About Rukmani Kund Lake

Rukmani Kund is a reservoir surrounded by a huge rocky mountain in the middle of a thick Shivalik Hills forest in the Bilaspur district. This lake is set in a grassy landscape and surrounded by evergreen cedar trees that give it a mystical look. Rukmani Kund which is 28 km away from Bilaspur, was selected in Har Gaon Ki Kahani Programme in the year 2012-2013. The Rukmani Kund is considered to be a very sacred place as Rukmani sacrificed her life for a major cause. Most of the time, a fair is organized here to worship Rukmani in which many people come over to the places and contribute their devotion.

As of now, the Rukmani Kund became a source of water supply for villages in the vicinity. There is a story behind the sacrifice of Rukmani. Localities often say that the entire Auhar region was in the worst condition due to the scarcity of water. Many attempts were taken to burrow a well but all failed, then one night the King of Auhar dreamt that water would come out if his son or daughter-in-law sacrifices their life. Then, brave Rukmani, his daughter-in-law offered herself and not only saved her husband’s life but also saved the entire region that was on the verge of drought.

This Rukmani Kund is a symbol of her courageous action and it is believed by so many people that today date when the Kund is built, she was buried alive at that place. The decision of her burial was not at all simple, but the King had to take this difficult step to save the entire region of the Author. Rukmani hailed from Auhar and even now the people of her town do not bathe or drink the water of this Kund because they all feel proud that the daughter of their town had sacrificed her life for the good of the people. There is a grass named Baggad that is dangling from the Kund and is often viewed as the hair of the Rukmani. It is also said that this grass that is growing eventually is a sign of the supernatural intensity of the water of the reservoir. Ladies who come to visit this place, offer bangles and ribbons as a tribute or respect to Rukmani. Legends often say that the pious water of the Rukmani Kund can cure skin infirmities or allergies.

There is no particular bus transportation to reach this place. If you are traveling by bus, then the last stop for you would be Author. If you have your own vehicle, then the road leading to the Rukmani Kund separates from Bhaged village towards Auhar on the Shimla-Dharamshala Highway. Then, continue going 3km ahead on Auhar-Gehrwin road which takes you to kaccha road of almost 2 km, and finally, you will reach your destination i.e. the Rukmani Kund. The nearby attractions that you can see while visiting Rukmani Kund are: