Mount Kailash -
The abode of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati
Mt. Kailash is claimed to be the apex of the Hindu religious
axis, is also one of the highest mountains in Tibet at 22,022
feet. Lord Shiva resides over here among the peaceful
Himalayas. A mythological story says that Lord Shiva once
built a house for himself but gave it away to a devotee who
asked for it. Thus without changing his residence he settled
in the mountain of Kailash. This is his abode where he stays
with his whole family including his wife Goddess Parvati and
children Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikiya and the other Shiv
Ganas (group of Shiva Devotees) like Nandi and others.
According to ancient religious texts, the abode of Lord Vishnu
is called Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Bhrama is called
Bhramaloka and the abode of Lord Shiva is called Kailash. Of
the three, one can only go bodily and return in this life from
Kailash having experienced divinity. The Hindus, Bons and
Jains all alike travel to this place as pilgrims. A journey to
Kailash is considered as once in a lifetimeachievement.
Legends, Myths & Beliefs
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.
Among the thousands of deities of Hinduism, Lord Shiva is the
most beloved and the most sort after lord. Lord Shiva finds a
great place in the heart of all devotees be it the Human
beings, the Devataas or the Rakshasaas.
He is even called Bhola Baba because of his uniqueness of
being simple and he grants whatever the devotee asks for. This
is the reason why he is having a large following in all the 3
worlds of Akash, Bhumi, & Patal. Bhola Baba filled with
Vairagya (dispassion) is a joy of all spiritual seekers.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Divinity is initiated in "Kailash Manasarovar Yatra" with
arrival in Katmandu - the capital city of Nepal, where
deities mingle with the mankind. A visit to the most dominant
temple 'Pashupatinath' with many others equally significant
temples are of great merit. This primordial temple enshrines
faith of millions of Hindus throughout the world as Lord
Shiva's sacred residence. A spiritual atmosphere is maintained
throughout the trip.
A briefing with experts on the second day, will prepare you
for the ultimate journey to the most sacred of all
pilgrimages, the Kailash - Manasarovar. Rest of the evening is
for the preparation and inspection of the
equipments that are needed for the journey. The next day is
the departure from the hotel, you cross the Nepal- border and
arrive in the Tibetan town called "Nyalam" (3750m). Yatries
overcome their exhaustion from 7 hrs drive
and abrupt altitude gain with the hospitality of our
experienced staffs - which will take care of your needs. Next
day will be pretty normal - no movement, so that you can rest
and acclimatize with the altitude and extreme
weather conditions. For emergency, our crew will carry oxygen,
PAC (Portable Altitude Chamber) and other
alternative as a measure to ensure your safety.
After attending at the altitude, you will start to feel better
and enjoy more of journey towards the Holy Kailash.
The day from Paryang makes everyone impatient, as this is a
long awaited day of first 'Darshan' of Sacred
Kailash and Manasarovar. Next two days are for Parikrama of
Manasarovar. Then you are ready for the Kailash Parikarama.
Yaks and helpers could be provided for the Parikrama. The
yatris face glow with happiness that they have now covered the
journey they only dreamt about. You can carry back sacred
memories in form of stones, pebbles and water from the
Manasarovar lake to your less fortune friends and relatives.
Significence of the Yatra
For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt.
Meru, the spiritual centre of the universe around
which all else revolves. With its roots in the lowest hell and
its summit kissing the heavens, where on top live
Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Jains call the mountain Astapada and believe it to be the site
where Rishaba, their first Tirthankara (spiritual
leader) achieved enlightenment. For Tibetans, Mt. Kailash is
known as Kang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and is seen as
the navel of the world and the abode of Chakrasamvara.
Followers of the older, more ancient religion of Bon believe
the mountain is the where their founder Shenrab is said to
have descended from heaven.
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