| Location: | Uttar Pradesh |
| Significance: | Sikh Pilgrimage |
| Altitude: | 4329 m Above Sea Level |
The high altitude Lokpal lake,
known as Hemkund ( 4329 mts.) lies in heavenly environs. A steep trek from
Ghangharia leads one to this spot in about four to six hours. It is an
important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs, as well as for people from
other faiths. There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the
bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated
glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear
serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the
lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake. The five K's' date from this period: kesh (uncut hair) kangha (comb), kirpan (dagger or short sword), kara (steel bangle), and kachh (boxer shorts). The most important is the uncut hair, adopted before the other four. The comb is sometime designated specially as wooden. The dagger and the shorts reflect military influence, while the bangle may be a from of charm.
It is believed that Lakshman, the younger brother of Ram, meditated by the lake and regained his health after being severely wounded by Meghnath, son of the demon Ravana, during battle. Despite its ancient connections, Hemkund/Lokpal was discovered by a Sikh Havaldar, Solan Singh and became a major pilgrimage centre only after 1930.
