Chamba NGO seeks chopper service to Manimahesh

• The Chamba Welfare Association, a local NGO, has urged the CM to introduce direct helicopter service from Chamba district to the Manimahesh shrine.
• Currently a helicopter service is available from Bharmour to Gaurikund helipad, 2-3 km below the sacred Manimahesh lake.

ABOUT MANIMAHESH YATRA

• The Manimahesh Lake is situated 26 kilometers from Bharmour in the Budhil valley, one of the chief pilgrimage spots in Himachal Pradesh.
• The lake is situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet at the foot of the Kailash peak (18,564 ft).
• Every year, on the eighth day of the light half of the moon in the month of Bhadon, a fair is held at this lake, which attracts thousands of pilgrims who assemble here to take a dip in the holy water.
• Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this fair / jatra.
• He is believed to reside in Kailash.
• A rock formation in the shape of a Shivling on Kailash is considered to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva.
• The snowfield at the base of the mountain is called Shiva’s Chaugan by the local people.