Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra

ॐ नमः शिवाय !

यः सतत कर्त्रिनाम, भक्तानाम, अशुभं |
पापं च शयती न शयती सः शिवः||

- जो सतत स्मरण करने वाले भक्तों के कष्टों और पापों का निवारण करके शुभ मार्ग पर चलने की प्रेरणा देता है ,वही शिव है |

जय श्रीखंड महादेव !

Pilgrimage to Shrikhand Mahadev, Kullu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Shrikhand Mahadev is situated at an height of 18,700 ft. above sea level in the Great Himalayan National Park of Himachal Pradesh, India.

There are seven Kailash parvats (sapt kailash) as per Hindu mythology -

1. Maan Sarovar, Tibet, China.
2. Adi Kailash, Uttarakhand, India.
3. Kinner Kailash, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
4. Shrikhand Mahadev, Himachal Pradesh, India.
5. Mani Mahesh, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India.
6. Shri Kailash, near Gangotri, Uttaranchal, India.
7. Southern Kailash, near Kataragama, Sri Lanka.

These all are considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva.


Dated: July 20th, 2007 !!
I left Delhi at 6:30 PM (missing the last direct bus to Rampur) and reached Chandigarh to join my friend (Naresh) so that we together could start our journey to Shrikhand. We travelled till Rampur (- 140 km ahead of Shimla on NH-22) via bus and reached there at 11:00 AM. For our fortune, immediately there was a direct bus to Baghipul. Actually Baghipul is the last station connected with road. From there onwards one has to start the trek. As it was raining throughout the travel, and ours being the first time trek in this locale, we got afraid that the yatra would impede. But it was not intended.
On reaching Baghipul, we took a shared taxi till village Jaon. The road was tight. Our actual trek started from this village. After few 5 KMs of trek, we had food provided in langars [free kitchen] organised by localites and there only we had a little nap. This place is called SinghGhat. Then we decided to move up. When asked, those localites guided us for the next destination - Thacharu, 10 km ahead. On the way we met a couple (localites) who became our companions till the trek finished.


Singh Ghat - Thacharu:I still remember these 10 KM - complete exhaustness. It was tough, very tough. Steep 80 degrees height. When we looked up, the hill was soaring into the skies. We started moving. Alongside the path was Shrikhand river.
We were talking to each other so that we do not feel fatigued. It was becoming dark and we had lot of distance to cover up. Trespassing the jungles we moved slowly. It was raining all through and we were wet too. We reached Thacharu when it was complete darkness (it was 8 PM though). Its really tough. Even a luggage of 5Kg on your back seems of 25Kgs. We had dinner together. The cook charged Rs 40 for a plate of Rice, roti, Dal [cereals] and a subji [vegetables], but he looked more than satisfied while taking that money. We planned to move early morning so that we can reach next point in time. We hired blankets from the providers there and had a nap. Our plan was to reach Bheem dwari the next day.

Thacharu >>> Kaali Ghati:
We woke up at 2:00 AM in the morning and started trekking towards Kaali Ghati. Though it was not raining, the road was all wet. Torches are of great help here. The moment we reached the ridge, I was tired. We were also out of water. And there was a deep narrow gauge ahead of us to move down. We filled out water bottles with the water that came out of soil. That is actually hard water with lots of minerals in it, but tastes great. It was wonderful feeling at the top. Pilgrims were sleeping in the camp that could have had helped us, but I resisted. And we moved ahead quietly without disturbing them.

Kaali Ghati >>> Kaali Ghati ka Taal:
A complete down turn from Kaali Ghati, the little broken stones make the way tougher. Naresh helped and supported me to get that gorge passed, as it was quite slippery. We reached the Taal (pond) at 5:00 AM. We took a batch and refreshed ourselves, and then moved immediately.





Kaali Ghati ka Taal >>> Bheem Dwari:
The route from Taal to Bheem Dwari was of little UPs and DOWNs. We e moved several hills up and down. Few are steep, others are narrow. There was melting ice in between the valley areas. The couple helped me and Naresh to cross that ice. First a nervous heart and then the happiness of success makes you thrilled . It all was amazing. On the way we saw and the localite couple with us explained about various medicinal herbs. We reached Bheem Dwari at 8:30 AM. I was completely exhausted.


