Mani Mahesh is the abode of Lord Shiva. Many
local stories can be heard regarding the reason behind the stay of Lord Shiva
at Mani Mahesh. It is located in Pir Panjal Ranges of the Great Himalayas. In
Mani Mahesh Lord Shiva gives Darshan in the form of Mani or a shining object at
the time of sunrise on the mountain opposite to the Dal Lake. Dal Lake is the
final destination of Mani Mahesh Yatra.
You can plan the Mani Mahesh Yatra in different
ways. The main stations to reach the Mani Mahesh are Chamba and then Bharmour.
Chamba is a District in Himachal Pradesh. Chamba can be reached by bus or Cab
from Pathankot. The nearest railway station is Pathankot in Punjab and
International Airport is Amritsar also in Punjab. Next destination from chamba
is Bharmour.
It is believed that one must visit the Maa
Bharmani Temple at Bharmour before starting the Mani Mahesh Yatra.
From Bharmour Yatra(journey) can be performed by
Helicopter or through road and footpath. Helicopter services are available from
Bharmour to Gaurikund, which is one KM far from final Destination i.e. Dal
Lake. The flight time is appox 7 Minutes. But the flight depends upon the
climatic conditions. Hotels are available at Bharmour, but advance booking is
advisable.
If yatra is to be performed on foot which most of
devotee do, at first on road journey is done upto Hadsar. From Hadsar onwards
13 KM long journey is performed on foot. The path is very steep, challenging
and adventurous. The Distance from Hadsar upto Gauri Kund is 12 KM and then 1
KM to Dal Lake. It is very tough Yatra hence good physical condition should be
ensured. Body is also exposed to low oxygen level and performance decreased
significantly.
Yatra can also be done on the back of horses which
are available from Hadsar upto Dal Lake.
The Mid way camp is located at Dhanchoh, which is
around 6 KM from Hadsar. Sleeping and food arrangement is available at langers.
One should plan one full day journey upto Dhanchoh and next day journey to
Gauri Kund. Stay should be made at Gauri Kund as the level of oxygen is more
than Dal Lake although stay arrangements are also available at Dal Lake. Sound
sleep can be guaranteed as oxygen level is low. After stay at Gauri Kund, early
morning journey to the Dal Lake should be performed so as to reach there at
4.00 AM to attend the Morning Aarti (prayer). The environment is very spiritual
there and it is a lifetime moment. You can stay there upto to sunrise and if
you are lucky and no clouds are there, you can see the Mani along the rising
sun. After taking holy dip in Dal Lake, Parikrama is performed along the periphery
of lake. Prayers are made at the prayer points by facing the mountain of Mani
Mahesh.
Back Journey upto Hadsar can be made in 6-7 Hours,
which is possible in single day.
Points to be taken Care: Take sufficient warm
clothes as temperature is very low. Rain coats should also be ensured.
Take important medicines, as body malfunction due
to deficiency of oxygen.
Asthma Patients should avoid the on foot journey.
Helicopter services should be availed, although horses are available there.
Personal Experience : It is a lifetime experience
to me. The whole spiritual atmosphere during morning hours is the best moment.
Other Places : If time permits other beautiful
places in chamba like Chamba Chaugan, Maa Chamunda Temple, Khajjiar, Dalhousie,
Banikhet etc can be visited.
Chaurisi (84) Temple at bharmour is also a point
of attraction. There are 84 temples in complex. The main temple is of lord
Shiva, which is quite old. The world’s only temple of Lord Yama (Yumraj) is
also there.
You can purchase dry fruits and apple from the
market. You can take home the special Chamba Chukh ( chilli chutney) and Chamba
Chappal from market of chamba.
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