PRENEETA SHARMA
Known as “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods), Himachal Pradesh is home to holy rivers and locations that preserve the heritage of holy rivers. Locals view these locations as powerful pilgrimage places and believe that taking a bath here is a divine favor. These pilgrimages delve deeply into these spiritually potent locations’ mythology, cultural significance, and geography.
The Gangbhairon
Gangbhairon, a lesser-known but significant religious shrine, is located on the route from Kangra to Dharamshala. Legend has it that Lord Shiva once meditated here after arguing with Goddess Parvati. Living in his matted hair, the Ganga transformed into a cow and roamed the wild. Shiva dispatched Bhairava, a ferocious manifestation of himself, to retrieve her when he noticed she was gone. When Bhairava, dressed as a herdsman, came closer, the celestial cow recognized him and vanished, re-blending into Shiva’s hair. Thus, the location got its name from this holy exchange between Ganga and Bhairava. Today, a Shiva temple is located near a lake here, and during Maha Shivratri, it holds lavish festivities.
The Gangath
The quaint Kangra district hamlet of Gangath, which is located beside the Chhonch Khad stream, has a strong emotional bond with the Ganga. It used as a location for the immersion of burial ashes in antiquity. As a result of this tradition, the location was named Ganga Sthal, which is the Ganga’s equivalent. The name changed from Ganga Sthal to Gangath over the course of many generations. Despite being less well-known, it nonetheless has religious significance for the inhabitants and is evidence of how faith can turn even the most insignificant locations into significant spiritual sites.
Ganga Himri
The Himri Ganga, connected to the local god Hurang Narayan, is located in the center of the Ghoghra Dhar range in the Mandi district. The term “Himri,” which comes from the Sanskrit word “Him,” which means snow or ice, accurately describes how chilly the water is here. Every year on the 20th of Bhadon, which falls in August or September, a sizable number of worshipers bathe in its icy waters, which are thought to purify sins and heal illnesses. It is a very magical experience because of its remote setting and serene ambiance.
Ganga Ban
Also known as the Ban Ganga, the Baner River in Kangra district runs through Chamunda, Kangra, Haripur, and Guler before joining the Beas River close to Narhana Patan (now a component of Pong Dam). In the Dhauladhar mountains, where this river originates, Arjuna is said to have pierced the earth with an arrow, revealing a secret spring. It was named Ban Ganga because of this epic deed (Ban means arrow in Hindi). People take baths in the holy waters of Chamunda and Kangra. Similar to Haridwar, the confluence of the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers near the ancient Kangra Fort has been transformed into a sacred location where the ashes of the deceased are submerged.
Kheer Ganga
One of the most well-known spiritual sites in Himachal is Kheer Ganga, which is located in the picturesque Parvati Valley of Kullu, 25 kilometers past Manikaran. However, its renown stems from more than simply its inherent beauty; it also has a heavenly past.
According to local legend, this place was visited by Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and their son Kartikeya. Kartikeya selected the location for in-depth contemplation. Parvati’s breasts suddenly discharged milk into a nearby brook after being touched by maternal love. The water was sanctified by this act, and the thermal spring still has a creamy sheen and a milky look. This location is called Kheer Ganga, after the Sanskrit word for milk, “Ksheer.” Travelers from all over the world flock to soak in these therapeutic hot springs, which are thought to have dual health benefits.
Giri Ganga
The Giri Ganga is a mysterious stream that is situated in Jubbal Tehsil in Shimla district, close to Khada Pathar. At Dak Pathar in the Sirmaur district, it eventually joins the Yamuna River. Legend has it that a sage on his way from Haridwar stopped at this peaceful spot. Someone unintentionally poured Ganga jal, or sacred Ganges water, from his kamandalu (vessel) while he was sleeping. When the sage saw the holy water touch the ground, he said, “Giri Ganga,” which translates to “The Ganga has fallen.” From that precise location, a spring erupted, creating the Giri Ganga, a stream today. Locals still come to bathe in the spring’s sacred waters, especially on significant occasions, and it still flows with a serene spiritual grace.
