Deoria Taal: Uttarakhand’s Magical Lake

Should you be seeking where the mountains come and see themselves in the glass, you are seeking Deoria Taal. As suggested by the name itself, it is one of the most beautiful lakes, which is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, which is a part of the northern part of India. The only thing about this lake is that it is not a water body among others, but a road to discover your inner self and to realize yourself in a better manner.

This is usually the deepest experience of our Himalayan Yoga and Hiking Retreat for our students at Atharv Yogshala.

This blog will discuss Deoria Tal (also Devaria or Deoriya) in a very simplistic, point-to-point perspective: its geography, history, and why it is the best place to meditate.

The Geography: Indian Reflection of the Himalayas.

You must be thinking that we are talking about a lake. How much height can it be as far as we are concerned? But to tell you that it is not less than 2,438 meters (7,999 ft) in height will be a delight. You have heard it right, and here it is all in the close woods and green meadows.

• The View: This lake is amazing because of the vast sight of the Chaukhamba hills. The lake also has fame due to the clear water, which is so clear that the reflection of the mountain and the snow is very clear, and you cannot even tell the end from the beginning point of both.
• The Trek: This involves a 2.5-3 kilometer hiking pattern up the mountain and will help to reach the lake. It is a flagellated street that goes through oak and rhododendron trees.
• Location: There are many birds, and there might be some Himalayan animals as well due to the location being in the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary.

The History: Why is the lake of the gods?

The term “Deoria” is a product of “Dev” (gods). Some of the legends in the area held that gods would come down from heaven to have a bath in this lake.

• Mahabharata Connection: It is common knowledge that the Mahabharata refers to Deoria Taal as the Indrasarovar. The Yaksha Prashna episode is one of the most famous episodes of the epic, the Mahabharata, that happened in this location.
• The Trial of the Pandavas: One day, on the way they were fleeing Hastinapur, the Pandava brothers, in the pursuit, searched the water. However, to their disappointment, they were interrogated by Yaksha so that he could get water from the lake. Yudhishthira was the only brother who reacted in a wise and patient manner. It has a very academic and religious feel to the lake, given this history.
• Tungnath Connection: There are a lot of visitors who come to Deoria Taal and get ready as a spiritual preparation before going to the Tungnath Temple, the greatest Shiva temple in the world. The power here is peaceful as compared to the power in Tungnath, which is rough and harsh.

Deoria Taal meditation: Why people visit it.

In Atharv Yogshala, we will also stress that yoga is not all about poses but about the setting. Deoria Taal is a Vibration of Silence.

• The Water Element: In yoga, water is linked to the swadhisthana chakra, or seat of emotion and creativity. Hanging around a clear lake (Chitta Vritti) can be a relaxing experience for a troubled mind.
• Oxygen and Prana: The lake is highly made of oxygen, as it is situated in the midst of a forest of dense trees. Breathing exercises (pranayama) are far more appropriate in this regard.
• Natural Silence: Unlike Rishikesh, the only sounds in this area are the wind and birds; therefore, there is no nearby traffic. This silence of nature (Mauna) eases students into deep meditation.
• Visual Focus: Trataka (fixed gazing) on the reflection of the Chaukhamba peaks in the water is a great method of developing concentration.

Connection of the Spiritual Circuit.

Deoria Taal is only part of a spiritual puzzle when we take our students on the Himalayan Yoga Retreat and Hiking Retreat. In order to know the Himalayas, you need to observe the connection between these locations.

We shall begin our expedition probably with the Ganga Aarti being given, followed by the tranquility of the lake. Ganga Aarti is one of the events held in the evening in Rishikesh, and this is very helpful to keep you active and get your mind, body, and soul ready to undertake the trek in the mountains.

Devprayag Sangam is passed on as we go or climb to the mountains. Along the way, we stop by the Dhari Devi Temple.

The expedition then proceeds to the heights after having stayed at Deoria Taal. We then continue to do the Tungnath Temple trek, the last one being Chandrashila Peak. Whereas Deoria Taal is of reflection and of stillness, Chandrashila is of the “Summit of the Soul”—a 360-degree view of the world at the top. Those who want more hidden jewels to join in may consider the hike to Kartik Swami, which also provides a similar spiritual elevation with a spectacular sight of the Himalayas.

The Student Hiking Experience.

Hiking is meditation in motion to a student of yoga. Everything you do in the process of going from Sari village to Deoria Taal is an education in mindfulness.

• Consciousness of Breath: With more inclination, you become conscious of your breath.
• Physical Discipline: Tapas (discipline) is carried out when you are walking along with your loaded weight and walking in the forest.
• Identification with Nature: You get to see that you are not detached from the mountains; that you are a part of the mountains.

Conclusion: Summing it up.

Deoria Taal is not only a tourist location but also a soul laboratory. There are no four walls to the best classroom at Atharv Yogshala, and the ceiling is the sky, and the floor is the grass.

We do not go hiking with our students in such places just to find a nice photo. It is in finding that state of repose when the mind is as calm as Deoria Taal that we seek. We begin with the vibrancy of the Ganga Aarti, attend the marriage at Devprayag, seek refuge at Dhari Devi, have a rest at Deoria Taal, and lastly discover our power at Tungnath and Chandrashila.

When you are willing to leave behind the textbooks and to have a feel of yoga in the bosom of the Himalayas, then the trek to the wonderland lake is calling you. It is an experience of going outside to the inside.

Uttarakhand is rich in spiritual energy, sacred temples, and breathtaking Himalayan treks. From divine river confluences to peaceful mountain peaks, here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Uttarakhand:

You can then list:

• Ganga Aarti (Rishikesh)
• Devprayag Sangam
• Dhari Devi Temple
• Tungnath Temple
• Chandrashila Peak
• Kartik Swami Temple
• Chopta Camp and Trek

Are you ready to walk the path?