Shrikhand Yatra 2014

Arduous Shrikhand Yatra  Shivraj sharma 09418081247

Get ready once again for the one of the toughest pilgrimages in the country- the Shrikhand Mahadev pilgrimage. The Shrikhand Mahadev Peak is situated at a height of 17,600 foot, much above the Amarnath cave in Kashmir, which is situated at an altitude of 12,756 foot. The yatra has begun from July 15 this year. Usually this pilgrimage is open for 15-20 days in a year and normally this period is from July 15 to August 5-10. The reason behind this is critical environmental conditions like heavy snowfall and there is no way to go there before and after this period.  The pilgrimage begins from three places for which Sarpara, Jyuri and Bagipul are selected. The chhadi yatra of Devta Jalnag to Shrikhand Mahadev begins from Sarpara, whereas the yatra from Jeori and Bagipul moves under the leadership of sadhu (saint). The pilgrimage from Sarpara is organized by Shrikhand Seva Samiti. The facility of bhandara is also organised for pilgrims at place called Sapahbhavi from July 15 – 25. Pilgrims from Sarpara and Jyuri meets at this place and moves forward to the destination. Organizing Committee members of the Shrikhand Seva Committee, Sarpara told Himachal This Week that Sarpara route is the easiest trek for the Shrikhand pilgrimage. They further told that the distance of Shrikhand peak is about 15 kilometer from Sarpara whereas the same distance is about 25 to 30 km from other places. The historical chhadi yatra of Devta Jalnag began on July 15 from Sarpara, under the administration of Devta Jal Nag. The first halt of the pilgrimage falls in Sapahbhavi, where proper stay and bhandara arrangement are organized for pilgrims. Those starting journey from Jeori, too take a halt here. The second halt of the pilgrimage falls at Majboun and the pilgrims can pay their obeisance to Shrikhand Mahadev on the third day.

Must Carry

Woolen clothes, blanket, umbrella, torch, basic medicines, rain coat, water bottles, dry fruits like almond, raisins and cashew nuts and glucose for energy. Pilgrims can contribute to the cleanliness of the environment enroute by not throwing plastic bottles and other waste items on the  trek route.

 Pilgrimage Continues Despite Rain Threat

The devotees continued their pilgrimage despite state Meteorological Department warning of moderate to heavy rains across Himachal this week. The authorities too advised devotees to avoid the Shrikhand Mahadev pilgrimage owing to the chances of heavy rain and landslides en route to the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak. The first batch of over 2,000 devotees left Jaon village, the base camp, around 150 km from Kullu on July 16. The pilgrims scale the 17,600-feet Shrikhand Mahadev peak in Kullu district to pay obeisance to a giant natural rock resembling the Shiva Lingam. The pilgrimage will officially continue till July 23. This year, the authorities are expecting more than 20,000 pilgrims. Manmohan Singh, Director of the State Meteorological Department, said Himachal is likely to experience heavy spells of rain from July 17. He said there are chances of very heavy rain en route to the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak on July 19. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva meditated at Shrikhand and the Pandvas too had trekked to the peak. After passing through rugged, cold and inhospitable terrain, the 30-km one-way journey on foot concludes at Shrikhand Mahadev Peak, where the devotees pay obeisance to the 72-foot-tall lingam