Manimahesh Lake is a very attractive and sacred lake located in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. It is also known as Dal Lake. Situated at an altitude of 4,080 meters, this lake has the same importance as Lake Mansarovar. Manimahesh literally means ornament of Shiva. Manimahesh Yatra is closed for most of the year due to snowfall.
Tourists and pilgrims have to walk a distance of 13 km through enchanting mountains and greenery to reach this lake. The lake is a major pilgrimage destination. It is performed on the eighth day of the new moon during the months of August and September according to the Hindu calendar. That journey is called Manimahesh Yatra. If you also want to know in detail about the lake. So do read this article completely.
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Legend of Manimahesh Lake
There are many legends associated with the origin of Manimahesh Lake. Says one of them. That the lake was created by Lord Shiva after marrying Goddess Parvati. It is also believed that the avalanches and blizzards that occur in this region are due to the displeasure of Shiva. The lake is also mentioned in legends as a vision of Shiva’s penance.
There is a popular belief that the Gaddi (shepherd) tribe of the region adopted Shiva as their deity and the Lord presented them with his famous Chuhli cap. The Chhalia cap is worn by the members of the tribe along with their chola (coat) and dora. He started calling the land as Shivbhoomi and declared himself the most true devotee.
In mythology too, the land is believed to be the abode of the three Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. A Dhancho waterfall on the way to the lake Vishnu and a mound overlooking the city of Bharmour is said to be the heaven of Brahma, being the heaven of Shiva. Shiva resides in his heaven for 6 months of the year and later hands over the rule to Vishnu for the remaining part of the year.
Best Time To Visit Manimahesh Lake
Talk about the best time to visit Manimahesh Lake. So Manimahesh Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,080 meters above sea level. And in winter it is completely covered with snow. That is why one can visit Manimahesh Lake at any time during April to November. A fair is held in Manimahesh Lake every year, in the month of Bhadon or in August-September. During this time you can go to the lake.
Tips For Visiting Manimahesh Lake
It is important to follow some tips to avoid any inconvenience in Manimahesh Yatra.
There is a huge crowd of devotees here, so be careful.
Carry warm clothes, water and food to visit the lake.
Because there are no restaurants available near the lake.
Carry the necessary equipment needed for trekking on Manimahesh Trek.
Do not walk alone during the trek. Be accompanied by a trekking guide and fellow trekkers.
Do not walk fast while trekking.
If you are not completely healthy then do not visit Manimahesh at all.
This trek is very scenic, so make sure to take a camera along.
Manimahesh, located at a high altitude, has network connectivity problems.
Mystery of Manimahesh
Situated at an altitude of 4,080 meters above sea level, Manimahesh has a holy site. Along with being a pilgrimage site, it is full of many mysteries. The mystery of Manimahesh has surprised the tourists as well as the devotees. The origin of Manimahesh Lake is a mysterious mystery. Even today it is no less than a puzzle. But there are many mythological legends and stories about the origin of Manimahesh Lake. Which exposes the facts about the origin.
Manimahesh Yatra
Manimahesh Yatra is the main attraction of this holy pilgrimage site. Every year in the month of Bhadon a fair is held in the lake on the eighth day of the light half of the moon. Thousands of travelers gather here to take a dip in the holy waters of the lake. Manimahesh Yatra, which runs from Janmashtami to Radhashtami, is performed in the month of August or September. In the yatra, devotees reach a distance of 14 km barefoot on foot. A procession is also taken out singing hymns during the yatra.
Which is locally known as “Holy Chhari”. The journey to Manimahesh starts from Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Dashnami Akhara in Chamba and after completing this journey to Manimahesh, the pilgrims take a holy dip in the lake and circumambulate it thrice to seek blessings from the Lord. Female devotees take a dip in Gaurikund and male Shiva bowls.
Manimahesh Kailash Trek
Located at an altitude of 4,080 meters in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, Manimahesh Lake is not only a center of attraction for the devotees but also for the trekkers. The trek to the majestic Manimahesh is one of the most beautiful and thrilling treks in Himachal Pradesh, if the mountain lovers and trekkers are to be believed. The most popular and easy trek to Manimahesh starts from a small town called Hadsar. The trek begins with a slight climb of the first few kilometres.
After that the route becomes like a zigzag in the direction of crossing the first Mani Mahesh stream. After 1 km trekking will reach Dhancho. From Dhancho, the trek leads through the valley of flowers and medicinal herbs to Sundarsi. From Sundarsi, two trekking routes are available. The first trek is a convenient trek while the second is a bit more difficult. He reaches Gaurikund from Bhairav Valley. If you take the first route from Gaurikund. So over a metal girder bridge crosses Mani Mahesh Nala.
Water & Scenic Beauty of Manimahesh Lake
The icy waters that melt from the snow-capped peaks near Manimahesh Lake are the main source of Manimahesh Lake. It begins to thaw by the end of June. It breaks into several small streams and joins the lake. The lush green hills and the streams of flowers together give beautiful natural beauty to the valley. Which is no less than any heaven. The reflection of the snow-capped peaks is clearly seen in the water of Manimahesh Lake.
Helicopter Ride To Manimahesh Lake
If Manimahesh is unable to do the long trek for the yatra. Or want to see the beautiful landscapes of Manimahesh flying in the air. So you can select helicopter ride. Tourists can book a helicopter ride from Bharmour or Chamba to Manimahesh. Helicopter takes you to Gauri Kund. And from there one has to walk 1 km.
How To Reach Manimahesh Lake
Manimahesh can be reached by three routes. First of all, tourists can visit Manimahesh from Lahaul and Spiti through Kutti Pass. Another route is to go from Kangri and Mandi to Bharmour near Holi, Karari village or Jalsu pass to Tairi village. Other than that the easiest and most convenient way to reach Bharmour is by train. The Hasdar-Manimahesh route consists of a 13 km trek from Hadsar village to Manimahesh Lake. Buses, private taxis and shared taxis are available for all that routes.
Map of Manimahesh lake
Video of Manimahesh lake
Interesting Facts
One can take a helicopter from Bharmour to Hadsar to travel here.
This is a very attractive and sacred lake located in Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
This holy lake is also known as Dal Lake.
The importance of this lake is considered to be similar to that of Mansarovar Lake.
Manimahesh literally means ornament of Shiva.
Manimahesh Yatra Lake is a major pilgrimage.
FAQ
Q .How do I get to Manimahesh Lake?
The easiest route is from Chamba and runs through Bharmaur.
Q .Is Manimahesh Yatra difficult?
The Yatra is deemed to be a tough trek.
Q .Why is Manimahesh famous?
Manimahesh Yatra is the main attraction of this holy pilgrimage site.
Q .Is Mount Kailash and Manimahesh same?
The Manimahesh Lake is at the base of the Kailash peak at 3,950 metres (12,960 ft).
Q .When we can go to Manimahesh?
May to September.
Q .Is Manimahesh trek open now?
Manimahesh Kailash commences from the month of Mid May and continues till October.
Conclusion
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