Gosaikunda

Coordinates: 28°05′N 85°25′E / 28.083°N 85.417°E / 28.083; 85.417
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
This article is about lake. For Rural municipality, see Gosaikunda Rural Municipality.
Gosaikunda
Primary inflows
35 L/s (1.2 cu ft/s)
Primary outflows60 L/s (2.1 cu ft/s)
Basin countriesNepal
Surface area13.8 ha (34 acres)
Water volume1,472,000 m3 (52,000,000 cu ft)
Surface elevation4,380 m (14,370 ft)
Map
Official nameGosaikunda and Associated Lakes
Designated23 September 2007
Reference no.1693[1]

Gosaikunda, also spelled Gosainkunda, is a lake in Nepal's Langtang National Park, located at an elevation of 4,380 m (14,370 ft) in the Rasuwa District with a surface area of 13.8 ha (34 acres).[2] Together with associated lakes, the Gosaikunda Lake complex is 1,030 ha (2,500 acres) in size and was designated a Ramsar site on 29 September 2007.[3]

The lake melts to form the Trishuli River; it remains frozen for six months in the winter October to June. There are 108 lakes in the vicinity. The Lauribina La pass at an elevation of 4,610 m (15,120 ft) is on its outskirts.[4][5]

Religious significance

Shiva Temple at Gosaikunda

According to legend, the spring that feeds the pond in the Kumbheshwar temple complex in Patan is connected to Gosaikunda. Therefore, those who cannot make the long journey to the lake, visit Kumbeshwar Pokhari instead.[6]

The “Samudra Manthana” or churning of the ocean is said to be the origin of the Gosaikunda lake. When Lord Shiva swallowed poison, he is said to have pierced his “trishul” to the ground to tap water to soothe his stinging throat. The Gosaikunda lake is said to have been created in this manner, and is revered by Hindus.

Among the Newars Gosaikunda is known as Silu. As such it is the subject of a song and a 1987 film inspired by that song.[7][8][9]

References

  1. ^ "Gosaikunda and Associated Lakes". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. ISBN 978-92-9115-033-5
    .
  3. ^ Bhandari, B. B. (2009). "Wise use of Wetlands in Nepal". Banko Janakari (Special Issue February): 10–17.
  4. ^ "Gosaikunda: More than just the lake". Kathmandu Post. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  5. ^ "Gosaikunda: A fair mix of adventure and spiritualism". Kathmandu Post. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  6. ISBN 9788121506908
    .
  7. ^ Popular lakes in Nepal, retrieved 23 April 2022
  8. ISBN 0-8248-0680-8
  9. ^ "Silu - First Newari Movie". Nepali Movies. 12 November 2009. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2022.

Media related to Gosainkunda Lake at Wikimedia Commons

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