Manimahesh
Yatra Story
The story of
Manimahesh Yatra is associated with Lord Shiva, who created the Manimahesh
mountain after marrying his wife Parvati. Anyone who reaches the top of this
mountain is considered to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
According to
a legend, a shepherd tried to climb this sacred peak with his sheep, but he
turned into stone along with his sheep. Another belief is that at night a light
emerges from the mountain and merges into the lake, which is believed to be the
light of the gem worn around Shiva’s neck.
Major
stories and beliefs
The abode
of shiva and Parvati:
Locals
believe that Lord Shiva resides on the Manimahesh mountain with his wife Parvati.
Invincible
Peak:
Manimahesh
Mountain is considered to be an invincible peak, which no one has been able to
climb successfully till date.
The story
of the shepherd who became a stone
According to
a famous legend, a shepherd tried to climb this mountain with his sheep. It is
believed that he turned into stone just before reaching the summit and the
remains of his sheep can still be seen today in the form of small hills.
The light
of the gem:
In the
morning, a supernatural light emerges from the peak of Manimahesh mountain
which rapidly enters the lake. The light is considered to be the symbol of Lord
Shiva’s gem.
Travel related
beliefs:
Devotees who
visit Manimahesh Lake believe that the visit atones for their sins and brings
them closer to Lord Shiva.
Religious
bath:
During the
yatra, females pilgrims go to Gauri kund and males in Shiv krotri.
Weather
sign:
Bad weather
or the peak being covered with clouds is considered a sign of Lord Shiva’s
displeasure.