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Himachal Pradesh Manimahesh Lake
Also referred to as the Dal Lake, Manimahesh Lake is situated at a high altitude, about 4,080 metres. Its proximity with Manimahesh Kailash Peach, a part of the Himalaya’s Pir Panjal Range in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba District makes it popular for its religious meanings. Another lake located in Tiber referred to as the Lake Mansarovar, this is the second most famous religiously significant lake in India. This lake gained a lot of popularity because of a pilgrimage trek that is highly revered organised during the months of August or September in the month of Bhadon as per Hindu calendar. This pilgrimage occurs on the New Moon Period’s eigth day. It is popular as “Manimahesh Yatra”. This occasion has been declared as a state level pilgrimage by Himachal Pradesh Government.
A popular fair referred to as the Minjar Fair is also organised here in the month of August. Since a wide array of temples and religious places are located close to this lake, this has gained immense popularity as a pilgrim spot. This lake also has a rich history and legends linked to it.
History
As per Indian Mythology, Manimahesh was created by Lord Shiva after his marriage with goddess Parvati took place who was an ardent worshipper of Mata Girija. As the legend goes, Lord Shiva used to show his displeasure by creating blizzards and avalanches that used to frequently occur in this region.
On the Lake Manimahesh’s banks, Shiva performed penance as per legends. Lord Shiva was adopted as their God or revered deity by the tribes of the region, the Gaddis. These people live in the Gaddi Valley. This valley is a part of River Ravi’s upper region where Mount Chamba Kailash is located. As the legend goes, Lord Shiva used to reside in the Mount Kailash which is the state’s highest mountain. Lord Shiva gifted with a Chaupali topi or a pointed cap to the Gaddis which they wear as a part of their traditional dress comprising of chola or a coat, a dora or a long cord in black color about 10-15 m long. This land later known to be called by the name of Shiv Bhumi by the Gaddis. Shiv Bhumi or the Land of Lord Shiva is ardent devotees of the Lord. When the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place at Mansarovar Lake, this place came to be known as “The Universal parents of the Universe”. Mount Kailash was created by the Lord in Himachal Pradesh and made it his residence.
Abode of three Lords, Manimahesh was considered to be an abode of Vishnu, Shiva and Lord Brahma. Known to be as Lord Shiva’s heaven, Manimahesh is a picturesque destination. While travelling to this lake, a waterfall lies in between at Dancho that is believed to have been emanated from this lake. It is considered to be Vishnu’s Vaikuntha. Opposite to Bharmaur City, Brahma’s heaven is cited.
As the legend goes, Lord Shiva resides at this place for six months and rest of the time; he wanders to different places handing over his reign to Lord Vishnu. On Janmasthami, the day is celebrated is with great fanfare as it is on this day, Lord Shiva leaves Manimahesh Lake. As February ends, Lord Shiva comes back to this place before the wedding night and this day is celebrated as the Sivaratri Day.
Attractions
Manimahesh Lake is a high altitude lake that offers picturesque views of the place. It seems as if Mother Nature’s blessings have been showered on this place. Its vicinity with Manimahesh’s Kailash Peak in the Himalaya’s Pir Panjal range adds further attraction to this lake. The lake is situated in the Bharmaur subdivision on Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh. Pilgrims come here in large numbers for a holy dip. Its religious significance is just next to Lake Mansarovar located in Tibet. A small shivling made up of marble known as Chaumukha is also located on the lake margins.
How to Reach
To reach this picturesque destination, people can use trains as mode of transportation as Pathankot in Punjab is the nearest railway station. Similarly, Gaggal located in Kangra is the nearest airport to reach this lake. It is situated abou 170 kms away from Chamba. If using road transport, Manimahesh is located about 78 kms away from Chamba. Several buses, coaches and taxis ply from Delhi and Chandigarh.
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