Description
Mansar
Mansar is a village beside a quiet, peaceful lake—Mansar Lake—in the Samba district, around 62 km from Jammu and 19 km from Samba town. The lake stretches over a mile long and about half a mile wide, cradled by green hills and forests.
Around this lake lies the Surinsar–Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary, covering around 3.5 sq km, home to spotted deer, nilgai, cranes, ducks, and other creatures that enjoy this natural sanctuary.
A Lake with Myths
The name “Mansar” carries a story as deep as its waters. According to legend, in the time of the Mahabharata, Babruvahana, the son of Arjuna, ruled this land. In a tragic twist, he unknowingly killed his father, Arjuna, during a ritual. When he realized the mistake, he sought a magical lift—a precious jewel held by Sheshnag, the serpent king, in the underworld.
Babruvahana pierced the earth with an arrow to create a tunnel—Surinsar—then, after a battle and retrieving the jewel, came out at Mansar, reviving his father. Since then, the two lakes—Surinsar and Mansar—carry this myth in their names and spirit.
Local beliefs connect Mansar to the sacred Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. Because of this, many see Mansar as a small, homeyard version of that sacred place.
Spiritual and Cultural Life
Mansar Lake isn’t just beautiful—it holds deep spiritual meaning:
On the eastern bank, there’s a shrine to Sheshnag, the serpent deity. A big rock with iron chains symbolizes the serpents waiting for their god.
Around the lake, there are old temples dedicated to Shiva (Umapati Mahadev), Narasimha (Vishnu’s lion form), and Durga. Devotees visit them and take holy dips in the lake during festivals.
New couples walk three circles around the lake to seek blessings. Families bring their children for mundan—the first haircut ceremony—believing the lake blesses and protects.
Nature’s Gift
The surrounding forest is peaceful and green—mostly scrub, peepal, acacia, and pine trees. Wildlife like spotted deer, nilgai, cranes, and turtles make their home here. The lake waters help migratory birds like coots, grebes, and ducks to nest and grow .
In recognition of its ecological importance, the lake area was designated a Ramsar site in 2005—a wetland of international significance.
EDUCATION AND HEALTH FACILITIES
Mansar village has a few schools, including the Government Higher Secondary School in Chani Mansar, which offers classes up to 12th and has basic facilities like computers and drinking water. There's also a private school called Janta Academy, which teaches up to 8th class, and a small government primary school called MPS Mohri Mansar, though it lacks proper infrastructure. For healthcare, Mansar doesn’t have a major hospital, so people usually visit nearby towns. The District Hospital in Samba and the Emergency Hospital in Vijaypur are the main public options. Some private hospitals like Shree Aum Hospital and Kristu Jyoti Hospital are also nearby, around 10–20 km away.
A Touch of Royal History
Near the lake, you’ll find the ruins of an old mansar haveli (mansion or gateway). Built in the late 1700s or early 1800s, it’s believed to be a deori, or grand gateway, possibly meant for a princess’s travel rest stop along the road between Jammu and Mankot. Some say it was built by Raja Ranjit Dev; others think his brother or Gulab Singh later upgraded it with wall paintings. Today, it still shows faded murals and the elegance of its old architecture—waiting patiently for restoration.
Celebrations, Nature & Simple Joys
Baisakhi Food and Craft Mela, held in April around the lake, is a burst of color, taste, and local crafts—fun for all ages.
People also celebrate Nag Panchami, offering prayers to Sheshnag, and Food & Craft events later in the year to enjoy Dogra traditions and delicacies.
For a peaceful visit, there’s a paved walkway around the lake, benches, viewing decks, and boating—even simple snacks nearby—making it a lovely escape and a chance to breathe in the calm.
Photos
Location Map
Contact Information
| Address |
Village Mansar, |
| Phone Number |
8825019394 |
| Email Address | |
| Website | https://samba.gov.in/tourist-places-2/ |
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