The Love Story Behind Nakki Lake, Rajasthan’s Enchanting Tourist Attraction – News18

In a tale that harks back thousands of years, the epic love story of Rasiya Balam and the lengths he went to for the woman he loved has resurfaced, captivating hearts online. Set amidst the scenic beauty of Mount Abu, this legendary story tells of Rasiya Balam, a renowned architect of his time.

The story begins with a royal commission from the king of the village, who tasked Rasiya Balam with the construction of a magnificent temple called Dilwara. Answering the call, Rasiya Balam made his way to Mount Abu, but destiny had more in store for him than just architectural endeavours. As he arrived, his eyes fell upon the king’s daughter, and in that moment, love blossomed within his heart.

Driven by this newfound love, Rasiya Balam approached the king with a heartfelt request to marry his beloved daughter. However, the king, though impressed by Rasiya’s skills, laid down a challenging condition – he must complete the temple to perfection before obtaining his daughter’s hand in marriage.

With unwavering determination and love as his driving force, Rasiya Balam dedicated himself to the construction of the Dilwara temple. His craftsmanship was nothing short of divine, and upon its completion, the king was so enamoured by the temple’s grandeur that he granted his daughter’s hand in marriage to Rasiya Balam.

But love stories are rarely without obstacles, and this one was no exception. The king’s wife harboured reservations about the match and devised a formidable test for Rasiya. She commanded him to create a lake within the city confines overnight, with a unique and arduous condition – no tools were to be used for this task. Rasiya Balam was to dig the lake using only his bare hands and nails.

Undaunted by the seeming challenge, Rasiya Balam turned to his faith in Lord Vishnu for guidance and support. With unwavering belief and divine assistance, he embarked on the colossal endeavour of creating a lake from scratch using only his hands and nails. This remarkable feat of determination and devotion culminated in the birth of what is now known as Nakki Lake.

Nakki Lake has since become a renowned tourist attraction, its name is derived from Nakh Ki, meaning of nails in Hindi. Over time, it has evolved into Nakki Lake, a serene and picturesque water body nestled amidst the hills of Mount Abu. It’s not just a testament to Rasiya Balam’s love; it’s also steeped in history, as it is believed that Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in its waters in 1948, leading to the construction of the Gandhi Ghat in his memory.