Shrikhand Mahadev Shrine, Himachal Pradesh

Address

Shrikhand Mahadev Shrine, Shrikhand Mahadev, Kullu district Himachal Pradesh 172002

Diety

Mahadev

Introduction

The temple of Shrikhand Mahadev, one of the highest religious places in the world, is located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. To reach this temple situated at an altitude of 18,300 feet, you have to climb a straight climb of 25 kilometers. Here, a huge rocks stand in the shape of ‘Shivling’. This is the reason why it is considered inaccessible even from Amarnath Yatra. . Apart from the 12 Jyotirlingas located across the country, there are also some famous pilgrimage places of Lord Shiva, which have the highest mythological significance. One of these is Shrikhand Mahadev. The peak, alongside having Shiva’s lingam also has a mountain for Lord Kartikeya, behind the main Shiva mountain

Puranic Significance

The peak of Shrikhand Mahadev is, as the folklore says, is believed to be the abode of the most worshipped figure of mythology – Lord Shiva. Above 17150 ft. at the mountain top stand the shiv ling shaped rock which forms the ultimate destination of the trek and is the holy shrine the pilgrims. According to the folklore and the legends, there lived a demon called Bhasmasur. He preached and pleased Lord Shiva through hard penance. Lord Shiva responded to him and accorded him with a power and called it basma kangan. Now, Bhasmasur turn anything he touched into ashes. Bhasmasur, drenched in his ego and pride, thought of turning Lord Shiva into ash. Lord Shiva vanished into the cave and appeared on the mountain top, as he took help of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu transformed himself into a female enchanter, Mohini, and tricked Bhasmasur to touch his own head and turn burn himself with his own hands. Mountain top, where Lord Shiva stood is known as Shrikhand Mahadev.

Special Features

Positioned at a height of 17,150 ft. above sea level, Shrikhand Mahadev, situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India is one of the Five Kailash, which includes Kinnar Kailash, Mani Mahesh, Kailash Mansarovar, Adi Kailash, and Srikhand Mahadev. The Shiv Ling shaped peak is the most sacred place.