Manimahesh Lake also known as Dal Lake of Himachal Pradesh is a high altitude lake situated close to the Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The religious significance of Manimahesh Lake is next to that of the Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.
Manimahesh Lake is the venue of a highly revered pilgrimage trek undertaken during the month of August to September corresponding to the month of Bhadra according to Hindu calendar, on the eighth day of the New Moon period. It is known as the `Manimahesh Yatra`. The Government of Himachal Pradesh has declared it as a state-level pilgrimage to Manimahesh Lake.
Mythological Significance of Manimahesh Lake
According to Hindu mythological legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva created Manimahesh after he married Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Mata Girja. There are many mythological stories narrated linking Lord Shiva and his show of displeasure through acts of avalanches and blizzards that occur in the region.
Geography of Manimahesh Lake
Manimahesh Lake is of glacial origin. Manimahesh Lake is in the upper reaches of the Ghoi nala, which is the tributary of Budhil River, a tributary of the Ravi River in Himachal Pradesh. However, Manimahesh Lake is the source of a tributary of the Budhil River, known as `Manimahesh Ganga`.
The Stream of Manimahesh Lake originates from the lake in the form of a fall at Dhancho. The mountain peak is a snow clad tribal glen of Brahamur in the Chamba district of manimahesh range. The highest peak is the Mani Mahesh Kailas, also called `Chamba Kailash` overlooking the lake.
Manimahesh Lake is considered as a glacial depression. Manimahesh Lake is sourced by snow-melt waters from the surrounding hill slopes. Towards the end of June with ice beginning to melt, numerous small streams break up everywhere, which together with the lush green hills and the myriad of flowers give the place a truly remarkable view.
Visiting Information
Manimahesh Lake is one of the important revenue earning medium of the government of Himachal Pradesh, as the tourism in Manimahesh Lake is considered as one of the most sacred and one of the most adventurous spot in Himachal Pradesh. Manimahesh Lake is approached from three routes. Pilgrims from Lahaul and Spiti District pass through Kugti pass. Pilgrims from Kangra District and Mandi District take the Karwarsi pass or Jalsu pass via Tyari village, near Holi in Bharmour. The easiest and popular route is from Chamba District via Bharmour.
