Mount Kailash, a peak of the Kailash Range is surrounded by Sutlej in the West, the mighty Brahmaputra in the East, Indus in the North and the largest tributary of the Ganges in the South. This personification of purity is located at the southern base of Mount Kailash and is believed that one who takes a holy dip and drinks water from the lake is sure of attaining peace and serenity. Mansoravar Lake is also known for is exceptional beauty; thecolour of this fresh water lake changes from clear blue around the shores to emerald green at centre. And this round shaped lake looks magical under the moonlit.
The devotees who are on a sojourn to Kailash Masoravar make sure to drink the holy water from the lake. The pilgrims who visits the holy places of Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash gathers some golden memories of a lifetime which remind them of the presence of Lord Shiva in their lives. It also helps in getting tranquillity and peace. The pristine beauty of Kailash Mansoravar is truly awe divine which instils in people the feeling of being one with Lord Shiva. According to the Hindus, the walk around the thirty-two mile circumference of Mount Kailas is known as Parikrama. While the Tibetans refer this clockwise circumambulation as a Kora; though meaning of both the words are same. A journey to Kailash Mansoravar doesn't complete without doing the Parikrama of Mount Kailash. Though trekking around Mount Kailash is a bit arduous, but the devout pilgrims surpass all hurdles and complete the Parikrama. A circumambulation of Mount Kailash and a dip in the crystal clear water of Mansarovar Lake removes the sins of all lifetimes and brings salvation from reincarnation. This year Kailash Mansarovar Yatra begins from 25th of May to 19th of September. This yatra could be made by land, bus or through helicopter. It is open to all who is more than 18 years of age and has not exceeded the age of 70 years. To make this pious yatra, the devotees needs to book the tour packages which is open now. The people needs to be medically fit to avail the tour packages leading to the Mount Kailash. From thousands of years followers from various beliefs have been visiting Kailash and doing circumbulating this sacred mountain on foot.
It is believed that making a religious journey to Mount Kailash and doing this tradition would wash away sins of one's lifetime and bring in good fortune. However, it is not easy cover the journey of around 52 kilometres on foot in a single day. For do the religious tradition and complete it successfully one need to be strong both physically and mentally. Normally, it takes around three days to finish this pious walk. The Hindus and Buddhists pilgrims walk around the peak in a clockwise direction but the Bon and Jain followers do it in anti-clockwise direction. As the Hindu legends say, the God of devastation and rebirth, Lord Shiva resides at the pinnacle of this sacred mountain named Mount Kailash which is considered in many sections of Hinduism as heaven. It is the ultimate destination of souls and the holy centre of the entire world. According to the narrative in the Puranas, this mountain has four faces which are made of crystal, gold, ruby and lapis lazuli. It is from this mountain that four sacred rivers flow which stretch to the four quarters of the world. These rivers divide the world into four different regions. These are the important aspects which makes this place so sacred.
Martin Wynn
