Manimahesh Lake (also known as Dal Lake, Manimahesh) is a high altitude lake (elevation 4,080 metres (13,390 ft)) situated close to the
Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the
Pir Panjal Range of the
Himalayas, in the
Bharmour subdivision of
Chamba district of the
Indian state of
Himachal Pradesh. The religious significance of this lake is next to that of the
Lake Manasarovar in
Tibet.
[1][2][3]
The lake is the venue of a highly revered pilgrimage trek undertaken
during the month of August/September corresponding to the month of
Bhadon according to
Hindu calendar, on the eighth day of the
New Moon period. It is known as the ‘Manimahesh Yatra’. The Government of Himachal Pradesh has declared it as a state-level pilgrimage.
[4]
There are two trekking routes to the lake. One is from Hadsar
village that is mostly frequented by pilgrims and trekkers. This route
is easier and have adequate arrangement for basic food and accommodation
during the pilgrimage season. The other one is from village Holi, which
is for the more adventurous ones. This route climbs up further and then
descends to the lake, providing a beautiful view. There is no other
habitation, except for a small village on this route.
Manimahesh Lake |
|
Location | Manimahesh range, Himachal Pradesh |
Coordinates | 32°23′42″N 76°38′14″ECoordinates: 32°23′42″N 76°38′14″E |
Primary outflows | Manimahesh Ganga (tributary of Ravi) |
Basin countries | India | | |
Legend
According to one popular legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva created Manimahesh after he married Goddess Parvati,
who is worshipped as Mata Girija. There are many legends narrated
linking Lord Shiva and his show of displeasure through acts of avalanches and blizzards that occur in the region.[1]
Legend also mentions that Shiva performed penance on the banks of
Manimahesh Lake. In the same vein, it is mentioned that Gaddis
(Shepherd), the tribes of this region, adopted Lord Shiva as their
deity. Gaddis are the people who reside in the Gaddi Valley which is the
name of the upper regions of Ravi River
where the Mount Chamba Kailash lies. Further, according to the legend,
the Shiva, who lived in Mount Kailash, the highest mountain of the
state, gifted the Gaddis with a Chuhali topi (pointed cap), which they
wear traditionally along with their other dress of chola (coat) and dora
(a long black cord about 10–15 m long). The Gaddis started calling the
land of this mountainous region as 'Shiv Bhumi' ("Land of Shiva") and
themselves as devotees of Shiva. The legend further states that before
Shiva married Parvati at Lake Manasarovar
and became the "universal parents of the universe", Shiva created the
Mount Kailash in Himachal Pradesh and made it his abode. He made Gaddis
his devotees. The land where Gaddis lived extended from 15 miles (24 km)
west of Bharmaur, upstream of the confluence of Budhil and Ravi rivers,
up to Manimahesh. Manimahesh was also considered the abode of the three
Lords of the universe namely, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Manimahesh was reckoned as the heaven (Kaliasa)
of Lord Shiva. The waterfall seen at the Dhancho on the way to
Manimahesh Lake, and which emanates from the lake, was considered as the
heaven (Vaikunta) of Vishnu. The heaven of Bramha is cited as a mound
overlooking the Bharmaur city. The Gaddis also believe that Shiva
resides in the Mount Kailash for six months, whereafter he moves to the netherworld
handing over the reigns to Lord Vishnu. The day he departs to the
netherworld is observed by the Gaddis reverentially every year, which is
the Janmashtami day, the eighth day of the month of Bhadon (August),
the birthday of Lord Krishna
(an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Shiva returned from the netherworld to
Bharamaur at the end of February, before the night of his wedding and
this day is observed as the Shivratri day; Gaddis observe this also as a festive day since Shiva and Parvati returned to Mount Kailash in the Gaddi land.[5]
Etymology of 'Manimahesh' signifies a "jewel (Mani) on Lord
Shiva's (Mahesh's) crown". According to a local legend, the moon-rays
reflected from the jewel can be seen from Manimahesh Lake on clear full moon
night (which is a rare occasion). However, it has been inferred that
such a phenomenon could be the result of reflection of light from the
glacier that embellishes the peak in the form of a serpent around
Shiva's neck.[3]
A legend in which Lord Shiva himself is tricked is narrated.
