Hello Welcome to the gyan ki pathshala and today we discussed about the history and amazing facts about shri MANI MAHESH temple/LAKE
Manimahesh Kailash Yatra of Himachal Pradesh is a pilgrimage to reach Manimaheshlake in Bharmour area of Chamba district. At least half a million Hindu pilgrims take part in this holy journey that begins on Janmashtami and ends on Radhashtami every year. The journey is done in three days and a distance of 13 kms is covered by trekking. Lord Bhole appears in the form of Mani in Manimahesh, situated at a distance of about 85 kilometers from Chamba city of Himachal Pradesh. That is why it is called Manimahesh. Surrounded by Dhauladhar, Pangi and Zanskar mountain ranges, this Kailash mountain is known as Manimahesh-Kailash. For thousands of years, devotees have been coming on this exciting journey. Chamba is also known as Shivbhoomi. It is believed that Lord Shiva resides in these mountains. There are different views as to when the Manimahesh Yatra started, but it is said to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared to his devotees many times. The presence of a natural lake at an altitude of 13,500 feet is a proof of some divine power. Let’s know some interesting facts about Manimahesh Yatra. It is the glory of Lord Shiva that on the day of Ashtami, the water of the lake starts rising even before the bath. Scientists have also failed to find out why this happens. After Ashtami, the water of this lake decreases again. From where suddenly so much water comes in the lake, this mystery remains intact. Lord Shiva did penance on the banks of Manimahesh Lake.
Before The yatra- Bharmani Devi Temple
The Manimahesh Kailashyatra is believed to be incomplete without paying a visit to the Bharmani Devi temple. The temple is located at a distance of 4 kms from Bharmour. It is necessary to take a dip in the pool before starting this yatra else their yatra is deemed to be incomplete.
Adventure with faith
According to Hindu scriptures, Mount Kailash surrounded by Dhauladhar, Pangi and Zanskar ranges of the Himalayas is famous as Manimahesh-Kailash. From Sri Krishna Janmashtami (Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami) to Sri Radhashtami (Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami), lakhs of devotees arrive here to visit Mount Kailash after taking a dip in the holy Manimahesh Lake. The way to reach Manimahesh Lake through mountains, ravines and drains is full of adventure. Manimahesh Yatra is considered equivalent to Amarnath Yatra. Those who are unable to go to Amarnath reach Manimahesh Lake for a holy dip. Now it has become even easier to reach Manimahesh Lake. There is a helicopter service from Bharmour to Gaurikund during the yatra and for those who are fond of trekking there are tents to stay around Hadsar, Dhancho, Sundarasi, Gaurikund and Manimahesh.
It is believed that Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati used to play in this ground, hence this ground is called “Shiva’s Chaugan”. Devotees who come here during the Manimahesh Yatra, after taking a bath in the holy lake and worshiping the four-faced idol of Lord Shiva made of marble stone near the lake, circumambulate the holy lake three times. According to the local residents, Manimahesh Kailash mountain protects them from any kind of calamity, due to this religious belief, the local people worship this huge mountain. There should not be any kind of inconvenience to the devotees coming on the Manimahesh Yatra, so before the start of the Manimahesh Yatra, the local residents (people living around Manimahesh Lake are called Gaddis) climb the mountains with their sheep. And cleans the way leading to Manimahesh lake. Before Manimahesh Lake, two kunds also come which are known as Kamal Kund and Gauri Kund. A visit to Manimahesh Lake is considered incomplete without visiting the Bramhani Devi Temple, located at a distance of 04 km from Bharmour. It is believed that Manimahesh Yatra is not complete without taking bath in Bramhani Devi Kund.
How to reach Manimahesh Lake
There are various routes for pilgrims and trekkers to reach Manimahesh Lake. Pilgrims coming from Lahaul and Spiti reach Manimahesh via Kugti pass. Some travelers who come from Kangra and Mandi reach Manimahesh via Kavarsi or Jalsu pass. You can easily reach Manimahesh via Chamba and Bharmour.