Bheem Dwari >>> Parvati Bagh:
Bheem Dwari is such a wonderful location that is beyond description. You could see the great Himalayan height, you feel little against it. Lots of ravines are seen here. At least 10. And then the join and make up the Shrikhand river. For me there it was - both shelter and food (langar). We talked to those servicing people, who were there just to service the pilgrims like us. Preparing food, maintaining shelter, managing excretory system. Heads off to them. We had our breakfast and started again. There are two BIG waterfalls in between. One could see lots of Brahma Kamals [rare lotus, scientific name Saussurea obvallata] at Parvati Bagh.

Parvati Bagh >>> Nayan Sarovar:
Nayan Sarovar is a water lake in the shape of eye. Most people take a holy bath here. Its a belief that one must take the bath and then only visit Shrikhand PeakMadadeva. There is a shrine here and is the last one. When we reached a place called Nayan Sarovar, that couple had a bath there. Beautiful waterfalls and complete greenness that anyone would fall in love with. It was shivering as we moved ahead.



Nayan Sarovar >>> Shrikhand Mahadev:
After Nayan Sarovar, the climb is quite steep again. "Hard trek" Naresh told me. Its completely rocks with no vegetation around. Localites believe that Pandawas, while in search of Lord Shiva to attain their Nirvana after Mahabharata, visited Shrikhand. It is evident from the rocks written in some unknown script at this place.

I was moving in ecstasy - I dont know what was it, effortless. We quickly had a round walk around the Shivalingam and moved down. Actually at such a height its very hard to stay for long time as it starts to have breathing problem. The Shiva Lingam is 72 ft high. Another little rock, which people call Maa Parwati, is alongside it.
We quickly moved down to the shelter (about 8 KM down). We had good chat with those service offering men. We were deluging in spiritual stories and the environment was overwhelming. Next day we started early (at 5 AM) and moved down and said bye to that couple who helped us so much in this trip. Later on I took a bus to my home and Naresh left to chandigarh. Thanks for all your patience and interst in reading it. Jai Bhole Naath

Trek Summary:

Source	Destination	Distance	Time Taken	Start	Stop	Mode
Delhi	Shimla	340 KM	10 Hrs	19:00	5:00	Bus
Shimla	Rampur	140 KM	5 Hrs	6:00	11:00	Bus
Rampur	Nirmand	20 KM	1 Hrs	12:00	13:00	Bus
Nirmand	Baghi Pul	10 KM	45 min	13:00	13:45	Bus
Baghi Pul	Jaon Village	5 KM	30 min	14:00	14:30	Taxi
Gaon	Singh Ghat	5 KM	30 min	14:30	15:00	Trek
Singh Ghat	Thachru	(10 KM approx)	4 Hrs	15:30	19:30	Trek
Thacharu	KaliGhati	(5 KM)	2 Hrs	2:00	4:00	Trek
Kali Ghati	Kali Ghati Ka Taal	(5 KM)	1 Hr	4:00	5:00	Trek
Kali Ghati Ka Taal	Bheem Dwari	(10 KM)	3 Hrs 30 min	5:00	8:30	Trek
Bheem Dwari	Parwati Maindan	(5 KM)	1 Hr 30 min	9:30	11:00	Trek
Parwati Maindan	Nayan Sarovar	(5 KM)	1 Hr	11:00	12:00	Trek
Nayan Sarovar	Shrikhand Mahadev	(5 KM)	2 Hr	12:00	2:00	Trek
Shrikhand Mahadev	Bheem Dwari	(15 KM)	5 Hrs 30 min	2:30	18:00	Trek
Bheem Dwari	Singh Ghat	( 30 KM)	10 Hrs	5:00	15:00	Trek
Singh Ghat	Rampur	40 KM	4 Hrs 30 min	15:30	20:00	Walk / Taxi
Rampur	Delhi	480 KM	13 Hrs	21:30	11:30	Bus

Localites believe that while having shrikhand mahadev's darshan, one should chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra:

ॐ होऊ जौं सह ॐ त्रियम्बकम याजामाहे, सुगंधिम पुष्टि वर्धनम

उर्वरुकमिव बंध्नात, मृत्योर्मुख्शिय माम्रितात ॐ सह जौं होऊं ॐ

Itinerary: Rohtang, Anjani Mahade

Apr 28: It was last working day of the week, and Monday was a holiday, so we 5 decided to move out of Delhi. Travera pinged outside my room, while I was ready with my packed bag for a 3 day visit to Rohtang – which means a place of dead bodies. With a lazy start, it was around 12 at midnight that we left Delhi.

