Khecheopalri Lake In Pelling
Khecheopalri Lake is a holy lake of which the main highlight is that when it is seen from a high point, its outline looks like the footmark of Lord Shiva. The lake is so close to Pelling that it seems it is in Pelling itself. Khecheopalri Lake in Pelling is also renowned as a Wishing Lake. This lake is amongst the most revered and sacred lakes of Sikkim. 'Sho Dzo Sho' is the actual name of the lake which means 'Oh Lady, Sit Here' but commonly, the lake is known as Khecheopalri as it perches on the sacred Khecheopalri Hill. The following account describes more about Khecheopalri Lake.
.Location and significance of Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake is located the West Sikkim district at a distance of about 30 Kms from Geyzing. Khecheopalri Lake is important for both, the Buddhists and the Hindus. This lake is worshipped and revered by people of both the religions. A heavenly magnetism is embraced by the serene waters of Khecheopalri Lake. Tourists and pilgrims throughout the planet come here to visit this revered lake. To maintain holiness of the lake, it is allowed to perform the prayers just around the lake.
Legends of Khecheopalri Lake
The sacred scriptures of Sikkimese Buddhism narrates that the origin of the Khecheopalri Lake took place after the Nepali invasion of the medieval kingdom in the eighth decade of 17th century. The Palace of the Namgyal Dynasty was destroyed by the Nepali army. The Palace was situated at Rabdentse. A revered lake at Yoksum, West Sikkim was also damaged by them.
On a good day the deity of that lake appeared to a monk and told him to take out a vessel of water from the lake and assured him to guide. The monk did what he was told and the divine guidance brought him to the Khecheopalri Hill. Then he was directed to move below the hill and pray. Then he poured the water in a shallow depression of the lake. The lake filled up miraculously.
According to the belief of the local folks, the Khecheopalri Lake used to be a grazing ground. Some conch shells were seen falling on the ground one day. Then the ground frantically shook and water emerged at this place. This is how, centuries before, this lake was came into existence.
Lodging at Khecheopalri Lake
If you are the one who is interested in making an overnight stay at this place, there is a trekker's hut in its region. For those who come for a pilgrimage visit to this lake; there is a pilgrim's hut for accommodation. Tourists also get lodging by the locals.
Khecheopalri Lake is not only popular among the tourists and pilgrims but also among trekkers. The small Lepcha village of Tsojo is situated by the lakeshore. Khecheopalri Gompa is situated at a distance of about 1.5 Kms above the lake. Prayer flags and a dense forest cover envelopes the lake. The lake always remains clear as the ducks in this region never allow leaves to float on the surface of the lake. There is a walking trek from Pelling to Khecheopalri which takes around 5 hours. A grand festival is held here during February and March. Khecheopalri Lake in Pelling is a place worth visiting.