Manimahesh Kailash Temple, Bharmour, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Location

Manimahesh Kailash is basically, not a temple but it a peak in Himalaya in the shape Shivalingm and believed to be the another abode of Lord Shiva. 

The altitude of the Manimahesh peak is 5653 meter (18547 ft) and the Lake named as Dal lake or Manimahesh lake, having an altitude of 4080 m (13390 ft). Manimahesh lake is situated just at the base of the kailash peak.

Lovely picture of Manimahesh kailash and Lake

Bird view of Kailash

It is said, Manimahesh kailash is created by Lord Shiva himself, in the honour of his consort Parvati who meditated here, in past. This place is also considered as the abode of Tridev ( Brahma,Vshnu, Mahesh), the supreme Gods of the Universe.

The peak and the Lake, both are held in deep veneration by the people of Himachal and particularly Gaddi tribes of this region. In the Hindi month Bhadon, on 8 th day of new moon, a fair is organised on the bank of Manimahesh Lake, that attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Literally, the name Manimahesh means Mani (Jewel) and Mahesh (Lord Shiva), ie A Jewel in the crown of Lord Shiva.

It is a virgin peak and cannot be scaled up till today, although tried by mountaineers time to time.

Nature’s Mystery

On the full moon night (which is rare), from the crown of Shivlingam (ie the peak of Kailash), a diamond like Mani (Jewel) glitters, the shadow of which when falls on the transparent water of the Lake, reflects to give an awesome view. Although this happens rare. But local people claim this incident true.

Early morning sun ray, falling on the top of Manimahesh peak reflects from the lake look like a saffron tilak on the head of Lord Shiva. This display enhanced the legendry belief of the Gaddis on the sanctity of Manimahesh Lake.

Manimahesh Yatra

Manimahesh Yatra is a Holy yatra which is supported by the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh and declared as a State Level Pilgrimage.

Manimahesh yatra may be initiated either from Bhamour or Hadsar. From Bharmour to Hudsar the distance is 15 km and is covered by road. From Hadsar the trek route for Manimahesh Lake involves a 13 km distance. Half way up this trek is 6 km of open and flat grass field up to Dancho fall. 

Night halt is preferred here. Tents for stay are made available here during the month of august – September. Free foods are also available to the pilgrims by the Swayamsevi Sansthan.

The journey after Dncho is a steep climb. In the past, to cross Dancho was so tough that the pilgrims required to crawl like a monky to cross the Dancho Nala. That is why this valley is also known as Bandar Ghati in Hindi.

Manimahesh Yatra Route

Now this trek is much improved but some still prefer to opt the old route as an adventure. After Bandar Ghati crossing, a wooden bridge lead the pilgrims to the left bank of Manimahesh river. After 2 km, the river was again crossed to reach the right bank.

From this point, the climb passes through many zigzag ways and Birch trees, which indicates a gain in altitude. Along this stretch of trek route there are a number of community kitchen at about 3600 m height.

From this location, the trail to Manimahesh Lake could be discerned. The water fall created by the water flowing from the lake, can be viewed at this stage.

A further trek of 1.5 km through the grassy ridges leads to Manimahesh Lake.

Manimahesh Lake

Manimahesh Lake

Manimahesh Lake is small in size with shallow depth and on the foothills of Manimahesh Kailash peak.

The dangling glacier around the lake is like snow field. This snowy field is called Shiv Chougan (play field of Lord Shiva). The super natural beauty of the lake forced to believe in God’s power even by the least believer in God.

On the clear day the reflection of Kailash peak can be seen in the lake surface. All the year round this place remains desolate, without any inhabitants because nobody dares to stay here. A few bird or species are seen rarely. The air is fresh, but ice cold. The shape of the lake is like a saucer.

Worshiping at Manimahesh Lake

The silence of this place is broken only in August – September on the 8 th day of Hindi month Bhadon (new moon day) when the Manimahesh Yatra starts. It is believed that Lord Shiva meditated here for a long period and this lake is created by a stream of water coming out from the Jatta (matted hair) of Lord Shiva.

To take bath in the lake is a religious tradition among Hindus. The lake is divided into two parts as larger and smaller one. The larger part which is known as Shiv Karotri is the bathing place for gents. 

