Devotees in large numbers throng Himachal’s Kamrunag Temple and adjoining lake that has treasure worth billions hidden
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The Newz Radar
MANDI: The famous two-day Saranahuli Fair at Kamrunag temple started on Wednesday, with devotees from all over the state visiting the place to pay their obeisance to the revered deity and the lake nearby. Organised annually on the first “Ashad” as per the Hindu calendar, falling on June 14 and 15, the fair holds great spiritual significance.
Nestled at an elevation of 3,334 meters in the scenic Karsog valley of Mandi district, Kamrunag temple offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Dhauladhar ranges and the enchanting Balh valley below. Revered as the rain god, Kamrunag holds the esteemed position of being the primary deity of the Mandi region. Surrounded by lush deodar forests, the temple’s idyllic setting captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring ambience.
Legend has it that during these days, Kamrunag Dev himself blesses his devotees, drawing countless pilgrims who trek for miles to attend the fair. The event offers a captivating glimpse into the local traditions and culture. Devotees present offerings in the form of cash, gold and silver ornaments, gems, jewelry and coins to the sacred Kamrunag Lake, expressing reverence to the deity.
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It is believed that the lake holds a treasure worth billions, accumulated over centuries through the offerings made by devotees. The submerged offerings are never retrieved from the lake, and the treasure of “Bada Dev” remains untouched, as no one has ever dared to claim it. The Saranahuli Fair stands as a testament to the deep-rooted faith and devotion of the people, preserving the customs and heritage of the region.
During the fair, an awe-inspiring sight greets visitors as currency notes float atop the sacred Kamrunag Lake. This poignant display symbolises the unwavering faith, trust and conviction held by thousands of devotees of Kamrunag Dev. The fair brims with the vibrant energy of devotees who dance and sing to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums.
Over the past few years, the sacred site has witnessed an increasing influx of tourists from across the nation, as well as curious foreigners, drawn to its mystical temple and the legendary “lake of treasure”. This surge in popularity has transformed Kamrunag into a sought-after destination for those seeking to unravel its mysteries.
For trekkers, Kamrunag presents an opportunity to test their physical prowess. Unlike earlier years, Kamrunag now boasts of a motorable road leading to the base of the Kamru hill. A short 20-minute trek grants access to the temple, providing a convenient and accessible route for devotees and visitors alike. The journey to Kamrunag promises a memorable experience where devotion intertwines with nature’s splendour.
It is believed that Kamrunag Dev’s original name was Ratan Yaksha (also known as Baburbhanji, which is mentioned in Mahabharata too). Ratna Yaksha was the grandson of Bhima and the son of Ghatotkacha. He was a self-learned warrior who practised archery by keeping Lord Vishnu’s idol in front of him as he considered him his Guru. One day, he got to know about battle of Mahabharata being fought and decided to take part in it. Being brave and courageous, he decided to fight for the weaker side.
Lord Krishna got to know about it and he decided to stop the self-learned warrior before he could reach the battlefield. Disguised as a yogi, Lord Krishna appeared before the Yaksha and told him about the hardships being experienced by wounded soldiers. Ratan Yaksha heard the story, which instead strengthened his determination to join the war. Lord Krishna gave him a troublesome test to find out the potency of his arrows and said, “I will be convinced if you can pierce every leaf of that enormous peepal tree with the arrow.” When the Yaksha was preparing his arrow, the Lord plucked some leaves and hid them in his closed fists. To his surprise, the arrow pierced even the leaves in his fists.
Then Lord Krishna asked him about his guru, upon which the Yaksha replied it to be no one but the Almighty himself. Knowing this, Lord Krishna transformed into his original form and asked for “Gurudakshina”, the fee for services offered to a student. Lord Krishna asked for his head as fee, which Yaksha couldn’t decline. He gave away his head and asked the Lord to keep it alive till the battle was over. The Lord agreed and blessed him. The head was brought to Kamru hill from where he watched the entire battle of Mahabharata. The story did not end here as the “head” alone was so powerful that it would bring curse to whichever side it turned. Lord Krishna then directed the Pandavas to worship him and pray for their victory. The Pandavs followed and won the battle. Later, they built a temple for him. Lord Krishna then gave Yaksha the body for its “head”.
