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Manimahesh Yatra - Importance - Route - Dates in 2024

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Manimahesh Yatra is a pilgrimage to the sacred Manimahesh Lake in the Bharmour Region of Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh. Manimahesh Yatra 2024 begins on August 26 ends on September 11. The holy Kailash Peak – the abode of Lord Shiva – is reflected on the still waters of the oval-shaped Manimahesh Lake. A four-faced marble Shivling is worshipped here.

When is Manimahesh Yatra Observed?
The pilgrimage is undertaken annually on the Sri Krishna Janmashtami and ends on Radhashtami. The official yatra commences with the start of ‘Chhari’ from the Lakshminarayan Temple in Chamba town. The state government of Himachal Pradesh conducts the yatra.

Many devotees undertake the pilgrimage during July to September. Those devotees who prefer to avoid the crowd undertake the journey in May, June and October. But this does not have the government support.



Importance of the Yatra

The first rays of the sun in the early morning hours reflect on the Kailash peak here. The brilliant brightness emits from the diamond (mani) of Sheshnag on the neck of Shiva.  It also means that Shiva is seated on the Kailash peak

The Manimahesh Yatra consists of taking a dip in the Manimahesh Lake at an altitude of 13,500 feet, worshipping the Chaumukha (four-faced) Shivling and three parikramas of the lake.

Manimahesh Yatra Route

Manimahesh Yatra is usually a three-day affair. The easiest route to the sacred lake is from Chamba. There are buses from Chamba to Bharmour and jeeps from Bharmour to Hadsar. From Hadsar, the pilgrims have to trek 13 kilometers to Manimahesh. Dhanchho, around six kilometers from Hadsar, is chosen as a halting place during night.

On the way from Hadsar to Manimahesh, there are the twin ponds of Shiva Krotri and Gaurikund. Women take dip in Gaurikund and men in Shiva Krotri. It is believed that Parvati and Lord Shiva bathe in these ponds.

Also Bharmour Valley has cluster of 84 temples known as Bharmour Chaurasi. The Manimahesh Temple is the main attraction. (Please note that this Manimahesh Temple is not near the Manimahesh Lake but it in Bharmour.) The 84 temples in Bharmour are dedicated to the popular deities in the Hindu Pantheon.
Image and map courtesy to Chamba district website