India
Rewalsar Lake is held as a sacred spot for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists alike. There are three Buddhist monasteries and three Hindu temples on the lake's shore. It was from here that the great Indian teacher Padmasambhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as 'Guru Rimpoche', the Precious Master, it was under Padmasambhava's influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. The lake is said to have been formed when Padmasambhava created it to quench the flames of a pyre lit by the the ruler of Mandi. The fire was to consume the holy man and the ruler's daughter, Mandarava, after they had fallen in love. A blooming lotus that supports the unharmed Mandarava and Padmasambhava rose from the newly created lake. In Rewalsar, his spirit is said to reside in the tiny island of floating reed that drifts over the water.
India
Rewalsar Lake is held as a sacred spot for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists alike. There are three Buddhist monasteries and three Hindu temples on the lake's shore. It was from here that the great Indian teacher Padmasambhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as 'Guru Rimpoche', the Precious Master, it was under Padmasambhava's influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. The lake is said to have been formed when Padmasambhava created it to quench the flames of a pyre lit by the the ruler of Mandi. The fire was to consume the holy man and the ruler's daughter, Mandarava, after they had fallen in love. A blooming lotus that supports the unharmed Mandarava and Padmasambhava rose from the newly created lake. In Rewalsar, his spirit is said to reside in the tiny island of floating reed that drifts over the water.