According to this narration linked to Dhancho where pilgrims spend a
night on their way to Manimahesh Lake, Lord Shiva, pleased with the
devotion of one of his ardent devotees Bhasmasur (an asura
or demon) bestowed a boon, which gave powers to Bhasmasur under which
Bhasmasur touching anyone would reduce that person to ashes. Bhasmasur
wanted to try this boon on Shiva himself. He, therefore, followed Shiva
to touch him and get rid of him. However, Shiva managed to escape and
enter into the waterfall at Dhancho and take shelter in a cave behind
the rolling waters of the fall. Bhasmasur could not get through the
waterfall. Then, Lord Vishnu intervened and killed Bhasamasur. Since
then the fall is considered holy[6]
A rare event of the first sun’s rays falling on the Mani Mahesh peak is seen in reflection in the lake like saffron tilak.
This display in the lake has enhanced the legendary belief of the
Gaddis on the sanctity of Manimahesh Lake at the base of the Mount
Kailash, which they visit on an annual pilgrimage. This event has also
contributed to the practice of taking bath in the lake on Janmashtami
day or Radhashtami day, fifteen days after the birth of Lord Krishna.[5]
Geography
A small lake with pilgrims living in tents during the annual - Manimahesh Yatra
The lake, of glacial origin, is in the upper reaches of the Ghoi
nala(refer Leomann maps:India Himalaya Map 4) which is tributary of
Budhil river, a tributary of the Ravi River
in Himachal Pradesh. However, the lake is the source of a tributary of
the Budhil River, known as ‘Manimahesh Ganga’. The stream originates
from the lake in the form of a fall at Dhancho. The mountain peak is a
snow clad tribal glen of Brahamur
in the Chamba district of manimahesh range. The highest peak is the
Mani Mahesh Kailas, also called ‘Chamba Kailash' (elevation 5,656 metres
or 18,556 ft) overlooking the lake. The lake, considered a glacial
depression, is sourced by snow-melt waters from the surrounding hill
slopes. Towards the end of June with ice beginning to melt, numerous
small streams break up everywhere, which together with the lush green
hills and the myriad of flowers give the place a truly remarkable view.
The snow field at the base of the mountain is called by the local people
as Shiva’s Chaugan Shiva's playground. According to a belief, Lord Shiva stayed here with his consort Parvati.[1][7][8][9]
Manimahesh is approached from three routes. Pilgrims from Lahaul and Spiti pass through Kugti pass. Pilgrims from Kangra and Mandi
take the Karwarsi pass or Jalsu pass via Tyari village, near Holi in
Bharmour. The easiest and popular route is from Chamba via Bharmour.[2][7]
The most popular is the Bhanrlour–Hadsar-Manimahesh route which
involves a 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) track from Hadsar village to the
Manimahesh Lake. The highest altitude touched in this route is 4,115
metres (13,501 ft) and it takes two days with an overnight stay at
Dhancho. Season to be undertaken is June to October and it has a gentle
grade. The path leading to the lake is well maintained.[2]
Halfway up this track is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) of open and flat
meadow land to Dhancho. Tented accommodation is available here during
August–September. Night halt is preferred here. Free kitchens are opened
by people to feed pilgrims. But many prefer to go and pitch their tents
next to the lake to feel a divine experience. En route, there is
waterfall at Gauri Nallah known as the Dhancho fall. From Dhancho, it
is a steep climb. This track has seen lot of improvements over the
years. In the past the first climb was first done by crossing Dhancho
nalla. It was so tough that people used to crawl to get across. Since
they used to crawl like a monkey in this stretch it was known as 'Bandar
Ghati' (monkey valley). Now this track is much improved and the newly
constructed path is used. However, some still prefer to take the old
route as an adventure and go through the Bandar Ghati.[2][8]
In the past, on the trek from Dhancho, the bridge over the Mani
Mahesh river was crossed to reach the left bank of the valley. After 2
kilometres (1.2 mi), the river was again crossed, over another wooden
bridge, to the right bank.[10]
From this point, the climb passes through many zigzag paths along flowered meadows. Birch
trees are seen in the vicinity, which indicates a gain in altitude as
the trek proceeds. Along this stretch of the trek route, there are a
number community kitchens
(eateries) at about 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) elevation. From this
location, the trail to Mani Mahesh Lake could be discerned. The
waterfall, flowing from the lake, is also seen at this stage. A further
trek of 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) through the grassy ridges leads to the
Manimahesh Lake.[10]
Lake and its precincts
Even
though the Manimahesh Lake is of small size with shallow depth, its
location, directly below Manimahesh Kailas peak and several other peaks
and dangling glaciers, is an "inspiration even to the least devout
pilgrim."[10]
Trekking in the last reach is through the glacier fields of the
lake. However, on the way, the walk is through the valley of flowers and
wild medicinal herbs up to the lake. The lake is situated at the centre
of a snowy field touching the sacred peak. The lake is surrounded by
sandy boulders, small hilly mounds and prickly dry bushes, and there is
no sign of any grass. It is called Shiv Chaugan (play ground of Lord
Shiva). The lake appears as if it has penetrated the rugged valley. On a
clear day the reflection of the abode of Shiva, the Kailash Mountain
can be seen on the lake surface. All the year round, the place remains
desolate, without any inhabitants, because none dares to stay here. The
air is fresh but icy cold. There are almost no fauna in the lake at its
precincts – no ants, snakes or any kind of wild life. A few Bird species
are sighted rarely. The silence of the place is broken only when the
pilgrims visit the place in large numbers, an evening before the holy
dip (locally known as naun) in the lake.[11]
According to legend, Lord Shiva performed penance for several
hundred years here. The water cascades sprang out from his matted hair
and took the form of the lake. The lake as formed appears like a saucer.
