📍 Location: Near Rohanda village, ~46 km from Mandi Town, Himachal Pradesh
📅 Season: May–June for the annual fair; September–October for trekking and solitude
A lake carved by Bhima’s palm, guarded by Yakshas, and filled with offerings that no one dares to retrieve
🕉️ Mahabharata Origins & Yaksha Legacy
According to legend, Bhima, the Pandava warrior, created Kamrunag Lake to honor Barbarika, the son of Ghatotkacha, who was later revered as Kamru Dev, the King of Yakshas. The tale unfolds as:
- Lord Krishna, testing Barbarika’s power, asked for his head as a sacrificial witness to the war
- His severed head was placed atop a Himalayan peak to watch the battle
- Bhima carved the lake with his palm to offer water to the head, creating Kamrunag Lake
- The lake became a repository of divine treasure, offered by the Pandavas and guarded by Kamru Dev
🪔 Kamru Dev is still worshipped as the rain god, and the lake is believed to connect to the netherworld, hiding celestial wealth
💰 Offerings of Gold, Silver & Sacred Wealth
Devotees toss gold, silver, coins, and jewelry into the lake to fulfill wishes or express gratitude. Over centuries:
- The lake has amassed uncountable treasure, untouched due to spiritual reverence
- Locals believe attempts to steal from the lake result in divine punishment—blindness, death, or misfortune
- The lake is considered the property of the gods, and its wealth is never retrieved
🧿 One tale recounts a man who tried to drain the lake and lost his life; another thief went blind
🛕 Kamrunag Temple & Annual Fair
- A stone idol of Kamru Dev stands beside the lake, surrounded by deodar forests
- The Kamrunag Mela, held on June 14–15, draws thousands of pilgrims
- Devotees offer flowers, coins, and prayers, seeking blessings for rain, prosperity, and protection
🎭 During the fair, it’s believed Kamru Dev reveals his presence, and the lake becomes a portal of divine energy
🥾 Trekking & Natural Beauty
- Trek from Rohanda (~6–8 km): Through dense forests and steep ridges
- Alternate route via Chailchowk: Slightly shorter, with panoramic views of Balh Valley and Dhauladhar Range
- The lake is now a Biodiversity Heritage Site, home to medicinal plants, rare birds, and sacred groves
🌿 The trek is moderate but steep—ideal for pilgrims, nature lovers, and cultural seekers
🧭 Plan Your Visit
| 🗺️ Travel Tips | 🏡 Stay Options |
|---|---|
| Reach via Mandi–Rohanda Road (~46 km) | Homestays in Rohanda or guesthouses in Mandi |
| Nearest railhead: Jogindernagar (~101 km) | Combine with Prashar Lake, Shikari Devi, or Barot Valley |
| Best time: May–June for fair; Sept–Oct for solitude | Carry warm clothes, water, and respect local customs |
✨ Why It Belongs in Your Guide
Kamrunag Lake reflects:
- Mandi’s mythic and spiritual depth
- A living link to Mahabharata’s celestial guardians
- A sacred treasury, untouched and revered for centuries
It’s not just a lake—it’s a divine vault carved by devotion, guarded by gods, and whispered through legend.
