Over 5 lakh devotees undertake arduous Manimahesh pilgrimage

Chamba, Sep 21 (UNI) More than five lakh pilgrims have visited Mani Mahesh Kailash, in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh to take a holy dip in the sacred lake so far during the arduous pilgrimage that commenced on August 28, on Rakshabandhan day.

Apart from the hill-state of Himachal, devotees from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir are thronging the popular Mani Mahesh Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, at 18,564 feet above the sea level.

Although a track upto Hadsar village in Bharmour tribal area about 80 kilometer from Chamba, has been connected by motorable road, it means a ride full of risk.

Beyond Hadsar, one has to treck the 16 km strech on foot.

Horses are available at Hadsar.

The ''Charri Yatra'' to Mani Mahesh this year began from Dashnam Akhara of Chamba, the Chaari carried by the Naga Sadhus of Dashnam Akhara Chamba, reached the Kailash after a week-long fixed route.

On the Rakshabandhan day, according to tradition, only sadhus took the dip in holy Dal lake, situated at 13,500 feet above sea level.

The second major dip was taken on the occasion of Krishan Janamashtmi in which devotees from Bhadrwah of Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir come on foot after crossing the high hills for centuries.

On the day of Radha Ashtmi or Durva Ashtmi all devotees can take the dip.

The state government, which has declared this fair a 'state fair', is providing rescue parties, water, electricity by generator, health and communication facilities and other allied facilities.

The private organisers were providing prompt and free community kitchen service throughout the way to Mani Mahesh.

Himachal Pradesh Mountaineering Institute Bharmour Sub Centre is providing loading facilities to the devotees.

UNI