WHERE IS PARSHURAM KUND?
Parshuram Kund is a Hindu pilgrimage center situated at Shati or Tailung area in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, approximately 48 km via Tohangam from Tezu. It stands on the Brahmaputra on the Mishmi plateau in the lower reaches of the Lohit river. Tohangam or Teju is the headquarter of Lohit district. Arunachal Pradesh is not known popularly among tourists because of its location as like other northeastern states, but a visit to this place is worth it for sure. It is full of religious spots with magnificent views of true nature, green hills, and the clean water bodies, waterfalls, etc. It was once a home of many Hindu Gods and Sages.
WHY PARSHURAM KUND IS FAMOUS?
Parshuram Kund is dedicated to sage Parshuram, a thousand years old religious site. A huge number of devotees come here every year from India, Nepal, and from some other foreign countries. Over 70,000 Sadhus and devotees take a holy bath in Brahma Kund every year during Makar Sankranti in January. A holy dip inside it is believed to wash away sins. Also, the place is suitable for meditation and yoga.
During Makar Sankranti, an annual fair is held every year where the mountain tribes bring wild cows, rare fur rugs, etc. The fair is held in Telu Shakti or Tailung area of the district from 1st January to 31st January. This fair has a historic importance.
The site is surrounded by greeny natural beauties in the form of hills, rivers, and forests. It falls under Kamlang reserved forest. The climate is comfortable throughout the year, so you can visit there at any time you want. But you should visit during October-April because, at this time, the place is covered with lush greenery.
HISTORY OF PARSHURAM KUND
There are many legends related to the formation of Parshuram Kund. The most famous one is related to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Parashuram, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu beheaded his mother Renuka with his axe by the order of his father Rishi Jamadagni. Parashuram was one of the immortals during the end of Dwapar youg and witnessed Mahabharat war. He had received an axe or parshu from Lord Shiva after his deep meditation and got the name Parashuram. Parashuram won over Kshatriyas 21 times. He was a mentor to Bhishma, Karna, and Dronacharya. He was one among the blessed ones who were present to witness Avatars of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. He had an important role in Ramayan and Mahabharat. There are many temples of Parashuram in Kerela.
As per the tale, one day, Renuka was going to fetch water and while returning, she saw King Chitranatha playing with celestial nymphs and felt for him. She became late in returning to the Ashram and her husband or Parshuram's father was getting angry and worried about her delay as it was getting late for the midday worship. He came to know the reason behind her delay by his divine power and became enraged. He ordered his sons to kill her and Parshuram obliged to it but the other six sons didn't.
It was the worst crime killing his own mother and as a punishment, the axe got stuck in his hands. His father was happy for his obedience and so offered him a boon by which he could make his mother alive again. His mother got her life again but the axe stuck on his hands and he couldn't remove it. It became a reminder of his worst crime. The eminent Rishis of that time advised him to wash his hands with the water of the Lohit river to make himself free from all sins. He followed their advice and went to the bank of the Lohit river. He made a passage for the kund by digging the bank of Brahma Kund. Surprisingly, as soon as he dipped his hands on the river, the axe got free from his hands. From that day, the site where had dipped his hands has been admitted as a holy place and named as Parshuram Kund. The waters are believed to be as sacred as Ganga. That is the reason why every year people come here to wash away their sins. There are many stories and many temples all over India describing the above incident.
In the 18th century, a Sadhu re-established the Kund. He was thrown out from his village as he was looked upon as a swindler. After that, the villagers started suffering from unknown diseases. They realized their mistakes and came to search for him. He was hiding in a cave near the Kund and the villagers came to him and offered him fruits and flowers and asked him to forgive them.
During the earthquake of 1950, the whole scenario of the site was changed. A new kund was formed and the old one has completely vanished under the strong currents of the river.
HOW TO REACH PARSHURAM KUND
BY TRAIN: The nearest train station is at Tinsukia, Assam, 120 km away from Parashuram Kunda. From Tinsukia, you will get buses via Namsai. Buses are also available from Sadia. The direct railway service is not available yet but the railway line from Rupai to Parashuram Kunda has completed length 122 km.
BY AIR: The nearest airport is at Dibrugarh, Assam, and Teju. From Dibrugarh, the distance is around 200 km and you can hire a taxi or a bus easily from there.
BY ROAD: Road facility is well connected to Parashuram Kund. So you can easily approach through road.
In 1826, the British took over this area and they introduced inner line regulations and so devotees could not get into the area with liberty. And now too, you have to obtain an inner line permit to cross the inner line check posts. During Makar Sankranti, entry permits are also arranged at Dirak and Sunpara check posts for the pilgrims.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS NEAR PARSHURAM KUNDA
KAMLANG RESERVED FOREST: The forest is mainly famous for tiger, clouded leopard, snow leopard, and also for some endangered species like - Hollock Gibbons, Slow Lories, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Palm civets, etc. It is reported that there are 61 species of mammals, 105 species of birds, and 20 other species. Elephants are also found there. There are also diverse species of trees and grasses are found. It was established in 1989, covering an area of 783 square kilometers (302 square miles). The Kamlang river flows through it.
GLOW LAKE: It is under Kamlang reserved forest. There is a facility of trekking near Parshuram Kund from Teju to Glow lake of one day including hiking and river rafting. Glow lake has an area of 8 sq km. It is a home of different flora and fauna. It is the best place for adventure enthusiasts.
HILL STATION: The district headquarters Teju is also site to visit. It is a hill station full of beauty, just 25 km away from Parashuram Kund. It is situated at a height of 185 m above sea level. The culture and tradition and the traditional foods will just amaze you.
DONG: There is also a small pristine valley in Teju called Dong where the sun rises first in India. It is situated at 1240 meters above sea level. It is situated on the tri-junction of India, Myanmar, and China. It can be reached by about eight-hour trek from the military base of Walong. The war memorial of Walong has the memories of soldiers who died in the India China war during 1962.
HAWA CAMP: On the way to Teju, there is a camp called Hawa camp which will give you a mesmerizing view of the magnificent Lohit valley and sunrise and sunset view. That is an amazing experience. Hawa camp is a tiny village with a very low population. There are four houses in the camp. The distance from Teju is about 33 km. It is the best place for photography. You can go there by cab from Teju.
HOTELS NEARBY PARSHURAM KUND
The district administration and the department of tourism make proper arrangements for accommodation and security. The public drinking water facilities, toilets are also available there. You can stay in the circuit house. There are many hotels and resorts in Teju and nearby areas too. You can have a pleasant accommodation and enjoy the natural beauty of the hills. During festival time, the government arranges temporary shelter at Parashuram Kund itself. You can get a hotel at Namsai. Also, you can stay in Wakro eco-resort too, a place famous for oranges. The whole state is beautiful, so anywhere you stay you will enjoy it.
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