Question

A sacred lake is
A. Dal Lake of Kashmir
B. Khecheopalri Lake of Sikkim
C. Suraj Khand Lake of Haryana
D. Chilka Lake of Odisha

Answer 1

A sacred lake is a water body whose water is considered holy. The priests use the holy water for rites and rituals and also for other religious purposes. These lakes are believed to have mythological links to their origin and are preserved for their religious sanctity and sacredness by the local people.

Complete answer:
Khecheopalri is a sacred lake found in the West Sikkim district of the north-eastern state of Sikkim, India. It is well known for its sacredness and biodiversity. The original name of this lake is Kha-Chot-Palri which means heaven of Padmasambhava. However, it is famously known as Khecheopalri because it is located near Khecheopalri village in the Khecheopalri hills. It is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists; the latter consider the lake a site of pilgrimage.

The Sikkimese people consider Khecheopalri lake a ‘wish fulfilling lake’. Numerous folklores and legends are associated with the formation and shape of the Khecheopalri lake. Activities like fishing and recreational games are strictly prohibited in this lake as the Sikkimese people strongly believe that any disturbance in the sacred lake may bring a calamity. Every year during March a Khecheopalri lake festival takes place and local pilgrims visit the lake in large numbers.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
Khecheopalri Lake is situated amidst broad leafed temperate forests at an altitude of 1700 m (27˚22’24” N and 88˚12”30” E) and has a catchment area of 12km2. It provides a resting place for trans-Himalayan migratory birds who flock the lake waters every year during winters. The ethnic group of Lepcha are the main inhabitants of Khecheopalri area.

Note: Pilgrims and visitors from all over the world visit Sacred lakes for their aesthetic, cultural and spiritual importance. Developmental activities like promotion of tourism for socio-economic improvement have caused a degradation of the natural ecosystems.