated on the Kamru Hill. The Kamrunag temple lies on the periphery of the lake. There is a boundary named Khunda that marks the boundary of this famous tourist attraction. One was not allowed to take shoes and leather items beyond Khunda in the early days, however the times have changed now and one is supposed to remove shoes and leather items only near the main temple premises.

What attracts tourists?-

The scenic beauty spell bounds the visitor who is entrapped in the natural treasures of the places surrounding the lake. Snow clad Dhauladhar ranges, lush green Balh valley offers an enriching view to the visiting tourists. Winters offer chance to walk on the frozen lake with a whistle on lips and carefree attitude; experiencing the wildlife like never before. Apple orchards in the valley are a treat for tourists from the plains.

For the adventure lovers the slanting snow clad surfaces offer trekking and sightseeing opportunities in abundance.

Pilgrims visit the place in large numbers annually to pay obeisance to Lord Yaksha in his divine abode-Kamrunag Temple.

Cultural & religious significance-

Kamrunag Lake holds enormous religious and spiritual significance. The temple of Kamrunag Dev on the banks of the lake is one of the most visited temples in the Mandi district. According to the Hindu legend Yakshas (the Gods of wealth) used to reside in the region. Kamrunag has a mention in great Hindu epic Mahabharta.Kamrunag Dev is also known as a “Raining God” and people visit the temple in large numbers for favorable weather conditions.

A famous fair is held every year in the month of June at this palce.Pilgrims offer ornaments and coins to the lake in reverence to the deity.

The other places worth visiting around the Kamrunag Lake are the Shikari Devi peak, Jalpa temple, Baggi canal etc.

Flora and fauna-

Diverse varieties of flora found in the region are Conifers, Alpine and deciduous trees.

Fauna includes Himalayan Black Bear, , Common Langur, Indian Porcupine etc.

The best time to visit the lake-

Kamrunag peak is covered in snow for few months in a year. Best time to visit Kamrunag is from May to July.

An six-eight hour trek from the Kamrunag Temple takes you to the famous Shikari Devi temple in the Janjehli Valley. Shikari Devi Temple is popular among the trekkers. It is believed that the main temple premises of the Shikari Devi shrine never see accumulation of snow despite the fact that Shikari Devi area receives more than Six Feet of snow in the winters.

Where to stay-

Tourists can find good hotels in Mandi, Kullu.Temple authorities also have accommodation facilities for the pilgrims but in limited capacity.

How to reach: The main temple or the lake is around 60km from Mandi Town. Chailchowk and Rohanda are two of the most popular points to start your trek to the Kamrunag Lake. One can hire a cab from Mandi or Sunder Nagar town to reach places close to Kamarunag Peak. From Chailchowk, one has to take the State Highway – 13 from Chailchowk and head towards the Jalpa Temple at Saroa Village. The trek route starts from the Jalpa Temple, which is a temple constructed in Pagoda Style.

Kamarunag via Chail Chowk:

(Mandi – Chail Chowk – Saroa Temple – Kamarunag)

Kamarunag via Rohanda:

(Mandi – Chail Chowk – Rohanda – Kamarunag OR Karsog Valley – Rohanda – Kamarunag)

Comments

  1. DD THAKUR

    nICE TO SEE FROZEN LAKE OF DEV KAMARUNAG.

Leave a Reply to DD THAKUR Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *