What is Shrikhand Mahadev?

The Hindu Mythology talks about Panch Kailash, namely Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet, Adi Kailash in Uttarakhand and Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash, Mani Mahesh Kailash and Kinner Kailash in Himachal Pradesh. These 5 Kailash are considered to be the holy abode of Lord Shiva where he lives and meditates.

Undoubtedly the Shrikhand Kailash Trek is one of the most thrilling and challenging treks for adventure enthusiasts all over the world. The main attraction of the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is the Shivalinga of Shrikhand Mahadev. 

History of Shrikhand Mahadev

The word Srikhand derives from Sir Khandan because it is said that Ravana- the demon king used to perform deep penance here. He would cut his head as an offering to please Lord Shiva and Ravana eventually received the blessing of immortality from Lord Shiva.

According to a different legend, Bhasmasur had received a blessing from Lord Shiva to turn anyone into ashes. Bhasmasur took the advantage of this and attempted to destroy Bhole Baba. However, Lord Shiva managed to flee through Devdhank and take samadhi on the top of this large rock, which is now known as Shrikhand Mahadev Shivling. Lord Shiva emerged from this later when Mata Parvati and their children Lord Ganesh, and Lord Kartikeya underwent a difficult ordeal. The cracks on the Shrikhand Kailash Peak can still be observed.

Significance of Shrikhand Mahadev

Shrikhand Mahadev, one of the most arduous pilgrimages in India, is known for Lord Shiva in Hindu Mythology. The Shrikhand Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Mata Parvati and is sometimes confused with Kinner Kailash - one of the Panch Kailash. However, Kinner Kailash and Shrikhand Mahadev are two different yatras.

The 75 feet high Shrikhand Mahadev Peak on the top of an 18,570 feet mountain is considered to be a Swayambhu Shivalinga. The face of Lord Shiva is depicted by this gigantic Shivaling, complete with matted hair, eyes, and noes. Every year this holy peak of Lord Shiva is visited by many devotees of Lord Shiva. Even when the adjacent peaks are covered in snow, the Shrikhand Mahadev never gets covered with snow.

Where is Shrikhand Mahadev located?

The Shrikhand Mahadev is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Jaon Village is considered to be the base for Shrikhand Mahadev Trek. The site is considered of great importance by the followers of the Hindu religion, especially the devotees of Lord Shiva. 

When going on the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra, you can see ranges of Kullu, Jorkandan and Rangrik ranges of Kinnaur, and Hansbeshan and other surrounding peaks in the southeast of the Satluj river.

How to reach Shrikhand Mahadev?

Shrikhand Mahadev Trek starts from Jaon village. The pilgrims can reach Jaon village in the following ways:

Shrikhand Kailash by Flight

The nearest airport to reach Shrikhand Mahadev is Chandigarh Airport, located at a distance of 260 km (9 hours approx). Regular flights are available to arrive and depart from Chandigarh Airport. One can hire a cab or take a bus from here to reach Jaon village to start the trek to Srikhand Peak. 

Shrikhand Kailash by Train

The nearest railway station to reach Shrikhand Mahadev is Chandigarh Railway Station, situated at a distance of 250 km (8 hours approx). One can also take a train to Kalka Railway Station, situated at a distance of 230 km (8 Hours approx). 

Shrikhand Kailash by Bus 

Regular buses of Himachal roadways as well as private companies are available between Delhi to Shimla and Chandigarh to Shimla. One has to further take a bus from Shimla to Rampur and then to Jaon village. Private as well as shared Cabs/ taxis are easily available from Chandigarh Airport/ Railway station to continue the journey further to Jaon village. 

The Shrikhand Mahadev route that we follow is Chandigarh — Jaon Village — Singhgad — Thachru — Parvati Bagh — Nain Sarovar — Shrikhand Mahadev Peak — Parvati Bagh — Thachru — Jaon Village — Rampur Bushahr — Chandigarh. 

