Shrikhand Kailash, Kullu,Himachal Pradesh, India

Location

The shrikhand Mahadev peak is located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 5227m (17150 ft). Visiting Shrikhand Kailash is a revered pilgrimage among Hindus. Shrikhand Kailash is a holy place and believed as the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. On and average 30 thousands Pilgrims do this holy yatra every year.

[ Foot hill and place of worship ] 

[ Shrikhand Kailah Shivlingam ]

Every year, in the month of July, the Holy Yatra starts. The Local people do not consider it a trek or hiking but consider a pilgrimage. The Shrikhand Kailash Seva Dal and District Administration arrange tents at Jaon, BarathiNala, Taachru, Kalighati. Bhimtalai, Bhimdwar,and Parvati Baag.for stay at night. From Parwati Baag the distance to Shrikhand remains only 4 km. 

At Shrikhand a rock form of Shivlingam is 70 ft in height at an altitude of more than 17000 ft. Opposite to the main Lingam, there are two big stone rocks which are believed to be Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha and on the back the rock is known as Kartikey Parwat. Thus at Shrikhand Kailash, Lord Shiva is present with his whole Family.

On the way, the pilgrims passes through a breathtaking view of  Parvati Valley of Kullu and in the south east of Satluj river. 

The base camp at an altitude of 6397 ft is fixed in the village Jaon. The villages are innocent with always smiling face and have a cooperative attitude for pilgrims.

Seven Kailash on Earth

Mountains have special and religious significance within Himachal Pradesh. It have been regarded as abodes of Gods and Godesses. Mountains are also held sacred due to their association with deities, mythology and legends. 

Shrikhand Kailash is one such revered mountain.

According to Hindu mythology there are Seven Kailash on the earth.

1. A well known and famous is Mansarovar Kailash in Tibet.

2. Adi Kailash in Pithouragarh, Uttarakhand

3. Amarnath in Jammu &Kashmir

4. Kinner Kailash in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh

5. Shrikhand Kailash in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.

6. Manimahesh Kailash in Chamba, Bhamour, Himachal Pradesh.

7. Boorha Kailash , the place is not known

Legend/story behind Shrikhand Kailash

There was a demon named Bhasmasur. He worshipped Lord Shiva for many years in Himalaya. Lord Shiva became pleased with his dedication and asked about his wish.  

The demon asked to give him the power of burning any creature, just by putting his hand on the head. Lord Shiva told him TATHASTUH,  which means as you wish.

Getting such a boon, the demon became full of proud and tried to make Lord Shiva his first target. Lord Shiva understood it and vanished immediately and hidden himself in a cave, Deodhank, near the village Nirmand.

Being the Guardian of universe, Lord Vishnu appeared to save Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu went to the demon in guise of a lady Vishwamohini and started dancing before the demon. The demon was mismerised by the beauty of Vishwamohini and started doing dance as directed. In one pose Vishwamohini put her one hand, on waist and second, on head and directed the demon to do it. As the demon was mismerised he act like and turned in to ashes 

Just after the burning of Bhasmasur all Gods of the universe came in Devdhank, to see Lord Shiva. They found Lord Shiva was detained in a cave from where it was very difficult to come out. Then Lord Shiva used his power and became Shakti Swaroopa bursting the cave and appeared in Shrikhand Kailash.  That cave was  Devdhank.

Journey to shrikhand kailash

The journey to shrikhand Kailash starts in the month of July – August and commence only for 15 – 20 days, generally on Guru Purnima. After that, the road to the peak remains closed due to heavy snow fall and storm on the way.

[  Route Map ] 

[ Shrikhand River ]

The journey starts after worshipping in Mata Kali temple of the Jaon village and received blessings from her for happy journey.The total trek to Kailash is 32 km.

Day 1. One have to start journey from Jaon in the morning and walking a distance of 3 km to reach Shingad and stay for some time.

Shingad is a village named after a brave man who dared to live there and established a village. It is the last habitat village on this route. Free meals in Langar are available. After lunch start for a 12 km trek to Thhachru. It is a tough trek with steep inclination of 70 degree angle. Reaching here a night stay is preferred. Tents and free meals are available. Take rest in night and wake up early in the morning.

Day 2.  On the next morning one should start at 05 am. After 2 km journey reach Nain Sarovar. It is a holy lake. Take bath and worship Goddess Parwati and start walking for final destination towards Shrikhand Kailash .

It is a 5 km trek through rocky terrains and feel the experience of walking in clouds. After reaching the top one would have plenty of time to admire the beauty of this place. One should must worship Shrikhand Mahadev and his family. After that, start for the return journey. .

Facilities

Kullu District Administration makes special arrangements to ensure safety, security and convenience of pilgrims. Special police force and medical teams are deployed at many places along the entire route.

Pilgrims are allowed after proper medical check up for the journey. For safety reasons pilgrims have to get registered to the police before and after Yatra. Camps are set up at various places for night stay. Police and medical teams are equipped with oxygen cylinder, strechers, emergency lights etc.

Shrikhand Mahadev Seva Dal also serves the pilgrims with free meals and tents for stay in night.

Important places during Yatra

Deodhank – A holy cave near Nirmand where Lord Shiva stayed after disappearing and chased by Bhasmasur.

Thhachru – This is a resting place in night. It is 15 km away from Jaon village and a temple of Van Devta is situated here. Acoording  to a legend Pandavas stayed here during the journey to Shrikhand Kailash.

Nain Sarovar – A natural reservoir that offers a spectacular and exciting view during winter. The water in the lake is believed to be the tears of Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims take holy dip and collect water from here.

Bhim Shila – Large sized rock in between Nain Sarovar and shrikhand Kailash is belived as the place where Bhim (one of Pandavas) tried to make the staircase for heaven.

Parvati Baag – It is situated at an altitude of 13600 ft and have a waterfall. This place is believed as the abode of Mata Parvati. After Parvati Baag is the final destination SHRIKHAND KAILASH. 

How to Reach

By air

The nearest air port is Jubbarhatti, Shimla. from Shimla road is the only option.

By rail

Kalka is the nearest ralhead on broadgauge line. From Kalka one can take narrow gauge line train for Shimla.

By road

From Shmla to the starting point jaon village is 170 km by road and a  9 hrs drive

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