Chamba, August 25: Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Manimahesh Kailash stands as a sacred site for devotees of Lord Shiva. Located at an altitude of approximately 13,000 feet in the Pir Panjal mountain range, this revered peak symbolizes the faith of countless worshippers. It is believed that on Raksha Bandhan, the first group of saints and sages completes their rituals at Manimahesh.
According to ancient traditions, on this holy day, the first batch of pilgrims embarks on the Manimahesh Yatra, performing sacred baths and prayers. This day marks the official commencement of the pilgrimage and the associated fair, which continues until Janmashtami and Radha Ashtami.
Local beliefs state that on Raksha Bandhan morning, when the first rays of the sun touch the peak of Manimahesh Kailash, a divine light appears. Devotees believe they witness a glimpse of this celestial glow (mani) at that moment.
The crystal-clear waters of Manimahesh Lake reflect the majestic, snow-capped Kailash Mountain, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The pilgrimage features two significant sacred dates: the small bath and the large bath, during which devotees immerse themselves in the lake.
The small bath occurs on the eighth day of the waning phase of Bhadrapada month (Krishna Janmashtami). This sacred dip marks the formal beginning of the Manimahesh Yatra. On this day, devotees celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth while completing the first major phase of their journey, taking a holy dip despite the biting cold.
The large bath takes place on the eighth day of the waxing phase of Bhadrapada month (Radha Ashtami). This event is the grand finale of the Manimahesh Yatra, marking the conclusion of the official pilgrimage. The dates for these events vary each year.
A tradition known as the ‘Chhari’ is prevalent during this pilgrimage. This sacred staff, belonging to Guru Charpatnath Ji, is carried by devotees on their shoulders. The journey begins from the Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Dashanami Akhara in Chamba. Colorful processions accompany the pilgrimage, filled with hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Upon reaching Manimahesh Lake, Brahmin priests from Bharmour perform rituals throughout the night. The next day, devotees take a holy dip (Naun) in the lake and circle it three times to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. According to tradition, Goddess Parvati bathed in Gauri Kund, while Lord Shiva bathed in Shiv Kalotri. Therefore, female devotees bathe in Gauri Kund, while male devotees bathe in Shiv Kalotri before their final dip in Manimahesh Lake.
It is believed that Lord Shiva resides at Manimahesh Kailash, and the ‘mani’ ray on his forehead continues to provide divine experiences to devotees. Manimahesh is regarded as one of the five major Kailash sites dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva created Manimahesh Mountain to reside with Goddess Parvati, who is revered here as Devi Girja. Devotees often claim to witness Lord Shiva during the twilight hours. When the sun sets, the mountain glows in golden hues. If the weather is clear, devotees can see the peak and the deity seated atop it.
Many believe that the summit of Manimahesh Mountain remains invisible, perpetually shrouded in clouds and snow. Only those who are completely free of sins and sincerely remember Lord Shiva can glimpse this peak. The exact height of Manimahesh Mountain remains uncertain, with no definitive information available.
Climbing Manimahesh Mountain is deemed impossible. Those who attempt to ascend are said to be halted by an invisible force. In 1968, an Indo-Japan team led by Nandini Patel attempted to scale the mountain but was unsuccessful.
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