All the passengers going via Bharmour can go till Hadsar by bus. After Hadsar, pilgrims and trekkers have to complete the journey to Manimahesh on foot. On the way from Hadsar to Manimahesh, there is a place named Dhancho, at this place almost all the travelers take rest during the night. If you have brought extra time during Manimahesh Yatra, then you can also go to see a beautiful waterfall located near Dhancho.
There are also two religious water bodies named Gauri Kund and Shiv Krotri, one kilometer before Manimahesh Lake. According to the mythological belief associated with these two reservoirs, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati had taken bath in these two reservoirs alternately. Female pilgrims traveling to Manimahesh first take bath in Gauri Kund and male pilgrims start their journey by taking bath in Shiv Krotri reservoir.
You can also reach Manimahesh Lake by trekking, the first way goes through Hadsar and Dhancho and the second way goes through Holi village. Most of the travelers and devotees prefer to go through the first route because the first route is considered the easiest way to reach Manimahesh, on this way all kinds of facilities are available for the travelers and devotees.
The second route is preferred by most of the trekkers and adventure seekers. No facilities of any kind are available till Manimahesh is reached by the other route. When you reach Manimahesh from the other way, you can see very beautiful views of Manimahesh lake from the height.
view of sapphire
Himachal government has called this mountain as Turquoise Mountain i.e. Vaiduryamani or Neelmani. When the sun rises behind Mount Kailash in Manimahesh, the whole sky is covered with blue and the rays come out in blue. It is believed that Mount Kailash has the properties of sapphire, which collides with the rays of the sun to turn blue.
Facts on Manimahesh Kailash Peak
It is also believed that no one has climbed Manimahesh Kailash peak so far. For decades, a Gaddi tried to climb with a group of sheep, but he failed and turned to stones along with the group of sheep.
Many people say that a snake also tried to climb the mountain but it too turned into a stone.
Lord Shiva wanted that only he could see the peak.
Hiking to the Manimahesh Kailash peak has so far been a result of previous unsuccessful attempts. It is estimated that with the navigation of the N ridge and E wing up to the Nanoni valley and down to Kugti village, it may be possible to go up and down the peak within 3 days. The condition of the peak at the height of the mountains is also bad.
Manimahesh Kailash Peak, which precipitously enters the lake formed in the lap of the mountain.
It is believed to symbolize that Lord Shiva is seated on the seat built on Manimahesh Kailash Shikhar and this natural light is of the gem worn around the neck of Sheshnag.
It is believed that till date no one has been able to measure the height of this mountain. It is not difficult to climb this Kailash peak but whoever went up there did not return.
Local people say that even though people have climbed Everest, it is not so easy to climb Manimahesh Kailash peak. It is said that once a Gaddi had climbed this mountain.
That throne had taken a vow that he would sacrifice a sheep or a goat on each step of the Manimahesh Kailash peak, but it turned into stone before reaching the peak. The sheep that were with him also turned to stone. Some of its similar stones are still lying here.
Best time to visit Mani mahesh
Tourists and pilgrims can visit Manimahesh any time from April to November. From the month of December to March, this place receives very heavy snowfall, due to which a thick sheet of snow is also spread on the lake. A large number of devotees come here to visit Manimahesh Lake during the months of June to October.
Tips for visiting Manimahesh Lake
Traveling at the time of Manimahesh fair provides a very pleasant experience, but there is a lot of crowd of devotees at this time, so there is a need to be careful.
Apart from the fair, if you are traveling to Manimahesh, then you must take warm clothes, water and food items with you. Food and drink facilities are available here only during the fair.
Before starting the tracking of Manimahesh, do check your tracking gear. Trekking here can be very difficult during off season or during heavy snowfall.
Do not go trekking alone, take trekkers or trekking guides with you.
Trek completely following the rules of trekking.
Carry the electronic goods (mobile/ gimbal/ camera/ drone etc.) brought with you after fully charging them, the facility of charging your gadgets will not be available above.
There is a high probability of seeing the Milky Way at night from Manimahesh, so night camping can be a good option.
There are mobile network issues at Manimahesh, so if possible, take a satellite phone with you.
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