Shrikhand Mahadev Weather

The Shrikhand Kailash Yatra opens for 1 month from July to August. The yatra starts with the full moon in July and ends on the full moon in August. The best time to visit Shrikhand Mahadev is in July and August. 

Summer in Shrikhand Mahadev

April to June is the summer season in the Shrikhand Kailash region. However, the Shrikhand Kailash doesn't happen even during this time. 

Monsoon in Shrikhand Mahadev

July to August is the monsoon season in the Srikhand Kailash area. However, these months are the official time when the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra happens. Devotees from different parts of India trek for 32 km to visit Shrikhand Mahadev Peak and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. 

Winter in Shrikhand Mahadev

October to March is the winter season when the Shrikhand Kailash region experiences heavy snowfall. The white snow sheet makes Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash inaccessible.

Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Yatra Official Time

The Kullu District Administration organises the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra, along with the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Trust. The Shrikhand Kailash Mahadev journey ascends through alpine meadows to Shrikhand Mahadev Shivlinga atop a mountain.

Registration is required before starting the Shrikhand Kailash Yatra. One has to fulfill the following conditions for going on Shrikhand Kailash Mahadev Yatra. 

1. The Age criteria for Shrikhand Kailash is 18 years to 60 years
2. One must have good physical fitness. Medical Certificate is required.
3. This 32 km rough Shrikhand Mahadev trail is not for the physically challenged or people with a weak heart.
4. Rs. 200-300 is the registration fee which is non-refundable in case of non-travel or physically unfit in the Medical check-up at Singhagad Base camp. 

The dates for Shrikhand Kailash Yatra 2022 was 11 July 2022 to 24 July 2022. 
The Srikhand Kailash Yatra Start and End Dates 2023 are expected to be in the Last week of July 2023 to the second week of August 2023. 

Shrikhand Mahadev Trek

Among all the 5 Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash is considered the most difficult to reach. The Shrikhand Mahadev trek distance is 32 km and it starts from Jaon Village. The Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Journey is considered tougher than the Amarnath Yatra.

Since the holy Shrikhand Mahadev rock is in the form of the Shivling and climbing the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak will destroy its sanctity, hence it is advisable not to try to step on the Shrikhand Kailash Parvat.

The pilgrims get to visit many holy sites (Dev Sthan) during the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra. Some 50 meters apart from Srikhand Mahadev peak, statues of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Swami Karthik are also erected. There are several religious sites along the Shrikhand Kailash route, including the natural Shiva Caves, Nirmand's seven temples, Javas' nine goddesses, the Parashurama Temple, Dakshineswar Mahadev, and the Hanuman Temple. Other locations include Sinhagad, Jotkali, Dhankdwar, Bakasur Badh, Dhankdwar, and Kunsha.

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Tour Package 

The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Tour Package offered by Trip To Temples is of 6 nights and 7 days from Chandigarh to Chandigarh.

The first day of the Shrikhand Kailash Yatra starts in Chandigarh and the pilgrims are taken to Jaon village which is the base for Shrikhand Mahadev Trek. On the second day, pilgrims will trek a distance of 11 km from Jaon to Thachru, and on the way, the registration process will be carried out at Singhgad.  The third-day trek will be 14 km from Tachru to Parvati Bagh, and en route visit Bheem Dwar. The fourth day of the Shrikhand Kailash Yatra is the most important one as on this day the pilgrims will trek from Parvati Bagh to Shrikhand Mahadev Peak- the main attraction and back. The pilgrims will also visit Nain Sarovar. The pilgrims will start their return journey on the fifth day by trekking from Parvati Bagh to Thachru. On the sixth day, the pilgrims will trek back from Thachru to Jaon Village and later drive from Jaon to Rampur Bushahr. The pilgrims will drive from Rampur Bushahr to Chandigarh on the seventh day and with this, the Shrikhand Kailash Yatra will come to an end with the blessings of Lord Shiva. 

For more information on Shrikhand Mahadev Tour Package, visit https://www.triptotemples.com/panch-kailash/shrikhand-mahadev-yatra or call/sms Shrikhand Mahadev at 9911937751.