Rewalsar Lake Temples
Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh · Multi-faith (Hindu shrines; Buddhist association) · Heritage Temple
Sacred multi-faith lake with Hindu temples and Padmasambhava heritage.
Rewalsar's oval lake is sacred to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists together — HP Tourism describes three Hindu temples, a lakeside gurdwara (listed separately on the gurdwara page), Buddhist monasteries, and a towering Padmasambhava statue overlooking the water. Fishing is prohibited but feeding the fish is a common devotional gesture; believers hold that Padmasambhava's spirit still resides in the lake after his legendary flight to Tibet.
History
Mandi district tourism recounts the legend of Guru Padmasambhava: when the king of Mandi attempted to burn him and his devotee Mandarava, the pyre became Rewalsar Lake and the guru departed for Tibet — a story that binds Buddhist and Hindu memory to the same waters. The monasteries preserve stucco sculpture and murals noted on the state monasteries circuit page.
Rewalsar sits 25 km from Mandi town at about 1,360 m, making it one of the most accessible multi-faith pilgrimage basins in Himachal, often included on Buddhist circuit drives between Dharamshala, Mandi and Manali in summer when high passes are open.
Stories
The pyre that became a lake
Tibetan Buddhist tradition tells that the local king Vihardhara, displeased by the bond between his daughter Mandarava and Padmasambhava, tried to burn them on a pyre. The fire is said to have turned into the lake, and a lotus rose from it carrying the unharmed pair. Padmasambhava is believed to have flown from here toward Tibet, and his spirit is said to rest on the floating reed islands.
One lake, three faiths
Rewalsar Lake, also called Tso Pema, lies at about 1,360 metres near Mandi and is sacred to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. Its shore holds three Hindu temples, three Buddhist monasteries and a gurdwara. Tradition also says that Guru Gobind Singh stayed here for a month. The Sisu fair and Baisakhi are among its important gatherings.
A statue taller than most temples
On 1 April 2012 the 14th Dalai Lama consecrated a monumental statue of Padmasambhava at Rewalsar. It measures 37.5 metres, about 123 feet, and overlooks the lake from the hillside. Tibetan Buddhists know him as Guru Rinpoche, the Precious Master, and many make the pilgrimage to this place for that reason.
Good to know
Multi-faith lake: Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, Padmasambhava statue (HP Tourism)
25 km from Mandi; fish feeding allowed, fishing prohibited
On state Buddhist circuit via Mandi (HP Tourism monasteries page)
Getting there
Road only: 25 km from Mandi (HP Tourism). Nearest airport Bhuntar (~85 km); rail Jogindernagar (~80 km).
Best time to visit: Mar – Jun, Sep – Nov