Jayant is jovial at all times. We all enjoyed his gags till we reached Karnal and after few inane words we all took little sleep till we reached Kiratpur (at around 6 AM).

ACC cement factory, in Bilaspur, appeared as if it’s a kind of nuclear plant – Aman laughed when Mayank said this. We stoptook our B’fast at Mayur restraint. If you started off like ours, then do take your B’fast at Mayur Restaurant (it is after HPMC fruit juice plant near Sundar Nagar). RV got excited when we get to Himalayan hoof at Pandoh.

It was fantastic taking bath in the chilled water of Beas River near Kullu – thanks to driver for his captivating idea. If you don’t dare of water, especially chilled, do take a dip.

As we moved on towards Kullu, we didn’t felt cold as we expected. Cool breeze started as we approached Manali, just 45 Km from Kullu. In Kullu, procure the eminent Kullu shawls. It was 2 PM by the time we reached Manali – named after Manu and means adobe of Manu. Amazingly, but disappointedly Aman asked if we reached Manali? We were not shivering yet.

We started searching room downwards from Nehru chowk and got a decently good dual room for Rs 400 at hotel Vijayant. Without delay, we left to the ancient cave temple of Hidimba Devi (3Km) and enjoyed the majesty forests. Mayank shot beautiful photographs with his Canon dSLR.

We had our dinner at Adarsh restaurant (fairly good food, but best if we are to compare it with other hotels which we tried for rest of our stay at Manali).

Apr 29: Rohtang

We left towards Rohtang at 12 noon. It’s a 40 Km stretch till Beas Naala – the source of River Beas and we managed to go till this place only, as Army restricts civilians’ incursion thereafter until road is clear. Start off early otherwise the single road will be heavily congested.

Skiing, rolling and tube skating were the best tricks we all enjoyed. The climate is highly unpredictable. Moment we reached and left Vyaas Naala, conditions were totally changed. Half heartedly, we left this fantastic place at 7. Return trip was easy as all others have already left and the road was clear.

We ended up at a restaurant (couldn’t remember the name, but it was near to Mayur restaurant). We ordered Gujrati and Punjabi thali – none of which had a good taste. With his hilarious jokes, Jayant besieged the entire milieu. RV added aroma to it. With all laughing and fighting, we slept at 3 in crack of dawn. So this was our first day at Manali. Full of joy.

Apr 30 and May 1: Solang Valley, Para-gliding, Anjani Mahadev, Way back to delhi.

We had planned to visit the valley. It is 15 Km away from Manali on the same way as Rohtang, but beware to take the left turn. Solang looks more like a fair ground in between deodar trees.

To enjoy para-gliding, you have to climb the little slant hill. The panoramic view of Solang comes from top and especially during para-gliding. Aman and Mayank, being the daring ones, tried out Para gliding. Aman’s flight was awful, but Mayank’s aide made the preeminent air travel. Then we three (me, RV, and Jayant) went ahead to have fun with it. Its nto worth Rs 600 as the union charges, but nice to have for one time. Mine was the worst of all as the aide was too heavy.

None of us will forget the lesson learnt from a juggler. He was same as in GURU. There were three strikers, all were colored downside – two were black and one was red. But the tricky part was when he changes the color by just pressing it. We lost Rs 5000 to him. But we learnt a wonderful lesson from him. At the side of this man, I saw a signpost portraying Rohtang tunnel. 10.5 Km long, which is South Portal Approach Road joining Solang to Keylong.

As we all were moving back to Manali, somebody asked a local about any other place we could visit here. It was our treat of the day. In addition to the immaculate beauty, Solang Valley occludes ‘Anjani Mahadev’. We rambled towards Anjani Mahadev temple, just 4 Km away. To our surprise the temple was covered with lot of snow around it. Ladders were covered with snow. Quickly and enthusiastically we climbed the way. The very redolence of spiritualism was intoxicating. Two saints told us about the place. Anjani Mahadev was founded by Baba Prakesh Puri ji Maharaj, 20 years ago when he found ice-made shivlangam (35-40fts high). Most electrifying view was when we saw water falling from 300 ft height onto shivalingm. It is supposed that mother of lord Hanuman, Anjani worshipped here. We had exquisite photography. The amusing part was the dive by Aman while crossing the gorge. So, if you ever plan to visit Manali, situated in North province of India, Himachal Pradesh then don’t forget to step in Anjani Mahadev.

