Serolsar Lake And The Legend Of Budhi Nagin

Whenever a cow gives birth to a calf, the first ghee made from the cow’s milk will be saved for worship. In Indian families, the first milk from a cow is considered auspicious. I was blessed to be born into a family where cows are still part of the culture.

This is a ritual that I have seen my mother and grandmother follow whenever a new calf is born. I was curious to know why we collect ghee in a jar and no one is allowed to eat from that particular jar. I went to my grandmother to get my answer. That is when I came to know that the first milk ghee was collected for Budhi Nagin in Serolsar Lake.

Origin of Budhi Nagin

Famously known as Buddi Nagin, she was blessed with some powers of Durga Maa, a manifestation of Nava Durga. Buddi Nagin was from the Seraj area of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. She got married in the Suket area now popularly known as Karsog district in Himachal.

Buddhi Nagin once went near the Satluj River’s local water territory. She instructed her mother not to wake her children until she returns. Her children were sleeping in a basket of husks in the kitchen. People used to keep their children in husk baskets before baby prams became a norm.

After a while her mother was worried as the kids were sleeping for a long time without waking up. Neglecting the instructions given by Budhi Nagin, her mother picked up the blanket. As soon as she did, she was shocked to see 5–6 snakes in it. Frightened, she threw ash from the kitchen on the snakes. Snakes ran away in different directions. It is believed they were forgotten after this.

When Buddha Nagin came back, she was heartbroken that her kids had gone away. She took a step to leave the village. A small stone Murti is still worshiped in the house where Buddha Nagin lived in the Bhiuri village of Karsog.

This small house can’t be rebuilt or renovated. Budhi Nagin left the house and reached Serolsar Lake near Jalori Pass in Banjar Valley of Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh.

Naga Worship

Buddhi Nagin is believed to be the mother of Nagdev – the snake god. Locals of the region believe Nagas to be associated with Shiva. Every Naga has its own area and village that is named after them like Chowasi Nag, Hungru Nag, and Jhakad Nag.

In these villages, many other beautiful temples are constructed with Himachali architecture. They have lovely wooden carvings. Every year, Nag Devtas, priests, and villagers…