Kailash Mansarovar is considered to be Lord Shiva’s favorite place. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reside here. According to Puranic scriptures, Kailash Parvat is considered to be Shiva Dham. This place is considered the most important of all Jyotirlingas. Mansarovar is known as Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. A lot of devotees and saints visit this place every year. This place is considered to be very holy and sacred.
Like Amarnath temple, this place is also not easily accessible. It is known as the second Kailash Parvat. Mansarovar is famous for its magnificence. This place covers an area of 48 kilometers. Kailash Mansarovar yatra is considered to be one of the most difficult pilgrimages. The path even crosses through China. It is believed that people who have been called by Lord Shiva are only able to visit this place. This yatra takes place every year in the month of May or June. This yatra is carried out in a period of 28 days.
A glimpse of India’s culture can be clearly seen in this pilgrimage. Kailash Parvat holds an important place in Hindu religion. It is also known as Ganparvat and Rajatgiri. It is believed that this Parvat originated on its own. The southern part of the mountain is considered to be blue sapphire, eastern to be crystal, western to be ruby and northern to be gold. Its tip is in the form of a Shiva Linga. This place is always covered with snow. This place is important in four religions : Hindu, Buddhism, Jainism and Tibet religion. The four sides of Kailash Parvat have produced Brahmaputra, Sindhu, Satluj and Karnali rivers.
Puranic Importance of Kailash Mansarovar
According to Puranas, Mansarovar lake originated because of Bhagirath’s austerities and blessings of Lord Shiva. A lot of stories and legends have been associated with this place. A lot of different stories have also been mentioned in shastras. According to some, Lord Brahma formed Mansarovar with the water in his Kamandal. It is also believed that Goddess Sati’s hand feel in this place. Kailash Mansarovar is considered to be a heaven on earth. It is believed that a person who drinks water from Mansarovar lake goes straight to heaven. This place is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
Kailash Mansarovar temple is 4 thousand feet above ground level. Due to this, it is always covered with snow. Devotees visiting this place consider it auspicious to remove the snow and take a bath in the lake. Lord Shiva resides here in the form of a Shiva Linga. This place has originated many different rivers. People drink water from Mansarovar lake and take a bath.
Rakshas Tal
People from Hindu religion as well as other religions like Buddhism also visit Mansarovar lake. It is believed that they are blessed from Lord Shiva. There is a pond in this place which is also known as Rakshas Tal. It is believed that Ravan offered austerities to Lord Shiva in this place. Ravan belonged to the demon (Rakshas) dynasty and therefore, this pond came to be known as Rakshas Tal.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Path
It is believed that Lord Brahma created the Earth in this place. River Ganga divided into four different rivers in this place. Four different names are given to these rivers. The path of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra covers Haldvani, Kausani, Bageshwar, Gharchula, Tavaghaat, Paangu, Sirkha, Gaala, Maalpa, Budhi, Gunji, Kalapani, Lipu Lekha Darra, Taklakot, Tarchen Derapuf and Kailash. Mansarovar yatra seems to be magnificent. The color of nature seems to be dark blue and snowy. People visiting this place walk around the mountain. People visiting this place believed that this place is the center of the universe.
Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama
Kailash Parvat Parikrama is situated 15500 to 19500 feet above ground level. This Parikrama begins from Tarchen and ends in Tarchen Kailash which is 45 kilometers away from the place. People reach Brahmaputra river and finally at Derapuf. This peak is also known as Himratna. People proceed towards Drolma which is a dangerous passage. This is followed by Taklakot, Maandhaata, Gurlala and Darra. Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal can be seen from this place. Lord Shiva is worshipped in Drolma pass and Mansarovar.
Durra is followed by Tirthapuri where springs and waterfalls of hot water can be seen. This is followed by Dolmala and Devikhind. These are situated at a height. Beneath Drolma, Gauri Kund can be seen in Lhadu vallye. Devotees take a bath in this Kund. It is believed that Goddess Parvati offered austerities in this place in order to marry Lord Shiva. Hence, this place came to be known as Gauri Kund. This yatra ends at the highest peak which is known as Deshfu Gompa.
Importance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Kailash Mansarovar is situated at a great height and mostly covered with snow. Therefore, it is a test of the devotion and dedication of people. Besides this, there is always an increase in the number of people visiting this place every year.
This place is beautiful because of the many rivers and waterfalls.The magnificence and beauty of this place has also been mentioned in Puranas. According to Vrahat Purana, Lord Shiva is extremely fond of this place. A detailed explanation of this place has been given in Puranic Scriptures.
This is believed to be one of the ancient and oldest mountain ranges. This also the place with most snow all around the world. Still, a huge number of devotees visit this place every year. Even tourists visit this place because of its beauty. This place offers a lot of peace to the soul. Each mountain in these ranges has atleast one pilgrimage. There are also forests and peaks. A mythological story is associated with each one. This place is beautiful and magnificent.