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02 JUL

KAILASH BECKONS !

INTRODUCTION & SIGNIFICANCE

KAILASH MANASAROVAR - the name itself spurs up an infinite amount of energy within oneself. Hence no wonder, Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar together are looked up as the most revered pilgrim destination for any Hindu and are popularly referred as KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA. Incidentally Mount Kailash is equally important to Buddhists, Jains and Bonpa Tibetans as well and it is believed that that the very sight of Mount Kailash absolves one of all the sins and protects him / her of negativity of all sorts. Hovering at a height of 22,028 ft, Mt Kailash holds a very special significance in the Hindu mythology. This perpetually snow covered pyramid shaped mountain with four faces is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This is the very place where both of them indulged in “Ananda Tandav” which resulted in the creation of the first Spanda or the first throb of cosmic energy which was instrumental in creation of this universe. Also the primordial sound of OM originated from here and more so from the anklet of goddess Parvati, whose resonation gave the universe the variegated form that it is today. Also this is the very place where Lord Shiva captured the mighty River Ganga in his matted locks before releasing it to the earth in form of small life-giving streams that nourished the entire Indo Gangetic plains in the northern India.

HOW TO REACH

Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake are located in Autonomous Region of Tibet, China and hence it`s quintessential to have a passport in order to embark onto the pilgrimage. There are many routes to reach Mt Kailash from India, but the most popular and convenient one is to reach Kathmandu and then embark either on a 14 days road trip or 10 days trip comprising of drive, helicopter and small flights. The other two routes managed by MEA, Govt of India are thru Uttarakhand (Lipulekh Pass) and Sikkim (Nathula) but the entire journey takes nearly one month Ex Delhi to Delhi.

EXCURSIONS & LOCAL VISITS

Mount Kailash which literally looks like a Shiv Ling is the most revered and iconic pilgrimage for any Hindu. No one is allowed to scale the mountain but it is said that a mere glance of it absolves ones sins forever. Nestled between Lake Rakshasa Tal and Mansarover, this perpetually snow covered mountain is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Lake Mansarovar is an astounding water body located at a height of 4900 mts and spread over 350 sq mts, is a sacred lake for both Hindus and Buddhists. The pious and serene lake is considered to be the imagination of Lord Brahma and one finds bevy of white swans which are traditionally considered sacred and wise. With Mt Kailash at the backdrop, it surely is the most mesmerizing site to reckon with. It is believed by the Hindus that a dip in the lake purifies their body and soul from all sins.

Rakshas Tal contrary to Mansarovar, Rakshas Tal is considered toxic with no fish or aquatic plants as it is associated with Ravana when he penanced to appease Lord Shiva. One can admire the beauty of the lake but is not advised to take a bath for obvious reasons.