Rukmani Kund, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, Bilaspur

Rukmani Kund is a reservoir surrounded by Rocky Mountains in the middle of a thick Sivalik Hills Forest in Bilaspur district. Rukmani Kund, 28 km from Bilaspur, was selected in HGKK (Har Gaon Ki Kahani Programme) for the year 2012–2013.Rukmani Kund is considered the place of sacrifice of Rukmani and a Mela (fair) has been started here since some years on the name of sacrificer. A small temple has also been constructed here. It is the source of water supply for so many villages in the area.How to ReachThere is no direct bus to Rukmani Kund. If you are traveling through Bus then Auhar is last bus stop for you. If you have your personal vehicle then the road leading to the Rukmani Kund bifurcates from Bhaged Village, towards Auhar on the Shimla-Dharamshala Highway. If you want to go on foot then a path lead to Rukmani from a kilometer ahead on Auhar-Rishikesh road. If you want to continue in your personal vehicle then you have to go 3 km ahead on Auhar-Gehrwin road and there is a kuchha road of almost 2 km which takes you to the Rukmani Kund.HistoryThe entire Auhar region was in trouble because of dearth of water despite their repeated efforts to dig a well. Once the ruler of Barsandh had a dream that in case his son or daughter in law is offered as a sacrifice, water could come out. Legend is there that a newly married young lady named Rukmani of Taredh Village married to Rundh Family, Rajput ruler of Barsandh village, was buried alive by the side of the spot which was selected for digging a Baoli (Tank). The daughter-in-law, Rukmani offered herself in preference to her husband. She sacrificed her life and the present Rukmani Kund is a result of her courageous act. It is said that she was buried alive at the place where we have this Kund today.According to Omacanda Hāṇḍā in Buddhist Art & Antiquities of Himachal Pradesh, Up to 8th Century A.D., such stories of Woman sacrifices were common instances in which women were sacrificed to Nāga Devta for the sake of water. Similar stories can be taken into consideration like Rupi Rani of Gushal Village in Lahul Valley, Rani Nayana of Raja Sahil Varman of Chamba, Bichi of Sirmaur and Kandi Rani of Kishtwar in Jammu who were sacrificed to Nāga Devta for the sake of water. Human Sacrifices to Nāga Devta has been one of the most conspicuous features of Austric Tribes.