Where the legendary Pandava hero cast a massive stone boulder so Draupadi could cross into heaven
Situated at the northern edge of Mana Village where the Saraswati River thunders through a sheer, narrow granite canyon, Bheem Pul is one of the most awe-inspiring natural and mythological landmarks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The monument consists of an enormous monolithic granite boulder, nearly 10 metres wide and several metres thick, wedged seamlessly between the opposing vertical cliffs of the canyon, forming a completely natural rock bridge across the ferocious torrent.
The epic Mahabharata recounts that when the five Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—accompanied by their wife Draupadi and a faithful dog, were trekking on the arduous Swargarohini trail towards heaven, they arrived at this impassable canyon. The raging Saraswati River flowed with such deafening fury that Draupadi was unable to leap across the chasm. Bhima, blessed with the strength of ten thousand elephants, wrenched this colossal boulder from the mountain ridge and positioned it squarely across the chasm, creating a safe passage.
Standing on the rock platform today, visitors can peer into the dark chasm beneath their feet where the jade-white Saraswati plunges violently with subterranean thunder. A distinct rock indentation on the side of the stone is revered by pilgrims as the sacred footprint of Bhima. Just 500 metres downstream, the Saraswati merges into the Alaknanda at the sacred confluence of Keshav Prayag before disappearing underground, giving rise to the legend of the subterranean river.
Key Highlights & Features
Top Things to Do & Experiences
Cross the Historic Rock Bridge
Walk across the sturdy boulder pathway protected by modern iron railings while feeling the tremor of the rushing water.
Photograph the Saraswati Gorge
Capture dramatic high-angle photos of the foaming, mist-shrouded river canyon cutting through pink-hued granite.
Pay Homage at the Saraswati Temple
Offer prayers at the small cliff-side shrine dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the patron deity of wisdom and arts.
Visit Keshav Prayag Confluence View
Take in the view of Keshav Prayag just below, where the Saraswati meets the Alaknanda in holy union.
