Tarsar - Marsar
Tar = life
Mar = Death
Sar = Pond
The age old story of origin of names &
The mysterious world under Marsar
These lakes, once merely tranquil bodies of water, held no extraordinary significance until an unsettling incident unfolded. One fateful day, a man ventured into the serene waters of the talab, which we now know as Marsar. Inexplicably, he vanished before the eyes of bewildered onlookers. No one could discern whether he had drowned or if the current had swept him away. Astonishingly, eight days later, he reappeared in the neighboring pond, now referred to as Tarsar, but only his haddiya, or bones, resurfaced. This enigmatic occurrence gave birth to the names Tarsar and Marsar, shrouding these once-ordinary ponds in an aura of mystery and intrigue.
During our trek, we encountered some local hikers who fervently cautioned us against certain actions near these ponds. They fervently advised us against casting stones into the water or using the ponds for bathing, citing ominous legends. According to them, a doctor who had dipped his feet in the water suffered from sudden paralysis the following day. They also warned that disturbing the water's tranquility by throwing stones would result in distressing nightmares and a haunting presence in one's life. Imtiaz, our experienced trekking guide, recounted a tale when we inquired further. He spoke of a hidden world beneath Marsar, and how any disturbance to the water's surface had the potential to unleash dire consequences on the perpetrator. He also shared a harrowing story about a friend who had washed his hair in the pond and subsequently endured a severe headache.
These tales, passed down through generations in the mountains, may remain unverified, but they undeniably serve as a formidable deterrent to thoughtless actions near these sacred waters. It's a stark contrast to the harsh reality of some of the Kashmir great lakes, marred by plastic pollution and disregard for their sanctity. In such an environment, these ancient stories take on newfound significance, acting as vital safeguards for these pristine water bodies.