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Roopkund Lake is a very mysterious place located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this lake is at an altitude of about 5,029 meters above sea level and is known as “Skeleton Lake”. Hearing its name, one feels a sense of mystery and fear, because hundreds of years old human skeletons have been found in the lake. Due to its height, cold climate and inaccessible route, this place is known for being mysterious as well as difficult travel.
Roopkund Lake: A Popular Destination for Adventurers
Location and religious significance of Ropkund Lake
Roopkund Lake is a small lake hidden in the heights of the Himalayas, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The size of the lake is small, but its historical and religious significance is immense. According to the local people, this lake is associated with Nanda Devi, and it is considered a holy place. Every 12 years, Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is organized here, in which devotees come to this lake in large numbers. During this yatra, devotees dedicated to Nanda Devi cover a difficult route of 280 kilometers and perform many religious rituals. Coming near the lake is considered a symbol of getting the blessings of Nanda Devi for the devotees.
Discovery of skeletons and scientific study
The skeletons of Ropkund lake were first discovered in 1942, when a British forest ranger saw hundreds of human remains here. Many speculations were made about this; some people considered it to be the result of a war, while others believed it to be related to a religious pilgrimage. In 2004, a team of scientists from National Geographic and Oxford University studied these skeletons in detail and found that these remains are about 800 years old. DNA testing was done in this study and many interesting things came to light.
According to the DNA test, these skeletons consisted of people of two different groups. The first group was of short stature people, who were probably local residents, while the second group was of tall people, who could be pilgrims or traders from outside. Apart from this, these also include skeletons of women, men and children, which indicates that this may be part of an organized trip.
Mystery of skeletons and scientific theory
According to science, a major natural disaster may be responsible for the skeletons of Ropkund Lake. Scientists believe that these people died due to sudden and severe hailstorm. They found that the skeletons had major injuries on their heads, which may have been caused by large hailstorms. It is believed that these people were on a trip, and suddenly faced heavy hailstorms, which caused their death. Sudden change of weather and heavy hailstorms are common in these high altitude areas of the Himalayas, which can be fatal during the journey.
Skeletons associated with Nanda Devi Yatra
Some experts believe that these people had gone on the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra and became victims of some natural disaster. According to religious belief, the journey to Nanda Devi is considered extremely sacred and those who commit any kind of disrespect or mistake in its process have to face the wrath of the goddess. Many locals believe that these pilgrims angered Goddess Nanda, and hence they fell prey to some misfortune.
Roopkund Lake Key Local Traditions and Beliefs
Roopkund Lake and its mysteries hold great significance for the local communities. The people here believe that Nanda Devi is the goddess of this region and she protects her devotees. But, anyone who disrespects her has to face some calamity. Due to this belief, people view the lake and its surrounding area with great respect and fear. The people here consider the skeletons sacred and do not tamper with them, as they believe that it is the wrath of the goddess.
Tourism and Difficulties
People are drawn to see the Ropkund Lake after hearing the mysterious story of it. One has to undertake a long and arduous journey to reach here. This journey is more challenging than normal trekking, as sudden change in weather and lack of oxygen at high altitude can cause difficulty for trekkers. The site is also popular among adventure travellers who have a keen interest in mystery and history.
Scientific Viewpoint and Remaining Mystery
Although scientists have studied the skeletons of Ropkund Lake and unraveled some of its mysteries, it is not completely solved. Other possible reasons behind it, such as being part of a mass ritual, or perhaps a strategic journey, are still unknown. Some people still consider it cursed, while some believe it to be just a result of a natural phenomenon.
Ropkund Lake still holds within itself mystery and history. Whether it was a massive hailstorm, part of a religious pilgrimage, or the wrath of Goddess Nanda – the lake and its skeletons remain a mystery to scientists and the general public. The site is not only a witness to a historic journey but also a symbol of the uncertainty of human history and nature. In the years to come, this mystery may deepen, and people will always be drawn to this mysterious lake.