It has two distinct parts. The larger part has icy cold water, called
the 'Shiv Karotri' (the bathing place of Lord Shiva). The smaller part
of the lake, which is hidden by the bushes, has lukewarm water and is
called 'Gauri Kund', the bathing place of Parvati, Shiva's consort.
Thus, men and women bathe in different parts of the lake. According to
rites, the dip (called locally as naun) in the lake is taken four times, if permitted or otherwise only once.[11]
In the periphery of the lake, now there is a marble image of Lord
Shiva, which is worshipped by pilgrims. The image is called the
Chaumukha. The lake and its surroundings present an impressive view. The
still, clear and unpolluted waters of the lake reflect the snow-capped
peaks that overlook the valley.[1][7][12] There is also a small temple in the shikhara style on the periphery of the lake. A brass image of Lakshmi Devi known as Mahishasuramardini is deified in the temple.
Pilgrimage
The
holy pilgrimage to the Manimahesh Lake (revered by local people as
resting place of Lord Shiva) is supported by the Government of Himachal
Pradesh, Manimahesh Pilgrimage Committee and several voluntary
organizations. For the Gaddi tribal population of the region, pilgrimage to the lake is most holy. It is held every year during the Hindu month of Badon on Radhastami, the 15th day following the festival of Janmashtami, corresponding to the Gregorian month of August or September. The Yatra or Jatra, as it is called, is also popularly known as the 'Manimahesh Yatra'.[13]
It is heralded by a procession known locally as "holy chhari" (holy
stick carried by the pilgrims on their shoulders) trek undertaken by
pilgrims and sadhus. Pilgrims undertake the holy trek barefoot and cover
a distance of 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from the nearest road point of
Hadsar[14]
to the Manimahesh Lake. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the yatra.
The colorful procession of the "chhari" is accompanied by singing and
recitation of hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. The Chhari trek, considered
a tough trek, follows a set ancient route with stops at the designated
places. To facilitate this trek, pilgrims are provided with facilities
of transport (jeeps up to road ends), food and medical facilities and so
forth. It is a two-day trek to the lake from Hadsar with a night halt
at Dhanchho. Tents are available for hire at Bharmour or Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.
Ponies are hired by some devotees for the trek. Direct trekking from
Chamba is also an option undertaken by the devout, which is a nine-day
trek; the route followed is Rakh
(20 kilometres (12 mi)), Bharmaur, Hadsar (12 kilometres (7.5 mi)),
Dhancho (7 kilometres (4.3 mi)) and Manimahesh (7.5 kilometres (4.7 mi))
with a brief halt at Bhiram Ghati. The return trip follows the same
route.[1][4][7][9]
The holy trek starts from the Laxmi Narayan temple and the
Dashnami Akhara in Chamba town, with the sacred stick ('Chhari') of Gur Charpathnath
carried by the pilgrims with participation of sadhus. The trek to the
lake takes about 6 days. After the procession arrives at the lake,
ceremonies are held all through the night. On the following day,
pilgrims take a holy dip (naun) in the lake. After taking bath in the holy waters of the lake, pilgrims circumambulate the lake three times as an act of reverence, seeking blessings of the Lord Shiva.[1]
However, before taking a final dip in the Mani Mahesh Lake, women
devotees take a dip at the Gauri Khund, which is situated about a mile
short of the lake while men take bath at Shiv Karotri a part of the main
lake. The belief is that Parvati, Shiva’s consort bathed at the Gauri
Khund, while Shiva took his bath at the Shiv Karotri. State priests of
Bharmaur Brahmin family perform the worship (Pujas) in all temples within the lake precincts. |
Surface elevation | 4,190 m (13,750 ft) |
|
Surface elevation | 4,190 m (13,750 ft) | |
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