Lake Rakshas Tal

Mount Kailash is a sacred site, inculcated with varied myths and beliefs. This site is replete with an array of attractions that are also sacred for all four religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Bon. On the one hand, Mount Kailash has a freshwater lake called Mansarovar, which symbolizes purity. On the other hand, it also has a lake considered poisonous, known as Rakshas Tal. This lake is situated to the west of Lake Mansarovar. As the name suggests, the lake’s actual meaning is the “Lake of Demons” or “Lake of Devils”. This lake is associated with the Demon Ravana, as it is believed he once meditated here and paid reverence to Lord Shiva. This is a crescent-shaped saltwater lake, which is full of negativity. The Tibetans called it Lagngar Cho or Lhanag Tso, which means “Dark Lake of Poison”.

About Rakshas Tal

Rakshas Tal is located near Mansarovar Lake, approximately 50 km from Mount Kailash. It is situated at an elevation of 4500 metres in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet, making it one of the highest lakes in the world. This lake is also known as Ravana Tal or Langa Tso. It is known as the sole saltwater lake in Tibet. The lake does not hold any religious significance, but it is culturally significant. It is a vital stop during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Its stark beauty is a contrast to the beauty of Lake Mansarovar. The water of the lake itself presents the most notable difference. Rakshas Tal’s water is salty and considered poisonous, while Mansarovar Lake’s water is pure and fresh.

Earlier, the two lakes, Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal, were located together, but due to some geographical movements, they are now separated. The isthmus of mountains between these two lakes differentiates the good and bad. But there is a short river called Ganga Chhu that connects the two lakes. It is believed to have been created by Rishis to add the pure water of Lake Mansarovar to Rakshas Tal.

Significance of Rakshas Tal

According to Hindu mythology, Rakshas Tal is associated with the demon Ravana. Hence, it is considered inauspicious. The lake is considered poisonous and full of negativity. Even touching the water of the lake is considered inauspicious. This crescent-shaped saltwater lake symbolises darkness. But the short river Ganga Chhu that connects the two lakes is considered auspicious and is believed to have been created by Rishis to add pure water from Mansarovar.

Since Rakshas Tal is considered inauspicious, dipping in this water can have a negative impact. It is believed that it can cause some health issues and sometimes be fatal if you dip in the lake. There is not a single fish or aquatic animal in Lake Rakshas Tal because of the salinity. In fact, the Chinese government has barricaded the lake. One can have a view of this lake at a distance.

Mythological Stories of Rakshas Tal

According to Hindu Mythology, the Rakshas Tal was created by the demon Ravana himself with intense meditation and devotion to lord Shiva. Hence, it is named after him and called Ravana Tal. There is a story behind this lake, that Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He wanted Lord Shiva to fulfill his wish. Hence, he visited Mount Kailash, and before visiting, he bathed in this lake. He meditated deeply as he wanted Lord Shiva to come with him to Lanka. Lord Shiva refused to leave Kailash and come with Ravana. Rakshas Tal is full of negativity, and when Ravana immersed himself in the lake, his mind was filled with full of negativity. He argued with lord Shiva to accompany him to his place. When Lord Shiva refused, he tried to lift the sacred mountain, but failed to do so because of the pressure lord Shiva put on it, and Ravana’s thumb was injured. Yet, he did not stop and started reciting the Shiv Tandav Strotam. Lord Shiva was impressed with his great devotion and gave him a Shivalinga as a symbol to take to Lanka.

Mount Kailash Darshan from Rakshas Tal

Rakshas Tal is located 50 km west of Mount Kailash. One can have a beautiful view of Mount Kailash from Lake Rakshas Tal. It is even believed that the demon Ravana took a holy dip in this lake before visiting the abode of Lord Shiva. It is the first halt for pilgrims going to Lake Mansarovar. Tourists click pictures of Mount Kailash with Rakshas Tal, which looks amazingly impressive. Since no one is allowed to go near the lake, it is very clean.