An imposing 21,778-feet tall, the magnificent and majestic Mount Kailash is more than just a mountain. It's a legend. A revelation. An epiphany. A journey, that is both outwards and inwards. Located in the Himalayan mountain ranges of the remote Southwestern corner of Tibet, Kailash is not just one of the highest parts of the world and the source of four mighty rivers of Asia ? the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej, Ganges and the Indus ? but it?s also one of the most significant spiritual spots in the world, revered by millions of people from different religions across the world.
But more than anything, the journey to Kailash Mansarovar is a life-changing experience for the few thousands of pilgrims who undertake it every year, teaching them a sense of self like nothing else can. For a pilgrimage to this isolated, timeless, breathtaking and fascinating spiritual spot is like a journey within yourself.
YATRA INDIA offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of embarking on this journey to Kailash Manasarovar. All our fellow travelers will unanimously agree that they all returned from this trip completely transformed. The magical and mystical spot has been drawing people to its divine presence for various reasons. Here?s why you should not miss the chance to be a part of the Kailash Manasarovar yatra.
- The Kailash Parvat or Mount Kailash along with the holy Manasarovar lake is deeply integral to the heart of spiritual Asia, capturing the imagination of human beings since time immemorial.
- According to Hindu legend, the lake was first created in the mind of the Lord Brahma. Hence, in Sanskrit it is called Manasarovar, which is a combination of the words ?Manas? (mind) and Sarovar (lake).
- Hindus also believe Mt. Kailash to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the holy centre of the earth and the manifestation of heaven itself.
- Tibetan Buddhists profess that Kailash is the home of the Buddha Demchok who symbolizes supreme harmony.
- The Tibetan religion of Bon believes Mount Kailash as their spiritual seat of power.
- In Jainism, Kailash, referred to as Mount Ashtapada, is the place where the creator of their faith, Rishabhadeva, attained freedom from the cycle of life and rebirth.
- Just 20 kilometers away from Mount Kailash, the sacred blue and emerald green Manasarovar lake that lies at a height of 15,015 ft, is known to be an epitome of purity, containing healing properties and the power to wash off all mortal sins.
YATRA to this roof of the world is an arduous, but rewarding one. Every single traveler of this incredible journey undergoes a humbling and enlightening transformation, which cannot be described, but can only be felt first hand.
This year, EIGHTEEN groups will embark on the Kailash Manasarovar YATRA between MAY TO SEPTEMBER.
Come be a part of this beautiful and enlightening journey with us.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The temple serves as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. The temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva) on the continent. Over the past times, only born Hindus were allowed to enter the temple. Others could look at it from other side of the river. However, the norms have been relaxed due to many incidents. If the individual is destined, he/she takes and completes the journey to reach these footsteps without any resistance or obstructions along the way, is believed to be under loving grace of Rudra. It is final stage of harsh penance. Thus, the slave (pasu - the human condition) becomes the master (pati - the divine condition). It is regarded as the most sacred among the temples of Shiva (Pashupati). Kotirudra Samhita, Chapter 11 on the Shivalingas of the North, in Shiva Purana mentions this Shivalinga as the bestower of all wishes.
GAURIKUND
Gauri Kund, a water body that is also known as the Lake of Compassion, lies on the way while Siwasthalgoing on downwards from Dolma - La (Dolma Pass). This steep descent from Dolma Pass is a wonderful lake which is at an altitude of 5608m. As per Hindu mythology, there is a fascinating tale about Gauri Kund and has been described in legend �Shiva Purana�. The lake is also famous as �Parvati Sarovar� as this was the place where goddess Parvati had acquired her son Ganesha (Elephant headed God). Goddess Parvati had formed an image of Ganesh from the soap lather on her body and breathed life into it. She placed Ganesha at the entrance of her home as her janitor to prevent anyone from entering while she was bathing. Now Lord Shiva happened to return at this point of time and was stopped by Ganesha. Offended by this disrespectful act from Ganesha, Lord Shiva cut off the boy's head. Pravati was grief-stricken by seeing it and insisted that the boy needs to be brought back to life. Lord Shiva took the head of a wandering elephant and placed it on the body and life was restored and Parvati had her son back.
RAKSHAS TAL
Lake Rakshastal is a lake in Tibet, lying just west of Lake Manasarovar and south of Mount Kailash. [1] The Sutlej River originates at Rakshastal's northwestern tip. Despite its close proximity to Lake Manasarovar (about 3.7 kilometres or 2.3 miles), Lake Rakshastal does not share the historic religious significance of its eastern neighbor.
The name of the lake literally means "lake of the demon" in Sanskrit. It is also known as Ravana Tal, as it is considered to be the place of severe penance by Ravana, the demon-like egoistic King of Lanka in Hindu theology .
[2] In Buddhism, Lake Manasarovar, which is round like the sun, and Rakshastal, shaped as a crescent, are respectively regarded as "brightness" and "darkness". Its salty water, in stark contrast to the fresh water of Lake Manasarovar, results in there being no aquatic plants or fish, and is considered poisonous by locals.
There are four islands in Rakshastal, named Topserma (Dose), Dola (the two biggest), Lachato (Nadzhado), and Dosharba.[3] The islands are used by local people as winter pastures for their yaks.
POOJA AT MANSAROVAR
All the yatris wake up early morning and start preparing for the much awaited Homa Puja. In front was the Manasarovar Lake and to the left side we could see Mount Kailash and that was the only mountain to be seen there and to our right was Mount Gurla Mandhatha. The sight was amazing and beautiful so very grand, pristine, and majestic, awe inspiring there HE stood with the blue sky in the background with ITS white peaks. The whole place was so beautiful, serene and peaceful.
YAM DWAR
Yam Dwar is situated in Tarboche which is approximately 30 minutes drive from Darchen. The exact meaning of the Yam Dwar in Hindi lingo is �the gateway of the God of Death�. It is the initial point of circumambulation of Mount Kailash. Known as Chorten Kang Ngyi which means two legged Stupa in Tibet.
ASHTAPAD
Location at a height of 17000ft, asthapad is the bottom of mt. kailash and one of the main holy places for the hindus and buddhists . It is also considered a major jain tirths as the first of the 24 jain tirthankara "shri adinath bhagwan" had attained salvation (nirvana) at this place. The literal meaning of siwasthal asthapad is "eight steps" as astha means eight and pad means steps in sanskrit and that"s how the place derived its name.
IMPORTANT LOCATIONS
KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
VIDEO CHANNEL
