Hi there,
Back on 24th August 2013, a holiday and a perfect
excuse for a road trip, we decided to explore two of Mandi district's most
iconic spiritual destinations — Naina Devi Temple and Rewalsar Lake.
Both places hold significance not just for Hindus, but also for Buddhists and
Sikhs, making this trip a beautiful blend of history, mythology, and faith.
Our group included Prince, who generously offered to
drive, and my friends Shankar, Rahul, Sanjay (my namesake), and I,
all starting from our homes in Sunder Nagar.
The Journey Begins
Prince called me around 7:00 AM, asking me to get
ready. I was ready within half an hour but, in classic style, he showed up only
around 9:30 AM. Maybe he underestimated my punctuality!
While waiting for Rahul, we grabbed a hearty breakfast of paranthas
at a local dhaba near Rest House Chowk in Sunder Nagar. Only Rahul,
Shankar, and I dug in. Sanjay, who joined us at Bhor, wasn’t
feeling hungry, and Prince skipped breakfast as he was busy behind the wheel of
his trusted Tata Nano — lovingly called his Blue Beauty.
Our Three Destinations for the Day
☑ Naina Devi Temple at
Sarkidhar
☑ The Cave of Padmasambhava at Sar Ki Dhar
☑ Rewalsar Lake
The plan was to visit the temple first, explore the cave
next, and then end the day by the tranquil Rewalsar Lake.
Naina Devi Temple — A Sacred Hilltop Shrine
 |
| Front View of Naina Devi Temple, Sarkidhar — Located in
Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh. Clicked on 24th August 2013 The Naina Devi Temple, perched atop Sarkidhar, is dedicated to Goddess Durga, also known as Sati or Shakti. The temple follows three daily prayer sessions: |
🕓 Morning: 4:00 AM
to 5:30 AM
🕐
Afternoon: 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM
🕢
Evening: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
 |
| From Left: Sanjay, Rahul, Prince, and Shankar at Naina Devi Temple, Sarkidhar, Mandi District (H.P.). Clicked on 24th August 2013 |
A View Worth the Climb
From the temple's verandah and surrounding area, we were
greeted by panoramic views of Sunder Nagar, Kol Dam, Bilaspur,
and the hills near Sarkaghat. The drive uphill is scenic, with seven
small lakes visible on the left side of the road.
The Legend of the Seven Lakes
 |
Lake view in front of the Cave of Padmasambhava at Sar Ki
Dhar, Naina Devi, Rewalsar, Mandi (H.P.), with Sanjay Kumar. Clicked on 24th
August 2013. |
The Cave of Padmasambhava — Where Faith and Legends Meet
 |
Statue of Guru Padmasambhava inside the sacred cave at Sar
Ki Dhar, near Rewalsar, Mandi (H.P.). Clicked on 24th August 2013. |
At the base of the hill carrying the Naina Devi Temple lies
a revered natural cave, associated with Guru Padmasambhava,
regarded as the Second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism.
A small settlement of Buddhist monks surrounds the cave
area, with individual living spaces marked as Cave No. 1, 2, and so on.
 |
Photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama inside the sacred
cave at Sar Ki Dhar, Naina Devi, Rewalsar, Mandi (H.P.). Clicked on 24th August
2013. |
Inside the main cave stands a statue of Padmasambhava,
alongside a photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, symbolizing the
deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist traditions here.
A Tantrik with Himalayan Roots
Local beliefs suggest Padmasambhava was a devotee of Goddess
Kali/Shakti, trained in Tantra, and instrumental in spreading Buddhism to Tibet,
which explains his revered status among Tibetan Buddhists.
While monks often sit outside the cave entrance to greet
visitors, they typically communicate in their own language — so don’t expect
detailed conversations in Hindi or English.
Rewalsar Lake — A Symbol of Spiritual Harmony
After exploring the cave, we descended towards our final
stop, Rewalsar Lake, known for its spiritual significance, calm waters,
and scenic beauty.
 |
| Scenic view of Rewalsar Lake amidst greenery, Mandi (H.P.). Photo taken on 24th August 2013. |
The History of Rewalsar Lake
 |
History of Rewalsar Lake explained on an information board
for visitors — Mandi (H.P.). Photo taken on 24th August 2013. The lake is central to Buddhist mythology, especially tales of Padmasambhava. It is believed he was born in this region, adding to the area’s religious importance. |
Surrounding the lake is a harmonious mix of Buddhist
Monasteries, Hindu Temples, and a Sikh Gurudwara, symbolizing
peaceful coexistence among different faiths.
The Giant Statue of Padmasambhava
 |
Majestic Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Rewalsar, Mandi
(H.P.) — A revered landmark for Tibetan Buddhists. Photo taken on 24th August
2013. |
The highlight for many visitors, including us, is the
magnificent 37.5-meter tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava, recently
constructed and now a proud landmark for the region.
Tourists flock to capture photographs with the statue — and
we couldn’t resist doing the same!
More Than Just a Lake
 |
Prince feeding the holy fishes at Rewalsar Lake, District
Mandi (H.P.), with locally available fish food. Clicked on 24th August 2013. The lake is home to countless fish, considered holy, and
fishing is strictly prohibited. We bought some local food to feed them —
watching the fish gather in anticipation was simple yet satisfying. |
Nearby, there's also a small zoo, which we skipped
this time, but it could be an option for families visiting with kids.
The area boasts 3 to 4 Buddhist monasteries, where
monks in their traditional robes can be seen going about their day, adding to
the tranquil atmosphere.
 |
Beautifully crafted entrance gate of a Buddhist Monastery at
Rewalsar, Mandi (H.P.). Clicked on 24th August 2013. |
Hindu Temples & Sikh Gurudwara
 |
Lord Shiva Temple beside the sacred Rewalsar Lake — A symbol
of spiritual harmony at Mandi (H.P.). Photo taken on 24th August 2013. |
Alongside Buddhist sites, we also visited the Lord Shiva
Temple adjacent to the lake. The Gurudwara, established in memory of
Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s visit to Rewalsar, further reflects the region's
deep-rooted spiritual diversity.
Final Thoughts
This trip to Naina Devi Temple, Padmasambhava’s
Cave, and Rewalsar Lake turned out to be a perfect blend of
breathtaking landscapes, mythology, and cultural unity. From Hindu legends to
Buddhist traditions and Sikh history, this pocket of Himachal truly celebrates
India's spiritual diversity.
If you ever plan a visit, keep in mind:
✔ Carry snacks and water —
options are limited on the hill routes.
✔ Respect the silence at monasteries and temples.
✔ Be prepared for basic facilities, especially at the
cave area.
✔ Don't miss feeding the holy fish at Rewalsar Lake!
Thanks for reading! I’ll update this post with more photos and details in the future. Feel free to suggest additions or share your own experiences in the comments below.
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