Manimahesh yatra from September 3
Our Correspondent
Chamba, August 26
The Manimahesh yatra will begin on September 3. This was stated by Deputy Commissioner Harikesh Meena on Sunday.
During the yatra, devotees take a dip in the holy Manimahesh lake, situated at an altitude of 4,170 m. From the lake, they can clearly see Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, which is at an altitude of 5,656 m.
To deal with any emergency, the Special Secretary to the state government has issued instructions to, the Chamba Deputy Commissioner, who is also the chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), to make all arrangements.
The Subdivisional Officer (Civil), Bharmour, has been asked to remain updated with the weather alerts issued by the Shimla Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and not allow the movement of pilgrims during heavy rain.
Police barriers will also be set up. The Deputy Commissioner has asked the Subdivisional Officer to take all measures for the safety of pilgrims. Women take a dip in Gauri Kund and men in Shiva Krotri before proceeding to the Manimahesh lake.
Lord Shiva’s abode
- The Manimahesh lake is situated 26 km from Bharmour. Every year, on the eighth day of the light half moon in the month of Bhadon, a fair is held at this lake, which attracts thousands of pilgrims, who take a dip in the holy water.
- Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this fair. He is believed to reside in Kailash. A rock formation in the shape of a Shivling on Kailash is considered his manifestation.
- The snowfield at the base of the mountain is called Shiva's Chaugan by locals. Mount Kailash is considered as invincible.
- A story goes that once a Gaddi tried to climb the mountain along with his herd of sheep. He is believed to have been turned into a stone.
