"As the dew is dried up by the morning Sun so are the sins of human beings by the sight of Holy Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar". - Skanda Purana (Hindu Ritual Text)
The Himalayas is known for its millions of mountains not only for its height but also for purity. The Asians believe that these mountains are holy and many priests visit this place for moksha (salvation). The more you discover the Himalayas the more interesting it becomes. The Himalaya is the world's largest mountain range. The Himalayas range covers an area of 612,021 sq. km. The Himalayas passes through five nations: India, Pakistan, China, Bhutan and Nepal. Within such range of mountains lies the holy mountain Kailash geographically located in Tibet.
Significance of Mt. Kailash
Mt. Kailash is a rock pyramid with 22,028 feet high. It embodies the age old concept of the ‘navel of the earth’, the ‘world pillar’, the ‘first of the mountains’, the ‘still point in the turning world’, ‘rooted in the seventh hell, piercing through to the highest heaven’.
Traditionally, Indians have embarked on many difficult yatras and, in the process, found that some places radiate elemental energy not felt elsewhere. Physically the journey culminates in a definite destination, a tirth sthana or a place that enables one to 'cross over'. The symbolic crossing is from ignorance to knowledge, from mortality to immortality. The tirtha sthana holds a special significance either because it is associated with a religious event or it may have a special location which evokes an experience outside the dull and gross phenomena of daily life. It is usually a place that lifts the mind out of its limited functioning, stretching it to grasp new meanings. Hindus believe that Kailash and its surroundings vibrate with an unearthly energy where the transcendent and the immanent, the phenomenon appear to fuse together in surreal complicity. Petty and disparate waves of thought subside when faced with the vastness that surrounds the spire of Kailash, which stands as a connecting link between heaven and earth, the ethereal and the terrestrial , the spiritual and the mundane, coalescing them into one unified whole.
Holy Mt. Kailash (or Mount Sumeru) is considered the abode of the primary Hindu god Shiva. For Hindus a pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash assures rebirth to Shiva’s paradise. For the Jains it is Mt. Ashtapada, from where their religious founder, Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation.
Traditionally, Indians have embarked on many difficult yatras and, in the process, found that some places radiate elemental energy not felt elsewhere. Physically the journey culminates in a definite destination, a tirth sthana or a place that enables one to 'cross over'. The symbolic crossing is from ignorance to knowledge, from mortality to immortality. The tirtha sthana holds a special significance either because it is associated with a religious event or it may have a special location which evokes an experience outside the dull and gross phenomena of daily life. It is usually a place that lifts the mind out of its limited functioning, stretching it to grasp new meanings. Hindus believe that Kailash and its surroundings vibrate with an unearthly energy where the transcendent and the immanent, the phenomenon appear to fuse together in surreal complicity. Petty and disparate waves of thought subside when faced with the vastness that surrounds the spire of Kailash, which stands as a connecting link between heaven and earth, the ethereal and the terrestrial , the spiritual and the mundane, coalescing them into one unified whole.
Holy Mt. Kailash (or Mount Sumeru) is considered the abode of the primary Hindu god Shiva. For Hindus a pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash assures rebirth to Shiva’s paradise. For the Jains it is Mt. Ashtapada, from where their religious founder, Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation.
Lake Manasarovar
The myths descend down from Mt. Kailash to the shores of Lake Mansarovar. It is said that Maharaja Mandhata has discovered the Lake. It is believed that Mandhata had done penance on the shores of a lake near the Mt. Kailash and thus the lake was named after himas Lake Manasarovar. This word originated from Sanskrit. According to the legend, there was a big mansion down below on its bottom.
Consequently, the religious importance of Mt. Kailash and its immediate hinterland of Lake Mansarovar are multifaceted. The region is venerated by all religions and ages in different ways. The essential unity of all the religions may be proved by the myths around this region.
Consequently, the religious importance of Mt. Kailash and its immediate hinterland of Lake Mansarovar are multifaceted. The region is venerated by all religions and ages in different ways. The essential unity of all the religions may be proved by the myths around this region.
From time immemorial this area has been sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and the followers of Bon, Tibet’s indigenous religion. Even today, pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region travel to Kailash to perform arduous Parikrama or Khora (circumambulating of the mountain), often prostrating themselves the entire way.
It is said to be the abode of the king of Nags – the serpent gods – and in the middle of the arc like surface of the lake once upon there stood a huge tree. Its fruits fell into the lake with the sound ‘Jam’; thus, the surrounding region came to be known as “Jambu-ling” or “Jambu-Dvipa” in the Hindu Puranas.
It is said to be the abode of the king of Nags – the serpent gods – and in the middle of the arc like surface of the lake once upon there stood a huge tree. Its fruits fell into the lake with the sound ‘Jam’; thus, the surrounding region came to be known as “Jambu-ling” or “Jambu-Dvipa” in the Hindu Puranas.
Buddhists belief
Buddhists believe that in the centre of the lake is a tree, which bears fruits of celestial medicinal properties that may cure all known physical as well as mental ailments. Thus, Mansarovar is described as Anotatta or Anavatapta – the lake without heat and trouble.
Holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are not only important for living beings, but for the dead spirits too. Since Kailash Mandala is Heaven, taking the spirits of the dead there is considered salvation for them. The reliquaries of high Buddhist Lamas, Sadhus, and their lay devotees are carried to Mt. Kailash. Relics, such as the hair and earrings of Shamans are compulsorily carried to Lake Manasarovar, for their salvation. Similarly, Hindu people‘s death spirits are also taken to Manasarovar, especially those who have become harmful ghosts.
Hindus belief
One myths goes that at the core of the Jambu, the landmass surrounding Lake Mansarovar, stood the glorious mountain of Meru with four colours and faces: white like a Brahmin, the priest, on its eastern surface; yellow like a Vaisya, the merchant, on the south; red like a Kshatriya, the warrior, on the north; black on its western side like a Shudra, the menial. This is known to all by the name Kailash.
Manasarovar is the Manas or the soul of Brahma. They believe that it is the place where Shiva and Parvati is take baths.
In this way Manasarovar is considered the Lake of Wisdom, the abode of compassionate or peaceful Gods and Goddesses. Therefore, Hindus often come here to make the circuit of more than 85 km around Manasarovar. Drinking its elixir water or bathing with it, one’s pollution of being born by womb will be purified, and one can derive wisdom.
Manasarovar is the Manas or the soul of Brahma. They believe that it is the place where Shiva and Parvati is take baths.
In this way Manasarovar is considered the Lake of Wisdom, the abode of compassionate or peaceful Gods and Goddesses. Therefore, Hindus often come here to make the circuit of more than 85 km around Manasarovar. Drinking its elixir water or bathing with it, one’s pollution of being born by womb will be purified, and one can derive wisdom.
Importance of Parikrama/Khora
According to legend one Khora around this holy Mountain cleans away the sins of a lifetime; 10 circuits cleans away the sins of one Kalpa (era) and 108 khoras secure Nirvana in this life. After making 13 khoras one is allowed to make the inner circumambulation. In this way the more Khoras you make, the cleaner and more pure you become. As you become more pure, you are allowed closer to the core of Kailash and nearer to nirvana/heaven. This is why the paths of holy Mt. Kailash are an endless stream of pilgrims throughout the summer months.
Mt. Kailash and Pashupatinath, in Nepal, are considered the residences of the Hindu God Shiva. Hindus recognize Shiva as the greatest Yogi, as well as Pashupati. Since Lord Shiva is considered the main god of Chodpa in Tibetan Buddhism and Kapalika in Shivaism, the cemetery (the place where a life ends, and gives space to a new one) is highly respected place of worship by mystics and Sadhus at both Mt. Kailash and Pashupatinath temple. It is said that the God Shiva is considered non- Aryan as the Tradition of worshiping the Shiva Lingam and Pashupati derived from the Dravidian culture of Sindhu. In Nepal, Hindu devotees consider Kailash the summer residence of the God Shiva, whereas Pashupati Shrine is his winter place. After the celebration of Shivaratri (His birthday), it is believed he moves to his summer place, bringing spring to Kathmandu.
Mt. Kailash and Pashupatinath, in Nepal, are considered the residences of the Hindu God Shiva. Hindus recognize Shiva as the greatest Yogi, as well as Pashupati. Since Lord Shiva is considered the main god of Chodpa in Tibetan Buddhism and Kapalika in Shivaism, the cemetery (the place where a life ends, and gives space to a new one) is highly respected place of worship by mystics and Sadhus at both Mt. Kailash and Pashupatinath temple. It is said that the God Shiva is considered non- Aryan as the Tradition of worshiping the Shiva Lingam and Pashupati derived from the Dravidian culture of Sindhu. In Nepal, Hindu devotees consider Kailash the summer residence of the God Shiva, whereas Pashupati Shrine is his winter place. After the celebration of Shivaratri (His birthday), it is believed he moves to his summer place, bringing spring to Kathmandu.
Beauty of nature at Manasarovar
Mt. Kailash (6714m), Lake Manasarovar, and Rakas Tal (lake) are situated on the high plains of the western Tibetan plateau, between the mountain ranges of Gurla Mandhata in the southeast and the Kun Lun Mountains in the northwest. The situation of these mountain ranges, placing Kailash at their center, mimics the Buddhist mandala (representing the universe) and is not only religiously significant but is also scenically beautiful.
Scenically, the area is outstanding. At 6,714 meters (22,022 ft.), Kailash is a glittering snow-crystal towering above the Tibetan Plateau like a beckoning jewel, visible from miles away. Manasarovar is famous as one of the highest lakes in the world. Four of the greatest rivers of South Asia- the Indus, Sutlej, Ganges and the Brahmaputra (the Yarlung-Tsangpo In Tibet)- originate from around Mt. Kailash.
The Mansarovar Lake covers a total area of 320-sq-kms with a depth of 90m. During winter the lake freezes and melts only during spring. How much ever I share the importance, beauty and sacredness of the place, it is still less compared to what one experiences by visiting it. Or may be you are a better descriptor than I.
The Mansarovar Lake covers a total area of 320-sq-kms with a depth of 90m. During winter the lake freezes and melts only during spring. How much ever I share the importance, beauty and sacredness of the place, it is still less compared to what one experiences by visiting it. Or may be you are a better descriptor than I.
My next discussion would be on how to get to Manasarovar and all about planning a trip along with a few pictures.
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