Journey of Shrikhand Mahadev

The Himalayas are the abode of Lord Shiva and one of the many places here is Srikhand Mahadev. It is very difficult to reach the places of Lord Shiva, be it Amarnath, Kedarnath or Kailash Mansarovar. Similarly, there are many difficulties in the journey of Shrikhand Mahadev. In Amarnath Yatra, where people have to climb about 14000 feet,then Srikhand Mahadev is situated at 18570 feet height, which passes through very dangerous mountain paths.

Holy place:

Srikhand Mahadev is located on the peak of Srikhand at an altitude of 18570 feet in the snowy hill located in the Nirmand section of Ani subdivision in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. People reach here only after a risky journey of 28 kilometers. The height of the Shivling located here is about 72 feet. There are seven temples in Nirmand, Mata Parvati Temple, Parashurama Temple, Dakshineshwar Mahadev, Hanuman Temple Arsu, Jotakali, Bakasur Slaughter, Dhanak Dwar etc. are many holy places en route to Srikhand Mahadev's journey.

Stagnation:

The journey starts here in July which is organized by the Shrikhand Mahadev Trust. This trust has provided many health and safety related facilities in collaboration with the administration. Camps are set up in Sinhagad, Thachdu, Bhim dwar and Parvati bagh. Sinhagad has the facility of registration and medical checkup, while stopping and staying at various places. Doctors, police and rescue teams are stationed in the camps. The journey has three stops: - Sinhagad, Thachdu, and Bhim Dwar.

Validation:

According to local belief, Bhasmasura had received a boon from Lord Vishnu that he would put his hand on the head to be consumed. Lord Shiva persuaded Bhasmasura to dance to kill him. While dancing he put his hand on his own head and he was consumed. It is believed that for this reason even today the soil and water from here appear red from a distance.

How to reach:

From Delhi via Shimla to Rampur and Rampur to Nirmond, Nirmand to Bagipul via Jaan, one can reach Srikhand Peak by walking 28 km from Jaan. The total distance from Delhi to here is about 553 km.