As we approached Manali back, we planned to play, and moved towards Club House (move right when going towards Hadimba temple). Club House was created 10 years ago by Sports ministry of Himachal which hosts both indoor and outdoor games, and charge a fair amount too.

It was too tiring a day. We went to Mayur restaurant and everybody enjoyed dinner there. By the time we reach the room back everybody wanted to sleep, but we decided to return to Delhi and skipped water rafting. We started at 2 in night and reached Mandi by 3:30. But RV got pooped and vomited. Then we decided to go to my home (which was on the way), took rest and left. We reached Chandigarh by 7 PM. We had our dinner at Mirchi, 15 Km behind Ambala. It’s a decent place with good food. Check it out.

Our trip was full of chatter, I would rather say.

May 2: Welcome back to Delhi with soaring 42 degree temperature.

Chamba Khajjiar Excursion Apr 12, 2007

Dalhousie is a gateway to Chamba (10^th AD primordial state), with its innate exquisiteness. Situated at an altitude of 6800 feet, it’s an incredible place.

Along with my friend, I left Delhi to Pathankot at around 11 in night on Apr 12. There are few direct transportation buses between our capital and Chamba. We planned it late to visit Chamba but one can plan and leave Delhi via train to Pathankot and then take another short journey to Dalhousie or Chamba. Dalhousie is better known for her stretch over 5 hills. But I liked the cool breeze with fairly good amount of sunlight at the ridge. We reached Dalhousie at around 1 PM on APR 13 (half of our day gone astray). One can find numerous number of Hotels, Resorts and Guest Houses there. After negotiation, we got a discounted room in Hotel Geetanjali for around INR 400. Dalhousie city is spread over three little places connect to each other with road, called as The Mall. Gandhi Chowk, Subhash Chowk and Bus Stand. We took our lunch at hotel only and without delay, left the hotel, after having lunch, towards Panchpula.

Panchpula have a historic effigy of late ajeet singh (Bhagat Sign’s paternal uncle). Panchpula has a beautiful waterfall.

Day2: Khajjiar - Chamba - Ravi – Chamera tour:

After a 6 hrs sleep, I awoke at 6 in the morning, took bath and had little walk on the Mall. There were the most relaxing moments of whole trip. We went to Scottish Church, but since it was closed we got no more information. We booked a cab yesterday evening with Prince travels, who have well settled transport business in Dalhousie. They charged INR 250 per person and accommodate 8 people in that cab. Our cab left towards Khajjiar, but stopped at Lakkarmandi to let us have some pics in beautiful hills.

We had a pic with Satish. He was there for a movie shoot out in Bakhot hills.

Khajjiar is the most exotic and scenic beauty place around 22 Km from Dalhousie.

At an altitude of 6400 ft, this saucer like, green meadow, with a small lake at center, is enclosed between deodar trees. I liked horseback riding and strolling.

We reached Chamba city at around 2:30 PM, but got disappointed after looking at chaotic condition of Chugan promenade.

The famous Manjar festival takes place in Chugan. Chamba has her history as old a 10^th AD.

At that time, the Laxhmi Narayan temples were built. These temples have lord Vishnu and Shiva effigies. There are Sui mata and Chamunda temples uphill around 3 Km away. Chamba is situated along side river Ravi (locally known as Iravati).

We missed the opportunity to visit Rang Mahal due to shortage of time. Also, adding to our bad luck, the Bhuri Singh museum was closed for state holiday.

There was a marvelous view of snow on 11000 feet high mountains of Pangi Valley.

From local people I came to know that river Chandrabhaga (or Chenab) gorges through it. One should stand for a while near Chugan and experience soothing sound of Ravi.

Next we moved on to Chamera in kriyan village। NHPC Chamera is divided into 3 stages as Chamera 1, 2, 3 located at different places - Kheri, kriyan, garola।

दय३: दैन्कुंद, कलातोप

Trekking 10000 feet hills is always adventurous, so how could we miss such an opportunity? Dainkund is 15 Km ahead of Dalhousie towards Khajjiar. Turn right at Lakkarmandi, 10 Km from Dalhousie. We started walking the hill at 10:30 and reached our destiny at 11:45. Dainkund is 5 Km uphill, but we took shortcuts, which are always tiring to thighs. After half the walk is over, one could see Air Force Radar at hill टॉप.