श्रीखंड महादेव यात्रा ( शिव मंदिर )

 Shrikhand Mahadev is a hindu pilgrimage site in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Its abode of Lord Shiva and consort of goddess Parvati. Its one of the toughest treks in India. The 75 ft Shivalinga at the top of the mountain of height 18,570.This is an important place for the devotees of Lord Shiva. The journey is called" Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Yatra". This journey takes places mainly in Sawan. Its situated on hill and the Shivalinga is of 75 ft.

The journey starts from the base of Jaun village of Himachal Pradesh. And from there is 32 km walk to the top of Shrikhand. The whole route is quite dangerous. The journey is tougher than Amarnath Yatra. Only above 15 years of age people can take part in the lord shiva journey or trek.

There is a statue of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Swami Kartik above 50 before the visit of Shrikhand Mahadeva. On the way there are natural Shiva caves, seven temples in Nirmand, Nine godesses( Mata Parvati), Javas, Parashurama temple, Dakshineshwar Mahadev, Hanuman Temple, Arsu and Sinhagad, Jotkali, Dhankdear, Bakasur Badh, Dhankdwar and Kunsha.

Mythological Reference :

Acc to the legends, a demon named Bhasmasura received a boom from Lord shiv by rigorous penance.It says that if  on anyone he laid his hands will be consumed that means will be destroyed.Then he thought of marrying goddess Parvati and wanted to destroy Lord Shiva. But lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini persuaded Bhasmasura to dance with him. While dancing Bhasmasura laid his own hands in himself on his head and destroyed him. He succumbed to death. For this reason, till now here soil and water appears red.

Yatra: The journey :

1. The journey starts from Jaun, after walking for 3 kms, reaching Singhad( first base camp), where food and other services are provided to the pilgrims.

2.After that there is a 12 km steep climb upto Thachuru also known as Dandidhar.

3.Thachuru which is other base camp wjere food and tents are provided. Then there is 3 km journey to Kalighati.

4.Kalighati is abode of Goddess Kali. If the weather is clear, then Shivalinga will be seen from here like about 1 km. There is 1 km downhill stretch from Kalighati towards Bhim Talai..

5.   3 km from Bhima talai is Kunsa Valley.There is Bhimdwar which is next base camp.

6.After 2 kms from bhimdwar comes the Parvati Bagh. The bagh or the garden will be full of snow was planted by Goddess Parvati. This garden has Brahmakamal.

Brahmakamal:

The scientific name of Brahmakamal is Saussurea Obvallata. This is the Himalayas most revered flower. Its excellent example of high mountain plant life(ie) 3000-4600 m. They are mainly offered in Nanda Devi Temple.

Brahma's lotus or Brahmakamal is named after Brahma- God of creation. It blooms only for one night in july and sept months.

The other names are Night Blooming Cereus, Queen of the Night, lady of the night. Popularly known as Orchid cactus.

This is one of the sacred flowers in Hinduism and Buddhism. It represents Universe. Brahmakamal symbolizes purity and divinity.

The brahmakamal is the flower if all the flowers. Its called as Dasavataara. Its state flower of Uttarakhand.

Known for its supreme beauty, perfection, tranquility and peace. It helps cure disease like leprosy, tuberclosis, asthma. It help us attain wealth and success. Attracts money. It improves memory, insomnia and increase concentration levels. Used in perfumery industries and Aromatherapy.

Reduces stress and anxiety. It can be grown in homes like indoor/ outdoor.

7.After Parvati Bagh there comes Nain Sarovar where the elephant head was placed on lord ganesha when lord shiva cut his head.

8.Now you will reach 3 kms from nain Sarovar through patchy and rocky climbs finally to Shrikhand Mahadev🙏🏻

Shrikhand Mahadev indeed is a very difficult journey and very fit people can complete the trek as its steep.