Legends, Myths & Beliefs about Kailash Mansarovar
 
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The Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra |
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About Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Itinerary Cost for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
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Introduction |
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A Shiva-linga
shaped Mount Kailash from the Northern Face
For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spiritual centre of the universe, described as a fantastic 'world pillar' 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top lives their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati. For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet. Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions. Over the centuries pilgrims have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves of sin, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks. The Path To Nirvana
The majestic Himalayas figure prominently not only in
the topography of India but in its history and mythology as well. The
youngest mountain range in the world, and yet the mightiest, the Himalayas
are many things to many people.
People have been visiting Kailash - Mansarovar for
centuries. Almost all the major passes of Uttaranchal Himalayas lead to
Kailash - Mansarovar. The important ones in the Kumaon region are Lipulekh,
Lampiya Dhura, Nuwe Dhura, Lowe Dhura, Unta Dhura, Jayanti and Kungri Bingri.
Since 1981, under the auspices of the Indian ministry of external affairs
and with the cooperation of the Chinese government, Kumaon Mandal Vikas
Nigam has been conducting trips to Kailash - Mansarovar through the Lipulekh
pass. The number of people allowed visiting Kailash - Mansarovar is limited
and it is hoped that in the near future, more Indian pilgrims will be
allowed to visit Western Tibet, the region of sacred mountains and lakes.
Legends, Myths & Beliefs about Kailash Mansarovar
It is because of Kailash - Mansarovar, which is 865-kms
from Delhi, that Kumaon is sometimes called “Manaskhand”. Many myths are
associated with this unusual mountain and lake. The Buddhists, the Jains and
the Bonpas of Tibet too, all revere this spot with great fervour and
devotion. Therefore, it is not surprising for a devotee to come across the
worlds “Om Mani Padme Hum” (“Hail to the jewel (of Creation) in the
Lotus) written on stones and taken from Buddhist scriptures. The Bonpas make
an anti-clockwise pilgrimage around Mt. Kailash whereas the believers of the
jain faith specially visit astpaad near the southern face of kailash in the
kailash --mansarovar region.
Mansarovar Lake The circumference of Mansarovar is 88-km, its depth is 90m and total area is 320-sq-kms. The lake freezes in the winters and melts only in spring. It looks unbelievably fascinating on moonlit nights when an ethereal ambience pervades the atmosphere. The circumference of Rakshas Tal, also known as “Ravan Kund”, is 122-km. A 6-km long natural channel - “Gangachhu” - connects Manas with Rakshas Tal.
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Route Map Of Kailash Mansarovar
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Important: Adi-Kailash and Om Parvat are in the region of 12,000-14,000 feet, with cold winds blowing in the daytime and in the evening. This is a hazardous trek at high altitudes, on mountainous terrain with occasional bad weather. Do not ignore these instructions or take them lightly, as the consequences could be serious. Clothing should be light, wind proof, water repellant and capable of providing enough warmth. It is recommended that each trekkers carry the following items: 1. Wind-proof
jacket with parka 1 no.
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