BOOKING OPEN 2BHK/3BHK FLATS at Gurgaon, Noida, Noida Extension, Greater Noida Cont: 9419101229, 94191-76665 ENTRUST REALTORS & CONSULTANTS SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine www.jammuproperty.com PILGRIMAGE TO MANIMAHESH Kaushal Kotwal dis with a Chuhali topi (pointed cap), which they wear tra- ditionally along with their other dress of chola (coat) and The annual yatra of Manimahesh commences from Lax- dora (a long black cord about 10-15 m long). The Gaddis mi-Narayana Temple in Chamba in the month of August / started calling the land of this mountainous region as 'Shiv September. Also the scared Chhari of Lord Shiva is taken Bhumi' (Land of Shiva) and themselves as devotees of Shi- from different holy places of Chenab Valley of Bhadarwah va. The legend further states that before Shiva married Par- tehsil and adjoining areas of the tehsil Bhadarwah of dis- vati at Mansarovar Lake and became the "universal par- trict Doda. In this sacred yatra chelas of Lord Shiva along- ents of the universe", Shiva created the Mount Kailash in with many devotees of Lord Shiva proceed to Manimahesh Himachal Pradesh and made it his abode. He made Gad- tirth in Himachal Pradesh. Some accompany the chhari and dis his devotees. The land where Gaddis lived extended some go directly to Himachal Pradesh. The Chhari is tak- from 15 miles (24 km) west of Bharmaur, upstream of the en to the sacred lake of Manimahesh, which is one of the confluence of Budhil and Ravi rivers, up to Manimahesh. chief tirthas in the district. Of late people from north India Maninnahesh was also considered the abode of the three and beyond have started visiting this sacred lake. The lake Lords of the universe namely, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. is situated at the height of 13,500 feet above sea level and Manimahesh was reckoned as the heaven (Kaliasa) of Lord at the base of Manimahesh Kailash peak a (18,564 feet), Shiva. The waterfall seen at the Dhancho on the way to 92 km from Chamba, where pligrims take holy dip. Man- Manimahesh Lake, and which emanates from the lake, was imahesh Kailash is a virgin peak. In 1968 an Indo-Japan- considered as the heaven (Vaikunta) of Vishnu. The heav- ese team led by Nandini Patel made an unsuccessful en of Bramha is cited as a mound overlooking the Bhar- attempt to scale the peak. The devout attribute the failure maur city. The Gaddis also believe that Shiva resides in the to the divine prowess of the holy mountain. On the margin Mount Kailash for six months, whereafter he moves to the of the lake is a small marble Shivaling called Chaumukha. netherworld handing over the reigns to Lord Vishnu. The Manimahesh is 27 km from Bharmour. During the mela day he departs to the netherworld is observed by the Gad- days, bus service is available upto Hadsar, 14 km from dis reverentially every year, which is the Janmashtami day, Bharmour. The pilgrimage is generally done in two stages. the eighth day of the month of Bhadon (August), the birth- Between Dhanchho and Manimahesh lake, there are minor day of Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Shiva places of pilgrimage known as Bandar Ghati, Gauri Kund, returned from the netherworld to Bharamaur at the end of Shiv Kalotri and Ganesh Ghati. The trek from Dhanchho to February, before the night of his wedding and this day is Manimahesh lake is difficult in patches. Just short of the observed as the Shivratri day; Gaddis observe this also as lake is Gauri Kund where women take a holy dip before a festive day since Shiva and Parvati returned to Mount returning to home. The pilgrimage to Manimahesh is con- Kailash in the Gaddi land. sidered sacred like that of Amarnath, Badrinath and Etymology of 'Manimahesh' signifies a "jewel (Mani) Rameshwarm. During the mela days several bhandaras on Lord Shiva's (Mahesh's) crown". According to a local are set-up for the benefit of pilgrims and meals are served legend, the moon-rays reflected from the jewel can be bestowed a boon, which gave powers to Bhasmasur Mahesh peak is seen in reflection in the lake like saffron free of cost. Pack animals are also available for those who seen from Manimahesh Lake on clear full moon night under which Bhasmasur touching any one would reduce tilak. This display in the lake has enhanced the legendary do not want to carry their luggage themselves. (which is a rare occasion). However, it has been inferred that person into ashes. Bhasmasur wanted to try this belief of the Gaddis on the sanctity of Manimahesh Lake at Legend also mentions that Shiva performed penance that such a