One of the holiest lake of Tibet, Mansarovar lake is situated in west Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture and is at a distance of 32 km from Mount Kailash. The lake is considered as the highest freshwater lake in the world and is a renowned scared site in four religions –Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon.
The beautiful Mansarovar Lake sits at an elevation of 4,950 meters and covers an area of 320 km2 . Lake Mansarovar is known as the Mapham Yum or invincible turquoise lake. This legendary lake is inherited with sheer serenity. One of the key features of the lake is its crystal clear blue water which makes the deeper points of the lake all clear. Enclosed by majestic Himalayan peaks to the south, Lake Mansarovar is bestowed with unparalleled beauty.
Lake Mansarovar is the source of four great Asian rivers-Sindhu, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Ghaghara. Pilgrims to drive off past sins and troubled thoughts, bath in the holy water of the lake during the Lake Mansarovar Yatra. The view of the lake and transforming colors of the water leave people astounded.
The epic history and mythology of Mansarovar makes it one of the pristine religious destinations for centuries. Let us look at the importance of Lake Mansarovar in different religion:
Hindus have been visiting the holy site of Mansarovar lake since the past 1500 and believe that the lake was created by the Lord Brahma. The lake is called ‘Manasa sarovaram’ meaning ‘mind lake’ as it is regarded that it was first created in the name of god Bhrama. In the 4th century, Kalidasa the great Sanskrit poet in the name of the Lake Mansarovar wrote that the lake was “like pearls and that to drink them erases the sins of a hundred lifetimes”. Bathing in Lake Mansarovar & drinking the lake water is considered auspicious as it washes away all the sins and purifies one’s soul& mind.
Lake Mansarovar is a very celebrated religious place among the Bon religion people. Founder of Bon religion, Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche bathed in the pure water of Lake Mansarovar when he visited Tibet for the first time.
Popular in Buddhist literature, many myths and teaching are associated with Lake Mansarovar. Many Buddhist associates the scenic lake with Anavatapta lake where Maya (mother of Buddha) conceived the great Buddha. It is said that Buddha has several times meditated and stayed near the Mount Kailash Mansarovar lake.