Shimla, Aug 19: The famous 'Manimahesh pilgrimage'
would commence on the occasion of Janamashtmi today at
sacred Manimahesh lake and conclude on September 3 on Radha
Ashthami.
The first dip in the holy Manimahesh lake, situated at an
altitude of 14000 ft, in Bharmaur tribal area would take place
today but it would be meant only for saints and pilgrims
coming from Bhadrawah, Bhalesh and Kistwar areas of Jammu and
Kashmir.
As a large number of 'yogis' take a dip on this day, it
is also known as 'Jogia Nahaun'. The final dip on Radha
Asthami is also called the 'Bada Nahaun'.
There is no temple as such at Manimahesh and pilgrims
worship the 'Mt Manimahesh', which is 18,564 ft high. The
pilgrims have to go to Hadsar by road for the yatra and trek a
14-km distance to reach Manimahesh lake.
The district administration has pitched 50 tents at
Dhanchho and Goth, about 1-km below the lake this year for
providing shelter to pilgrims.
Around 2-lakh pilgrims were expected to take a dip at the
holy lake during the fortnight.
Bureau Report
