Gauri Kunda
"Gauri kunda"
Gaurikunda, situated approximately 60 meters down from the Dolma pass (5600 m.) is probably the highest fresh water pool in the world. It is a tiny glacial lake, with emerald water, hanging in the saddle near Dolma-La. Tibetans recognize this lake as 'Tukje Chenpo Tso'; it means the 'Lake of Mercy'. Pilgrims come across this lake while descending from Dolma-La. Some Indian pilgrims however dare to immerse in this glacial lake; they believe that once they make dip in the lake their sins of life time will be washed away and they will gain merit. On the contrary, Tibetans just sprinkle the ethereal water over their head & make circumambulation around the Lake. They believe that the sacred water turn into impure if they immerse into the lake.
Dolma pass (5600 m.) is the highest & toughest part of this journey. Dolma-La is known as the pass of redemption, it is said; once you cross the pass, you are re-born. Your new life begins from here.
It is believed that Gaurikunda is the bathing pool of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. 'Gauri' is another name for Parvati and 'kunda' means pool in Sanskrit. It is here, the Goddess Parvati created the Ganesha. She robbed off the paste of sandalwood in her body and produced a lump. Out of it, she gave the shape of an effigy of a beautiful young boy. She then infused the life into his body and told him that he was her son and should guard the entrance while she bathed.
Because of the extreme elevation and harsh climate, the temperature of this area drops down to below zero, so the water of this lake remains almost frozen round the year.
