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.
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