The Manimahesh Kailash Peak, also known as Chamba Kailash, which stands towering
high over the Manimehesh lake, is believed to be the abode of Lord shiva, the
(Hindu diety. It is located in the Bharmour subdivision of the chamba distirct
in north india. The peak is 26 kilometres (16 mi) from Bharmour in the
Budhil valley. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh. The
Manimahesh Lake is at the base of the Kailash peak at 5,653 metres
(18,547 ft) and both are held in deep veneration by people of Himachal
Pradesh, particularly the gaddi tribes of the region, as the abode of Lord
shiva. In the month of bhadon, on the eighth day of the new moon period a fair
is held in the precincts of the lake that attracts thousands of pilgrims.
Lord shiva is considered
the supreme god within shaivism, one of the three most influential
denominations in Hinduism.Shiva is usually worshipped in the aniconic form of
lingam. He is described as an omniscient yogi, who lives an ascetic life on
kailash,as well as a householder with a wife Parvati and two sons, Ganesha and
Kartikeya. Shiva has many benevolent as well as fearsome forms. He is often
depicted as immersed in deep meditation, with his wife and children or as the
Cosmic Dancer . In fierce aspects, he is often depicted slaying
demons.According to a local myth, Lord Shiva is believed to reside in
Manimahesh Kailash. A rock formation in the form of a Shivling on this mountain
is considered as the manifestation of Lord Shiva. The snow field at the base of
the mountain is called by the local people as Shiva's Chaugan.
It is also believed
that Manimahesh Kailash is invincible as no one has so far scaled it, in spite
of claims to the contrar and the fact that much taller peaks have
been scaled, including Mount everest. According to one legend, a local tribe, a
Gaddi, tried to climb along with a herd of sheep and is believed to have been
turned into stone along with his sheep.
Another legend narrated is that a snake also attempted to
climb the mountain but failed and was converted into stone. Devotees believe
that that they can view the peak only if the Lord wishes so. Bad weather
covering the peak with clouds is also explained as a displeasure of the Lord.
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