Shrikhand Mahadev: The Sacred Abode of Lord Shiva

Shrikhand Mahadev Introduction

Shrikhand Mahadev is the abode of Lord Shiva, Located at a High altitude of 5660 meters (18570ft). In the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak there is a natural rock that is 75 feet in height and 46 feet wide where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Shivlinga, In the Peak there is a huge crack which is why it is named Shrikhand and there is also a story behind it which you will get to study later in this blog.

The Shrikhand Mahadev Peak is the Home of Lord Shiva Where Mahadev Lives along with Maa Parvati and Lord Ganesha and the next peak belongs to Lord Kartik.   

It is one of the holiest Hindu Pilgrimage sites in the Indian Himalayas in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. There are many sacred sites of Lord Shiva which we discussed in other’s blogs some of them are 12 Jyotirlingas, the Char Dham, Panch Kailash, Panch Kedar, and Vridh Kedar, Shrikhand Mahadev is also a part of Panch Kailash.

Shrikhand Mahadev yatra is not just a yatra or Trek. It is a spiritual journey to connect yourself with Shiva which is Special for every devotee, The journey to reach the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak is Known as The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra which opens every year during July and August and attracts thousands of devotees.

In this Blog, we will cover Shrikhand Mahadev’s complete Information which will help you to know more about Shrikhand Mahadev, the Story, and the Updates about the Yatra.

Shrikhand Mahadev Story

Shrikhand Mahadev’s story is associated with the demon Bhasmasur, The demon Bhasmasur wanted to be powerful so he got to know that there is only Lord Shiva can help him, So he started Penance after many years of Penance Shiva appeared before Bhasmasur and granted him boon. Bhasmasur asked for the power to turn anyone he touched on the head turned into Ashes (Bhasma) after receiving the boon Bhasmasur tried to turn Shiva into ashes.

Shiva then fled and conveyed everything to Lord Vishnu and Shiva hid in the Shrikhand Natural Rock a Shivalinga in Shrikhand Peak, Eventually, Lord Vishnu the preserver of the Universe appeared in front of Bhasmasur in the form of Mohini a beautiful woman infatuated with her, Mohini then purposed a dance contest for which Bhasmasur agreed and started mimic and copying steps of Mohini and Mohini placed her hand on her head without thinking Bhasmasur imitated her action which results in turning himself into ashes due to his boon.

Later on Maa Parvati, Ganesha and Kartika started penance in this Shrikhand Mahadev Peak for which Shiva appeared after breaking the stone which is why it is known as “Shrikhand”. The cracks can be seen in the Shrikhand Mahadev.

Shrikhand Mahadev History

Since Birth Lankapati Ravana used to come to Shrikhand to worship Lord Shiva and every time Ravana used to offer the head to Shiva which led to the name of “Shir Khandan” of this place during the old days which is known as Shrikhand in the Present.

About Shrikhand Mahadev

Shrikhand Mahadev is a revered pilgrimage holy site that has spiritual significance, at a high altitude of 18570 ft, the Shrikhand Mahadev peak is also the abode of Lord Shiva and the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is also a spiritual journey and an experience of a Lifetime considered to be one of the toughest Yatra. 

Details of Shrikhand Mahadev

Routes of Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra can be undertaken from different routes, the routes have their difficulty level and offer the best mesmerizing view one is from Shimla and the other is the main Route which is from Village Jaon, also the traditional route for Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra which is considered by the administration every year for Yatra which is opened every year during the month of Shravan (July- August).

Shrikhand Mahadev Itinerary

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is a 32 Km trek that passes through dense forest which also offers mesmerizing landscapes, scenic beauty, glaciers, and unique experiences of a Lifetime, a journey of self-discovery and devotion. The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra starts from Jaon village and culminates in Shrikhand Mahadev Peak.

The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is open annually once by the administration during the holy month of Shravan (July-August), the Shrikhand Yatra Trust also played an important role in this yatra.

The 32km distance where pilgrims plan to stay in five Base Camps established by the administration is Singhad, Thachru, Kunsa, Bheem Dwari, and Parvati Bagh which is also the last base Camp.

Day 01 (Jaon to Singhad) 3 Km 

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra starts from Jaon Village which is the starting point of the trek, after walking for 3 Km you reach Singhad which is also the first base camp set up by the administration you can also opt to choose a guest house there are Home stays and guest houses that are easily available.

Day 02 (Singhad to Thachru) 12 Km

The next day you start from Singhad and after ascent reach Barahati which is at an elevation of 2300 meters, It is known as Barahati because of the presence of Buransh trees in the nearby area and Barahati two rivulets meet, and at this place, there is a small temple of Gircharu from here a 8 Km steep ascent starts which is till Thachru which is the second base camp in between a place name Khumba Duar comes which is a perfect place to relax after covering a distance you reach Thachru at an elevation of 3600 meters.

Day 03 (Thachru to Kali Top)  3 Km

The next day you start from Thachru the second base camp and continue ascent for 3 Km and reach Kalighati also known as Kali Top because of the Kali Mata Temple. As the Shrikhand Mahadev is a high-altitude trek it is always advised to acclimatize first and rest from time to time though there is no base camp you will get some tents where you can stay where the charges are minimal, this is the place if the weather is clear you can see the Shrikhand Mahadev I have personally seen it.