phenomenon could be the result of reflection boon on Shiva himself. He, therefore, followed Shiva to the base of the Mount Kailash, which they visit on an annu- on the banks of Manimahesh Lake. In the same vein, it is of light from the glacier that embellishes the peak in the touch him and get rid of him. However, Shiva managed al pilgrimage. This event has also contributed to the prac- mentioned that Gaddis, the tribes of this region, adopted form of a serpent around Shiva's neck. to escape and enter into the waterfall at Dhancho and tice of taking bath in the lake on Janmashtami day or Rad- Lord Shiva as their deity. Gaddis are the people who reside A legend in which Lord Shiva himself is tricked is nar- take shelter in a cave behind the rolling waters of the fall. hashtami day, fifteen days after the birth of Lord Krishna. in the Gaddi Valley which is the name of the upper regions rated. According to this narration linked to Dhancho Bhasmasur could not get through the waterfall. Then, Devotees who are blessed with darshan of the light of of Ravi River where the Mount Chamba Kailash lies. Fur- where pilgrims spend a night on their way to Manima- Lord Vishnu intervened and killed Bhasmasur. Since then sacred mani on the day of Janmashtami chant ther, according to the legend, the Shiva, who lived in Mount hesh Lake, Lord Shiva, pleased with the devotion of one the fall is considered holy. "Sab Kuch Paa Liya Is Sansar Mein In Darshano Ke Kailash, the highest mountain of the state, gifted the Gad- his ardent devotee Bhasmasur (an asura or demon) A rare event of the first sun's rays falling on the Mani Saath, Jeevan Safal Ho Gaya Bholenath Ki Kripa Ke Sath". every body as well as Government of India, Doda called them and people demanded set- which was instrumental in their constitution in ting up of a police picket in the area, which he 1995 to start political and peace process in the rejected saying that the Government does not state by installing a political Government. have the manpower. ``It was he (SSP) who He said infiltration has again started in bor- asked us to constitute VDCs and fight terror- der belt and dreaded militant outfit Lashkar-e- ists by themselves''. ``We agreed this and eight Toiba (LeT) wants to spread its net work again. VDCs were constituted and given eight guns- The appearance of posters in various areas of four to Hindus and four to Muslims. Since then Kishtwar recently and appealing youth to join people are living in complete peace and with- militants ranks is an indication in this regard. out any threat he added. VDCs ON VIGIL Accusing the Government of its failure in tak- He said once the VDCs are disbanded the ing a tough stance against terrorism and elim- Government should make arrangements of inating the terrorists, he said the people who providing quarters to all villagers at safer have been part of anti militancy operations in places so that they don't become the targets this hilly belt feel demoralized at present. of militants again. Whosoever fought against the terrorism has Rubbishing the separatist Hurriyat propa- been demoralized by the Government and ganda and its demand on disbanding VDCs, against some people false charges have been a local Sarpanch in a remote area of Bhadar- leveled, he added. wah said that Hurriyat leaders including Syed The SOG has been closed and those locals Ali Shah Geelani has no locus standi in who were working with it and who had played demanding disbanding of VDCs as it is for the a leading role in elimination of dreaded terror- Government to take a decision. Since the ists have been transferred to far of areas, he threat is still there and situation has not said. This way the Government was also try- become conducive, it will not be advisable to ing to create fear psychosis among the mass- es and further the game plan of separatists, disband VDCs who have done a commend- he added. able job in elimination of militants from hilly Highlighting the exemplary courage and reaches of Jammu region, he added. valor displayed by VDC members in the hilly He said VDCs provide security to people belt of erstwhile Doda district, he said many of and they are a threat to anti national and anti them laid down their lives in fighting terrorism social elements and not to the peace loving and in Dachan area of Kishtwar a group of people. The Hurriyat is misleading the people VDCs was eliminated in 2001 by terrorists but in this regard by raking up the issue of disband- still they did not give up and continued their ing VDCs which should be rejected lock stock fight against terror.