High in the Chandra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 4,300 meters, lies a lake shaped like a crescent moon—Chandratal, the “Lake of the Moon.” But this shimmering body of water is more than a geographical marvel. It’s a portal of stories, a mirror of the sky, and a stage for the supernatural.
From ancient legends of divine love to modern tales of UFO sightings, Chandratal is a place where myth and mystery walk hand in hand.
🕉️ Myth #1: The Celestial Romance of Chandra and Bhaga
The most enduring legend is a love story written in the stars:
- Chandra, daughter of the Moon God, and Bhaga, son of the Sun God, fell in love.
- Their parents forbade their union, so they planned to meet at Baralacha La, a high mountain pass.
- Fate intervened—they missed each other. Instead, they met at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga River, where their love was sanctified.
- From their union emerged two lakes: Suraj Tal (Lake of the Sun) and Chandratal (Lake of the Moon).
This tale gives the lake its name and its aura of divine longing—a place where love defied cosmic boundaries.
🧚 Myth #2: The Shepherd and the Fairy
Locals whisper of a fairy who once fell in love with a mortal:
- A shepherd named Hansa grazed his cattle near the lake.
- One twilight, he saw a fairy dancing on the water’s edge. They fell in love.
- Hansa, already married, kept his secret. But one day, he confessed.
- The fairy vanished forever. Hansa went mad with grief and died by the lake.
It’s said that on moonlit nights, his spirit still wanders the banks, calling out to his lost love.
🛕 Myth #3: Yudhishthir’s Ascent to Heaven
Chandratal also finds mention in the Mahabharata:
- After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas journeyed toward heaven.
- One by one, they fell. Only Yudhishthir survived.
- At Chandratal, Indra’s chariot descended, lifting Yudhishthir to the heavens.
This myth makes the lake a gateway to the divine, a threshold between mortal and immortal realms.
🛸 UFO Sightings: Science Meets the Supernatural
In 2004, Chandratal’s mystery took a modern twist:
- A team from ISRO’s Space Application Centre was studying glaciers near Samudra Tapu, 12 km from Chandratal.
- A porter spotted a strange white object floating above the ground.
- Scientists described it as a robot-like figure, 3–4 feet tall, with balloon-like attachments and a cylindrical head.
- It hovered, changed color with sunlight, and then vanished into the sky.
Despite photographic evidence, the object’s behavior defied explanation. It wasn’t a balloon, drone, or known aircraft. To this day, the sighting remains unresolved.
🌌 Why Chandratal Feels Otherworldly
Several factors contribute to the lake’s mystical reputation:
- Reflective surface: On full moon nights, the lake mirrors the sky so perfectly it feels like a portal.
- Remote location: Surrounded by barren peaks and silence, it evokes a sense of isolation and transcendence.
- Celestial alignment: Locals believe the lake amplifies lunar energy, especially during full moons.
🧭 Cultural Significance and Rituals
- Offerings: Travelers leave coins, flowers, and prayers at the lake’s edge.
- Silence: Speaking loudly is discouraged—locals say it disturbs the spirits.
- Night visits: Some believe fairies still descend on full moon nights, and UFO sightings are more likely then.
✍️ Creative Reflection: A Night at Chandratal
The moon rises. The lake glows like liquid silver.
A shepherd’s spirit walks the shore, whispering to the wind.
A white figure hovers above the ridge, watching.
Somewhere in the silence, a story is being born.
🧳 Final Thought
Chandratal is not just a lake—it’s a living mythscape. It holds the echoes of gods, the grief of lovers, the curiosity of scientists, and the wonder of every traveler who stands at its edge. Whether you come seeking beauty, mystery, or answers, Chandratal offers something rarer: a glimpse into the unknown.