Mahinder Patyal
Bharmour:
In a tragic incident during the sacred Manimahesh Yatra, a pilgrim from Doda in Jammu & Kashmir was killed after being struck by a falling rock amid heavy rains near Gui Nullah, close to Hadsar in the Bharmour area of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh.
Bharmour SDM ABhishek Mittal confirmed the death, marking the first fatality of this year’s pilgrimage. The body has been shifted to Bharmour Civil Hospital. In response to the hazardous weather and rocky terrain, the yatra has been temporarily halted beyond Hadsar for the safety of devotees.
The Manimahesh Yatra, held annually during Bhadon (August to September), is one of most revered pilgrimages not only in Himachal Pradesh but entire north India. The journey culminates at the sacred Manimahesh Lake, located at an elevation of around 13,000 feet in the Budhil Valley.
The lake, adorned with a Shiva Lingam-like rock formation, is believed to be the earthly manifestation of Lord Shiva, drawing thousands of devotees each year. Pilgrims undertake a challenging 14-km barefoot trek from Hadsar, often following an ancient route with religious stops, hymns and rituals along the way.
This pilgrimage carries deep cultural and spiritual importance, particularly for the Gaddi tribal community, among others. Traditional rituals include the “Chhari” procession, sacred dips in the lake and circumambulation, symbolising purification and divine blessings.
