Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Himachal Pradesh is the annual trek to Shrikhand Mountain which is a swayambhu Shivling. The annual yatra is of great importance in Hinduism because the mountain is the abode of Shiva and Parvati. And the mountain itself is a natural miracle.
Shrikhand Mahadev is a naturally formed Shivling of 17 meters. It is located on the Shrikhand Mahadev peak which is 6,400 meter high.
Shrikhand Mahadev Miracle
Snow never falls on the Shrikhand Mahadev even when the nearby peaks are covered in snow.
The Shivling reflects sunlight in such a way that all the seven colors play on it. Sometimes it seems to be violet, red, yellow, blue or green.
Kalpa town in Himachal Pradesh is around 13 km from Reckong Peo. The view of the Shivling from Kalpa reveals its most miraculous aspect.
Shrikhand Mahadev Pilgrimage
The annual religious Parikrama of the Shivling attracts scores of devotees – this is held during Janmashtami – the Chhadi yatra – the journey carrying the holy mace
The trek for public begins on Ashadha Purnima (July) and ends on Ashwin Purnima (October) as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in North India.
Traditionally, the entire journey was 200 kms and made on foot. The route would being and end at Powari, winding along the Sutlej through the Tirung valley and the Charang pass and finally the charming Baspa valley.
Earlier devotees would walk for over a week, but today with paved roads, the journey can be completed in three days and the route includes Thangi and Chitkul.
The 1,800 descent to Chitkul down moraine covered mountain sides to the banks of the Baspa is one of the most dramatic moments of pilgrimage.