The smaller one is known as Gourikund is the bathing place for the female pilgrims. The water of Gurikund is Luke warm.

In the periphery of the lake, a marble idol of Lord Shiva is installed and worshipped. There is also a small temple of Devi Mahishasurmardini in shikhara style is constructed on the bank of the lake in which a brass image of Devi is installed and worshipped.

Legend

There are many mythical legend stated on the sanctity of the peak and lake.

According to a legend Lord Shiva created another abode and named as Manimahesh Kailash and adopted Gaddis as His devotees. Gaddis are the tribal who live in Bharmour valley.

It is believed that Lord Shiva gifted Gaddis a chuhali topi (pointed cap) and a dress Chola (coat) and Dora (a long black chord 10 to 15 m long). Since then Gaddis started calling this place as Shiv Bhumi and themselves, as the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva resides here for six months and then move downward to the netherworld, handing over the regime to Lord Vishnu, on the day of Janmashtami.

As per another legend, a demon named Bhasmasur meditated at this place and succeeded to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva then appear before him and asked to bestowed a boon. The demon prayed Lord shiva to deliver a power that if, he put his hand on the head of a some one, he should be burnt in to ashes. Lord Shiva gifted him with this boon in spite of his unwillingness.

The demon tried to apply this boon on the boon giver. After that Lord Shiva any how managed and hide himself in a cave, covered with Dancho water fall near Budnil river. Now Lord Vishnu, the Guardian of the universe, became worry of this incident and appear in guise of a beautiful dancer. The demon came into the grip of her beauty and started doing, as she (Vishnu) directed.

Now, she posed a dance style keeping her one hand on head and second on her waist, and told the demon to do like this. The demon did this pose and turned into ashes, giving relief to Lord Shiva.

It is also believed that, Manimahesh Kailash peak is still invincible as no one so far could be able to scaled it. 

It is said that once Gaddis tribals tried to climb the peak but converted into stone along with their sheep on the way to Kailash.

The series of smaller peaks, around the principal peak are believed to be the remnants of the shepherd and sheep.

History

Journey to Manimahesh Kailash came into practise from the ancient time. As per Gadget available in the record of Chamba district, Bharmour was the capital of the King Maru Verma in 550 CE. 

A group of temples in Bharmour retained its existence from the ancient time and are the examples of high quality art of that time.The original name was Brahmapura, became Bharmour in due course of time.

There is a temple at the peak of a hill at Bharmour and known as the Goddess of wisdom (Buddhi in Hindi) and the valley is known as Budnil valley.

Budnil River

The king Sunil Verma was the discident of Maru Verma in the year 920 CE ruled Bharmour. He.had no child to carry over his generation.

Once a group of 84 saints, came to Bharmour. The king honoured them and managed their food and stay with joy. The saints blessed the king with ten sons and one daughter who was named, Champawati. The king then constructed 84 temples in the Honor of the saints. Manimahesh temple and Laxna temple are among them. These temples are the examples of a high quality of art and sculpture of that time.

According to Chamba Gadgetry there was a saint named Charpatnath, who helped the king Sunil Verma to extend the territory of his kingdom.

According to a holy magazine KALYAN of Gita press Gorakhpur, the discovery of Manimahesh Kailash and its tour initiated by the saint Charpatnath. Since then, the traditional tour for kailash started on Krishna Janmashtami and ends on Radhaashtami, which comes after 15 days.

Where to Stay

There are many hotels of every budget in Chamba and Bharmour. Some of them are Hotel Ashiana Regency, The Iravati (HPTDC), Hotel city heart, Shining star hotel. 

One can stay either at Chamba or Bharmour where every facilities for a comfortable stay are made available by the Himachal Tourism Development Corporation at lower cost.

How to Reach

By road

Hadsar is the starting point for trekking to Manimahesh and Hadsar is well connected by road. Buses of HP roadways ply regularly for Chamba and Hadsar from major cities of Himachal.

By rail

Pathankot is the nearest railway station 220 km away from Chamba. From Chamba to Bharmour is 82 km and Bharmour to Hadsar is 17 km. One can reach here by taxi or Bus.

By air

Nearest airport is Kangra. From Kangra to hadsar only road is the option.

                                      

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