Gurudongmar Lake on 31 May, 2016
Credit : Trupti Gunjegaonkar-shirol
Gurudongmar Lake, also known as Gurudogmar Lake,[1] is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 17,800 ft (5,430 m)[2] in the Indian state of Sikkim.[3] It is a lake which is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Sikhs.[2] The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, founder of Tibetan Buddhism who visited the lake in the 8th century.[3]
As per Denjong Nye-Yig (The Pilgrim's Guide to The Hidden Land of Sikkim, by Jigme Pawo, reincarnation of Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo) and Nay-Sol texts, Gurudongmar Lake, located at an altitude of about 17,000 feet within the Lachen Dzomsa area in North District, Sikkim, is one of the 108 "Tso-Chen" or major holy lakes of Denjong (Sikkim) which are believed to be abodes of local guardian deities. The holy lake is located close to Mt. Khangchen Gyao, also considered sacred by the locals. During the eight century AD, Guru Padmasambhava, also referred to by Buddhists as Guru Rinpoche, hailing from the Swat region in present-day northwest Pakistan, visited Tibet at the invitation of Chogyal (Tibetan emperor) Trisong Deutsen, and introduced the practice of Tantric Buddhism to the Tibetans. On his way back from Tibet, Guru Rinpoche is believed to have visited Sikkim and Gurudongmar Lake was probably the first major landmark that the Guru came across upon his entry into the fabled hidden land of "Denjong"/"Demojong". The word "Dongmar Shab Chakpa" refers to his visit to this place. He recognised the lake as a part of Dorje Nyima/Chorten Nyima, a sacred place of worship in northern Sikkim. It is believed that the Guru, in order to provide drinking water to the local people during winter when the lake freezes, placed his hands on a part of the lake, which miraculously stopped freezing during winter, thereby facilitating in provision of drinking water to the locals. Since then, the water of the lake is considered sacred. Recognising the auspicious omens in the lake, Guru Rinpoche saw them as propitious and favourable signs welcoming his entry into the land of Denjong/Demojong. Devotees believe that by offering prayers at the holy lake, one can be blessed with the birth of a child/children.
The lake is not only blessed by Guru Padmasambava but also by Guru Nanak, the spiritual leader of Sikhism while he had passed through this area, and hence regarded as sacred.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurudongmar_Lake