Day 04 (Kali Top to Kunsa) 4 Km 12500ft 

You start from Kali’s Top and walk downwards to Bhim duara and then ascent to Kunsa at an elevation of 12500 ft. which is the third base camp, we advise you to rest as it will help on the final day and enjoy the scenic beauty and landscapes and grasslands.

• Kunsa is where you can get a network during the yatra there was an Airtel network.

Day 05 (Kunsa to Bheem Dwari) 3.5 Km

After Kunsa you start towards Bheem Dwari which is the fourth Base Camp at a distance of 3.5 Km, you have to cross a steep ascent after Kunsa which is not an easy task but slowly you can continue once you reach at a height a small temple of Shiva and some beautiful landscapes the snow and the mountains can be seen from here then after walking for some time you reach Bheem Dwari.

Day 06 (Bheem Dwari to Parvati Bagh) 3 Km

This will be your sixth day,  by now your body has acclimatized you can continue towards Parvati Bagh the last base camp which is 3 km from Bheem Dwari. Once you start you have to cross the glaciers and you can see a waterfall falling from 100-meter height Known as Parvati Fall, It is believed that Maa Parvati used to wash her hair this fall.

Day 07 (Parvati Bagh to Shrikhand Mahadev Peak) 7 Km 18570 ft. 

This is the moment you were preparing yourself for the final phase of the yatra the spiritual journey to connect yourself to Shiva where you start early in the morning around 3 or 4 Am and cover a total distance of 7 km which takes 5- hours. Once you start you reach Nainsarovar, a lake at an altitude of 14500ft, and find small temples of Shiva from here ascent starts and continues till Bheem Talai this is the most difficult Phase as you are already in high altitude and where your body is giving up and you find difficult to walk but at this time keep-drinking sip of water and walk slowly, Bheem Talai is where you will find Large rocks kept in a symmetric way like stair which is by Bheem. After walking for some time Finally, you reach the Majestic peak Shrikhand Mahadev where you can connect with Shiva on the way back and stay at Parvati Bagh or Bheem Dwari.

Day 08 ( Parvati Bagh to Jaon) 

As this is the last day you are also motivated and cover the day or relax in between or finally reach Jaon, This is the itinerary you must follow as this is not an easy Yatra prepare yourself accordingly.  

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Guide

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is one of the most difficult Yatra of Kailash, It is a challenging 32 Km yatra that has significant importance, All the formalities will be done at the first base campsite which is Singhad where the registration, ID, and medical checkup will be done to ensure the person is eligible and fit for the trek.

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Registration

The Shrikhand Mahadev yatra is organized annually where the registration is mandatory for everyone it is an online process for registration you can visit https://shrikhandyatra.hp.gov.in/register or read our blog on Shrikhand Mahadev Registration.

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra 2024 Opening Dates

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra for the year 2024 has been announced, The Sacred Yatra will start from 14th July 2024 till 27th July 2024.

Shrikhand Mahadev Registration Process

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is an easy process, It is an online process where you can register and upload the mandatory documents like fitness certificate, ID, and Emergency contact numbers. You can register at https://shrikhandyatra.hp.gov.in/register.

Shrikhand Mahadev Distance

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is where you have to cover 32 km of distance which starts from Jaon and culminates into Shrikhand Mahadev Peak.

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Donation

If you want to donate and help the administration and Shrikhand Trust you can make direct donations using a barcode scanner or for other options, you can visit the official https://shrikhandyatra.hp.gov.in/donations.

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Trust

Shrikhand Mahadev has its trust which is Shrikhand Trust where the main office is in Bagipul, Tehsil Nirmand, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.

Shrikhand Mahadev Tips & Preparation

The Shrikhand Mahadev yatra is considered one of the most difficult Yatra, A challenging 18570 ft. High altitude trek to Shrikhand Mahadev peak requires a good amount of fitness.

Preparation Tips

• Engage in Cardio & strength Training, So that at high altitude you will not face any problems.
• Spend time at a Higher altitude to prevent altitude mountain sickness and acclimatize yourself.
• Carry essential gear like First Ais, Water Proof Shoes, warn clothing, water, and food.

Conclusion

The Shrikhand Mahadev yatra is not only a spiritual journey but also combines physical endurance, The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that offers stunning scenic beauty, passing through dense forest, glaciers, meadows, and Himalayas. It is a journey where you are close to nature and enjoy the best landscapes and an experience that is hard to describe in words. But it is my request before you come for the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra make sure you are well-prepared, respect the place, people, Nature, and sacredness, and Let the divine energy of Shrikhand Mahadev guide and bless you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

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Shiva Temples in India

• The 12 Jyotirlingas in India: Lord Shiva Sacred Shrines
• Panch Kailash: The Sacred Spiritual Journey
• Panch Kedar: The 5 Sacred Shiva Temples
• Char Dham Yatra 2024 – Complete Information
• Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Registration 2024 Updates
• Tungnath Mandir: Discover the World’s Highest Shiva Temple
• Uttarakhand Ancient Vridh Kedar – Shiv Temple
• Rudranath Temple 4th Powerful Kedar Uttarakhand

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