Maneshwar Mahadev China

Maneshwar Shaktipeeth of Champawat has historical importance. Special preparations are made here for Mahashivratri. It is believed that the Pandavas had installed the Shivalinga of Lord Shiva during their exile in Maneshwar Mahadev Shaktipeeth. Maneshwar Shaktipeeth has been mentioned in the Manas section of Skandha Purana. It is said that the limits of the holy Kailash Mansarovar begin from here. One attains salvation by taking bath in the water of the secret well present inside the temple.

Every year on Mahashivratri, a huge crowd of devotees gather here. It is said that when Pandava sons came to this area with mother Kunti during their exile, the Shraddha date of King Pandu was on Amalaki Ekadashi. Mother Kunti had vowed that she would perform Shraddha with the water of Kailash Mansarovar only. When Kunti told this to Yudhishthir, he asked Arjun to fulfill his mother’s vow. Arjun created a stream of water here by shooting an arrow from his Gandiva bow.

After performing Shraddha of Pandu with this water, he established Shivalinga at this place to express his gratitude to Lord Shiva. The place where the arrow hit is currently known as Gupta Nauli. Its water collects in a stepwell built here. Bathing with this water is said to provide beneficial benefits as well as cure many diseases and disorders.

Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims once used to stay for the night
Maneshwar Dham has also been the main stop of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Before 1962, when this journey was on foot, Champawat used to be the first stop of the pilgrims after bathing in the Sharda river in Tanakpur. Historian Devendra Oli tells that after worshiping at Baleshwar Shiv Dham established here, Mansarovar pilgrims used to reach Maneshwar Dham, where after worshiping, they used to rest for the night.

Khadi Holi singing starts from Amalika Ekadashi
Amalika Ekadashi is celebrated as the anniversary of Maneshwar Shaktipeeth. Khadi Holi singing in this Dham established between Champawat-Lohaghat also has special significance. On Amalika Ekadashi, people sing Vedanti and devotional Holi songs here. A fair is also organized here on this occasion. The singing of Holi starts in the area only after Amalika Ekadashi.