Manimahesh - as the name signifies, refers to a Mani on Lord Shiva’s crown, that imparts its holy darshans to the devotees when the moon rays reflect from it on a clear, full moon night, being a rare occasion. This is followed by another rare event when the first rays of sun fall on the peak of Kailash hill, which appears like saffron tilak when seen in the lake as its reflection. These events, adding more to the religious belief to the local people of Himachal, as well as various pilgrims visiting the place during the annual pilgrimage also contribute to the practice of taking bath in the Manimahesh lake, which also known as ‘Shiv-kund’ and ‘Dal-Jheel.’
After taking a dip in this beautiful, shallow circular lake, Kailash Peak is worshipped at a roofless temple, conspicuous with many iron trinkets, on the opposite side of the lake. The whole view in the morning touches the heart of the visitor, urging him to visit again next year.
The Manimahesh Lake is situated Twenty-six kilometers from Bharmour in the Budhil valley , one of the chief pilgrimage spots in Himachal Pradesh. The lake is situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet at the foot of the Kailash peak (18,564 ft).
Route:
Manimahesh is approached from different routes. Pilgrims from Lahaul-Spiti come through Kugti pass. Some from Kangra and Mandi come via Kawarsi or Jalsu passes. The easiest route is from Chamba and runs through Bharmaur. At present buses ply upto Hadsar via Bharmour. Beyond Hadsar, the pilgrims have to trek for 13 kms to reach Manimahesh.Between Hadsar and Manimahesh is an important halting place known as Dhanchho where pilgrims usually spend a night. There is a beautiful waterfall.
About one and half kilometers short of Manimahesh lake fall two religiously important water bodies called Gauri Kund and Shiva Krotri where as per popular belief Gauri and Shiva bathe respectively. The women pilgrims do take holy dip in Gauri Kund and the men pilgrims in Shiva Krotri before proceeding to Manimahesh lake.
Special facts about the place:
Special Attributes: Brahmani Mata Temple, Chaurasi Temple Complex, and Manimahesh Lake.
Nuisance: Risky ascending and stony treks, unpredictable weather and rains.
Dressing: Carry woolens along as it gets terribly chill as you climb.
Connectivity: One can reach by public buses to Hadsar or could adopt the helicopter facility from Hadsar to Manimahesh Lake and vice-versa. Helicopter packages may cost around Rs. 3580 for both up and down.
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