Much before the Sikhs discovered Hemkunt, it
was known to the ancients as Lokpal, or 'Hemkund,' the snow-lake - Hem (snow),
Kund (lake). They came to it as pilgrims to pray to gods, especially Lakshman,
Lord Rama's younger brother; and for three annual festivals during the summer.
Legend is that Lakshman, mortally wounded by Meghananda, Ravana's son, was brought to Lokpal. Hanuman then flew-in the Dronagiri mountain which had the divine herb 'Sanjeevani Booti.' The 'Booti' was administered to Lakshman and he miraculously recovered fully. Devtas showered flowers in celebration and these fell on the Valley of Flowers and took root there.
In another legend Lakshman was a seven-headed Naag (snake), Ananta-Shesha, in his previous incarnation and meditated under the waters of Lokpal. Lord Vishnu, the protector, rested on Ananta-Shesha.
In yet another legend, Lokpal is the native place of Lord Shiva, the destroyer.
These legends were orally passed down the generations and acquired local color. But they have basis in the Puranas, and in Mahabharata and Ramayana epics.
Now Hemkund has but a small Lakshman temple on the lakeshore with an inarticulate Poojaari and few if any pilgrims.
I suppose that was Lakshman temple's destiny. You can dance around destiny but only for so long as fate permits.
Pooja at the Lakshman Temple, Lokpal lake
Lokpal lake. Lakshman temple is in the
background on the left corner
Hanuman bringing Sanjivni Booti from
Dronagiri Mountain
Vishnu resting on Ananta-Shesha, seven-headed
Naag (snake), incarnation of Lakshmana
Legend is that Lakshman, mortally wounded by Meghananda, Ravana's son, was brought to Lokpal. Hanuman then flew-in the Dronagiri mountain which had the divine herb 'Sanjeevani Booti.' The 'Booti' was administered to Lakshman and he miraculously recovered fully. Devtas showered flowers in celebration and these fell on the Valley of Flowers and took root there.
In another legend Lakshman was a seven-headed Naag (snake), Ananta-Shesha, in his previous incarnation and meditated under the waters of Lokpal. Lord Vishnu, the protector, rested on Ananta-Shesha.
In yet another legend, Lokpal is the native place of Lord Shiva, the destroyer.
These legends were orally passed down the generations and acquired local color. But they have basis in the Puranas, and in Mahabharata and Ramayana epics.
Now Hemkund has but a small Lakshman temple on the lakeshore with an inarticulate Poojaari and few if any pilgrims.
I suppose that was Lakshman temple's destiny. You can dance around destiny but only for so long as fate permits.
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