Trek to Lonar Lake - Searching the lost temples

On the following dawn, Day 4 of our journey we embarked upon our way from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar towards the enigmatic basin of Lonar Lake in Buldhana district, a place whispered of in both legend and science. Nearly 136 kilometers afar, this ancient lake is said to have formed when a wandering meteor struck the land > 52,000 years ago in an age long forgotten. 

The journey itself seemed to unravel like an old tale. The bustling highways slowly fading into silence, giving way to narrow, winding paths that cut through unseen villages and endless fields. The roads, at times uneven and weary, bore the marks of time, as though they had guided travelers for centuries. All around us lay a calm peace, almost sacred quietness of the hinterland that deepened the sense of mystery about Lonar. It was around 12 Noon, when we reached Lonar and dumped our luggage at MTDC Resort. As we were closing on to Lonar, we had noted all the unknown spots from the signboards. Resort manager advised us to be quick and go straight to Gomukh Temple and trek all the way down to the Lonar Lake. We stuffed whatever food and water supplies we had with us for our 2 kids as lunch again became the victim.  

From the entry Gate a walk of 100m. took us to the Gomukh Temple. Gomukh Temple is the starting point of trek to the base of Lonar Lake. A small stream of water flows continuously from a stone shaped like a cow mouth. 

Surrounded by nature and ancient vibes, we finally paused for a while to enjoy the beauty and soak our souls into the divine aura of the place Little we knew that we were embarking on a journey to explore many lost temples.

As the lake was waiting for us, we quickly geared up for the trek. Few steps down from the Gomukh temple, first temple on the trek is Kumareshwar Temple (कुमारेश्वर मंदिर), dedicated to God Shiva - the outer structure of temple is well intact.

However, the entry structure is in ruins and sanctum is slightly better -

Few steps from the Kumareshwar Temple and after crossing forest check post is the 2nd temple, Yadneshwar Mahadev Temple (यज्ञेश्वर महादेव मंदिर). Dedicated to God Shiva temple is in dire state of ruins. Some pillars and carved spots show the brilliance of the architecture and carvings. 

Beyond Yadneshwar Mahadev Temple, we were scrolling in the Forest in an ecosystem created by alkaline waters of the Lake. As we ventured downwards loose stones, uneven sand, lake water encroaching the passage and shadowed turns tested our grit at every step. The forest seemed alive echoing with the chirping of the birds and at times the restless murmur of unseen creatures was shaking our souls. Vagabond was overjoyed, but the cautious father was watching every step carefully. The true descent had only begun.

 

With each careful stride, the air grew heavier, as if the earth itself guarded the secrets below. 

Several stretches during the trek pass through dense shrubs, tall grasses and makeshift arrangements, good sturdy trekking trousers are advisable for the comfortable adventure. 

Near to a Forest check point, somewhere at midway, the forest officer told us about a complex of 3 temples, slightly drifted from the main path – Shankar Ganesh, Ramagya and Hanuman Mandir, along with a Stepwell. However the premises are in ruins.

Only monkeys and Langurs are protecting the site. While entering the Shankar temple, I had to take permission by bowing to the monkeys to get inside and they obliged as soon as I removed my shoes. Shivling is lonely here and God Ganesh sits outside; however, the sanctum entry is still somehow preserved, and carvings show glimpses of the glorious past. 

Some clicks of these temple, silent witness to centuries gone by. Their weathered stones spoke of forgotten rituals, lost kingdoms, stories buried beneath layers of time and a desperate call for embracing our glorious past. Sanctums of Ramagya temple and Hanuman temple seemed as if someone is praying and maintaining the temples. It is believed that God Ram had visited the place during exile and the adjoining forest was a part of Dandakaranya, where God Ram had killed many demons.

When we finally reached the bed of Lonar Lake to experience its quiet enigma. That was the last spot of the trek, Wagh Mahadev Mandir. Lake water has risen to almost submerge the entry of temple and further trek was closed. 

We were fortunate to pray to God Shiv here. Like other temples, this temple also needs maintenance. Outer structure is crumbling- 

while inner sanctum is still intact. 

Time itself seemed to linger here. This was the last spot in our trekking and after praying to almighty, it was the time to cherish the aura of Lonar Lake. Time for a virtual trek -

Stay tuned folks for the return journey to drive around the Lake. Keep exploring Folks…