Manimahesh is one of the most sacred spiritual places in Bharat. It is located in the Bharmour tehsil, Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. A part of the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas, Manimahesh region comprises of a high altitude lake situated at 4,080 meters called Manimahesh lake. Close to the lake is Manimahesh Kailash – the mountain where Shiva resides. The entire Manimahesh region is frozen from October through June every year.
It is believed to be the abode of Shiva. Legend has it that Shiva created Manimahesh after he married Mata Parvati. It is said that Shiva performed penance on the banks of the Manimahesh lake. The Gaddis – the tribals of the region, became devotees of Shiva. Further as per the legend, Shiva gifted the Gaddis with a Chuhali topi (pointed cap), which they wear traditionally along with their other dress of chola (coat) and dora (a long black cord about 10-15m long). The Gaddis started calling this mountainous region ‘Shiv Bhumi’ (Land of Shiva).
It is believed that Shiva resides on Manimahesh Kailash (the mountain which is visible from the Manimahesh lake). Shiva stays there from start of Spring to the end of the Rainy season. It is said that Shiva departs from Manimahesh every year on Janmashtami after handing over the reigns to Vishnu. The Gaddis believe that Shiva returns to the town of Bharmour on Mahashivratri day.
Image credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/Kailash_Manimahesh.jpg
About one and half kilometers before Manimahesh lake are two important water bodies called Gauri Kund and Shiva Krotri. The locals believe that Gauri (Mata Parvati) and Shiva bathe in these water bodies respectively. The women pilgrims do take holy dip in Gauri Kund and the men pilgrims in Shiva Krotri before proceeding to Manimahesh lake.
Manimahesh region has a connection with the Hindu trinity – namely Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It is believed that the waterfall seen at Dhanchoo on the way to Manimahesh lake, is where Bhasmasur was slain by the Mohini avtar of Vishnu. The mound overlooking Bharmour city is believed to be the heaven of Brahma. Manimahesh literally means ‘Jewel’ (Mani) of Shiva (Shiva is also called Mahesh). This is because the light reflected from the glacier looks like a shiny jewel on the head of the mountain. The snow field at the base of the mountain is called by the local people as Shiva’s Chaugan (Play Field).
An astonishing fact is that no one has been able to climb the Manimahesh Kailash till date, even though people have scaled far taller mountains including Mount Everest. According to one legend, a local tribe man, a Gaddi, tried to climb along with a herd of sheep and is believed to have been turned into stone along with his sheep. The series of minor peaks around the principal peak are believed to be the remnants of the shepherd and his sheep. Another legend narrated is that a snake also attempted to climb the mountain but failed and was converted into stone. Devotees believe that that they can view the peak only if Shiva wishes so.
Image credit: https://hpchamba.nic.in/manimahesh-yatra/
Every year Manimahesh yatra takes place usually in the month of August or September, on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Janmashtami. The yatra ends on the day of Radha Ashtami. Manimahesh Yatra is believed to have started in the 9th century when a local king, Raja Sahil Verman, had a vision of Lord Shiva who instructed him to establish a temple at the Manimahesh Lake.
The journey to Manimahesh Lake involves a trek of around 14 kilometers through some of the most scenic and challenging terrains in the Himalayan region. It is said that a dip in the sacred Manimahesh Lake during the yatra can wash away all sins and bestow spiritual liberation. The Manimahesh Yatra is a highly spiritual and significant journey that is believed to be a test of one’s faith and devotion.
A Chhari Yatra starts from Chamba, the district headquarter with pilgrims carrying sacred symbols of Lord Shiva and after passing by Bharmaur, slowly wind up their way up on an arduous route to bathe in the icy waters of the lake and worship by a small lakeside temple.
To conclude, Manimahesh is a must visit atleast once in your lifetime. Devotees say that the journey is spiritual and transformational. One comes back a changed person. For more information on the Manimahesh yatra please visit District Chamba, Govt of Himachal Pradesh
