Gosai Kunda: A blend of various Kundas
Goshaikunda is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for all Hindus. It is situated at an altitude of 4,360m, above the sea level in Rasuwa district. It is 150 km north to Kathmandu, 117 km by bus and then one should walk 11 hours on foot to reach there. Goshain means a monk and Kunda means a pool. Goshaikunda is the main origin of famous Trishuli River. Goshaikunda is a glacier- fed lake which later drains into the Trisuli river.
Apart from Gashaikunda, there are three other lakes – Surya Kunda, Bhairav kunda and Nag Kunda. The place wears a festive look during the Janai Purnima when hundreds of people throng to the sacred lake. Trek to Gosaikunda begins either from district headquarters Dhunche or from Sundarijal.
- Surya Kunda
- Raja Kunda
- Sarsoti Kunda
- Ama Kunda
- Lama Kunda
- Bhairab Kunda
- Kyumachho Kunda
Many people visit Goshaikunda in the Janai Purnima festival time. They take holy bath to purify themselves. Devotees come here during Kuse Aaunshi for ritual performed in the name of deceased parents. According to the tale in ancient times, Shiva, drank poison and became nilkantha, came to get rid of burning inflammation of his throat here. It is believed that Pani Pokhari, in Kathmandu, was built by Pratap Malla, the king of Kantipur, received holy water from Goshainkunda including 51 lakes from Nepal and India.
According to locals, there are 17 smaller lakes of religious and cultural importance in the immediate vicinity of Gosaikunda such as Surya kunda, Saraswati Kunda and Bhairav Kunda.
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