Himachal Pradesh has got some beautiful famous historical temples that attracts millions pilgrims every year from across the globe. It is also an important pilgrimage center. Each temple over here is associated with historical facts and myths.Manimahesh is one of the wonderful pilgrimage places in Chamba district. It is located atBharmaur Tribal valley. The Manimahesh Lake is based at Mount Kailash at the height of 13,500 feet.
Manimahesh yatra begins from Janamastmi to Radhastmi and this yatra is considered equivalent to Amarnath Yatra. Our trip to this pilgrimage centre was most wonderful experience of our life. This yatra not only got us close to mother earth but also felt the presence of Lord Shiva.
Bharmour has got many beautiful temples to visit. Our yatra started by visiting Bharmani Devi Temple i.e. at distance of 4 km from Bharmour. It is believed that Manimahesh yatra is not complete without visiting this temple and I took bath in Bharmani Devi pool as it is mandatory. From here my journey towards Manimahesh started. We reached Hadsar village i.e. 13 km from Bharmour. We took state transport to reach this village. Mostly the devotees take either state transport bus or taxi. Many cover the distance by walking bare foot to Hadsar.
We rested over here for some time and explored the village and chatted with local people. Then we started moving for Dhanchho i.e. 11 km from Hadsar. We took night halt at Dhanchho.
Next day from Dhanchho our next destination was Manimahesh Lake i.e. 27 km from Bharmour. On our way to lake we came across many small pilgrimage places like Gauri Kund, Bandar Ghati, Shiv Kalotri and Ganesh Ghati. It is believed that Lord Shivaand Goddess Parvati had taken bath in this lake.
Every year millions of devotees visit to take deep in this holy lake as it is said that one cleanse its sin of lifetime and to explore Manimahesh Kailesh. The route to reach this lake was really adventurous. Some trails were very easy to walk and some were tough to cross. We really enjoyed the trek trails to reach the lake; I can say it was breath-taking experience. Its also one of the best Trekking places in Himachal.
It is also believed that Kailesh Peak is home of Lord Shiva. The peak is considered to be sacred and it said that no one till has been able to climb the Kailesh Peak. The word Manimahesh denotes to jewel that is on Lord Shiva’s crown. The localities say that one can see the jewel on full moon nights between 10:00 pm to 4:00 am but rarely any one can see it.
Every year in August a fair is held at Bharmour where one can witness the customs and rituals of the local people. This yatra was one of the memorable experiences that we had. We had truly felt the presence of Lord Shiva.
Manimahesh is 78 kms away from Chamba by road. Tourist can take buses, taxis and coach from Delhi and Chandigarh. To reach by railway the nearest station is Pathankot and the nearest airport is Gaggal in Kangra.
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