Why Mansar Lake in Jammu is compared to Mansarovar Lake?

Jammu can well be called an alter ego of Kashmir. It has everything steeped in culture, spirituality and natural beauty. Of the several lakes dotting Jammu, the Mansar Lake located 60 KM from the main city is a rare beauty.
Mansar Lake is no ordinary lake but a blessed site where the gods live. It is believed that the sanctity of this lake is equivalent to that of Mansarovar Lake of Tibet because its water has the power to absolve a person of his or her sins. The location of this lake is in the middle of a dense forest, hills and small gardens. Although the lake is believed to be more than a mile long and half a mile wide, legend has it that there is no such end to the dimensions of this mystical lake.
There are two old shrines located at the site of Mansar Lake – Umapati Mahadev and Narasimha Temple as well a temple of Durga Devi. There is also an interested shrine of Sheshna, the first serpent born on earth, who is believed to support the globe with his hood since the ancient times. In fact, many newlyweds visit the lake shrine of Sheshnag to obtain his blessings by circumambulating the lake.

Besides its religious significance, Mansar Lake is a paradise for leisurely visitors who wish to spend the day feeding the umpteen fishes and other aquatic creatures living in the sacred lake. There is a well-lit cemented path with projected view desks made especially for the convenience of tourists who wish to watch the lake and its surroundings with ease. There are 207 species of algae, 15 species of waterfowl and 7 varieties of fishes living in the lake. For those who wish to explore the lake on a boat, there are is a good set-up for that too.

Feeding the friendly fishes is one of the popular past times of tourists visiting Mansar Lake. As for satiating one’s own hunger pangs, there are a few decent eateries near the lake that sell Indian cuisine at affordable prices.
Tip: Surinsar Lake and Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary are located close to Mansar Lake. Tourists may also add a trip to these two site to their Jammu itinerary.