Kailash is one of the most holiest and sacred pilgrimages site of Lord Shiva, which is situated in Tibet (China) in the Kailash Range(Gangdise Mountains of the Transhimalaya. The Moint Kailash (Kailsa) is 6638m tall diamond shaped and the largest freshwater Lake Mansarovar (Manas Sarovar) in the Tibetan Autonomous region, are sources of great energy and mental peace for humanity. Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are refered as the holiest sites in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Bonism. Devotees and Adventure sekers flock to Kailash Mansarovar in large numbers during the yatra season every year. It is one of the tourist destination where a large number of people, visitors and pilgrims visit Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The Ministry of External Affairs organises the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra every year from June to September along two different routes. The first route takes you through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the another one is Nathu La Pass in Tibet (Sikkim). Yatris will find numerous touristic and religious sites with scenic and mesmerising beauty, providing splendid views of mountain peaks and the famed flora of Uttarakhand and Sikkim, which is unique to these areas, while travelling along these two routes. It is one of those yatras that are well-known for their religious and cultural significance. It is sacred to Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, but it is also sacred to Jains and Buddhists. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is open to Indian citizens with valid Indian passports who wish to visit Kailash-Mansarovar for religious purposes. The Ministry of External Affairs does not provide Yatris with any subsidies or financial assistance.
Kailash Mansarovar is located in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, and the people who live there include Tibetans (who make up more than 90% of the population), Chinese, and Nepalis. The official language of communication in the Tibet Autonomous Region is Standard Tibetan, which is vocalised in the form of Tibetic languages. Apart from that, one can hear people speaking Chinese and Nepalese here, with the majority of the population being fluent in both speaking and understanding English.
The ‘Renmibi’ or ‘Yuan’ is considered the official currency of Tibet, as it is in China. Banknotes and coins are both available as forms of currency. Banknotes in denominations of 100, 5, 50, 20, 2, and 1 yuan 5, 2, and 1 Jiao and 10, 2, 5, and 1 fen are widely used. The coins, on the other hand, are prominent in the denominations of one yuan, five, two, and one Jiao, and five, two, and one fen. The Central Bank of China branch has a good number of ATMs that can currently be used to withdraw Renmibi currency. Visitors who are present here can be assisted with the Renmibi currency.
The holiest Kailash Mansarovar Yatra starts and ends every year. When a large number of people, tourists and pilgrims visit the Sacred Kailash Mansarovar. Devotees and adventure seekers pay a visit to Kailash Mansarovar in large numbers every year from the month of May to October.
Mansarovar is considered a Holy place because legend has claimed that the lake is a bathing place for gods during the Brahma Muhurta. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was created in Lord Brahma's mind, hence the name Mansarovar. Mansarovar is a combination of two Sanskrit words: manas, which means “mind” or “intellect”, and sarovar, which means “lake”. The lords are said to reside and meditate at Kailash Mansarovar. The aura of Mansarovar is the reason why it cannot be found everywhere. Mansarovar, the holy lake, is compared to the mind of lords, which is as calm as water and as strong and tranquil as a mountain.
The majestic Parvat Kailash is not only famous for its shape and size, but it is also the symbol of the Earth’s spiritual centre. According to one of the Puranas, it is referred to as the pillar of the world, with a height of 84,000 leagues and a location at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolising the lotus. As Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s home, the mountain expounds the philosophy of Purusha and Prakriti, or Shiva and Shakti.
There are many other places for pilgrims to visit around the great mountain, one of which is the divine Gauri Kund, a group of 5 natural small reserves with emerald green water. The lake is known as the Lake of Compassion and is very important in Hindu religion. It is said that the goddess Parvati used to bathe in the lake, and it was only here that the great Ganesha, the lord of good fortune, was born. Other tourist destinations near the Kailash include Trirthapuri, Yam Dwar, Asthapad, Siwasthal, and Tarboche.
Mount Kailash has enormous significance, importance, and recognition in Hindu mythology, whether it is in the Purans or the Vedas. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as Devtas, Ganas, Yakshas, Yogis, Siddha Purushas, and Gandharvas, are said to reside in Kailash Mansarovar. Shiva, the lord of destruction and regeneration, is said to meditate at the mountain's summit. According to the Skanda Purana, a Supreme Hindu text, Kailash Mansarovar is the Supreme Mountain where Lord Shiva resides, giving rise to the name Kailash Mansarovar. Kailash refers to God Shiva's home mountain, and Mansarovar refers to the holy lake where Lord Shiva and Indra swam as Swans.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma created the lake Mansarovar in his mind before it materialised on Earth. Thus, it is known as 'Manasarovar' in Sanskrit, which is a combination of the words 'Manasa Sarovaram', which means'mind' and 'lake'. The lake is also well-known for being a summer home for Hamsa, or swans. These birds are considered sacred in Hindu Dharma and an important element in subcontinental symbology, representing wisdom and beauty. Another Hindu mythology story describes the formation of Lake Mansarovar in a completely different way. According to legend, Sati's hand fell at the foot of the great mountain, creating the pristine Mansarovar Lake. As a result, it is considered one of Sati's 51 Shakitpeeths. When the snow melts in the summer, it makes a unique sound. People believe that it is the sound of Lord Shiva's drum. It is also said that during this time, the Neelkamal, or blue waterlily, blooms and only looks in the direction of Mount Kailash.
Traveling to Mansarovar will be a refreshing and adventurous experience for you. But there are some other highlights for you as well, so don't miss out on the fun.
