Sevak's Spring

In the mountains of Vayots Dzor, north of the historical site of Ulguyr, lies one of our most beloved places: Sevak’s Spring. It is not only a source of ice-cold mountain water but also a unique monument where nature, history, and the memory of the great poet Paruyr Sevak intertwine.

Sevak’s Spring is a hydrogeological natural monument located in the upper reaches of a small stream, at an elevation of 1,985 meters above sea level. It is officially registered in the list of State Natural Monuments of the Republic of Armenia (included by the decision of the RA Government on August 14, 2008).

The spring’s name is associated with a memorable event. On May 10, 1966, when Paruyr Sevak visited the village of Rind, the villagers took him up into the mountains to host him by this very spring. From that day forward, the spring took on its current name. Locals sometimes also refer to it as “Sevak’s Stone” (Sevaki Kar).

Adjacent to the spring, under the shade of an ancient willow tree, sits a remarkable stone composition: a table and chairs crafted by Samvel Grigoryan, a native of Rind. The structure features an interesting architectural design:

• The tabletop consists of two large, polished basalt slabs resting on six cube-shaped pillars.
• Five stone chairs are placed along each of the long sides of the table, with one chair at each end.

On one of the chairs on the western side, the following is engraved:

“Paruyr Sevak sat here, 10.05.1966”

According to local lore preserved in the village, Sevak refused to sit at the head of the table in the chair with a backrest, saying: “Let mine be just like yours.” This episode once again emphasizes the poet’s simplicity and his bond with the people. Later, the backrest of that chair on the northern side was broken.

Today, Sevak’s Spring is one of the most favorite stops for tourists visiting Ulguyr and for our fellow villagers. The pure mountain water, the willow providing shelter from the sun, and the historic stone table create an environment where one can not only rest but also connect with the memory of the great poet and the serenity of the mountain nature.