Kailash Mansarowar
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 lifetime
achievement.
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. |