History of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Mount Kailash is believed to be Lord Shiva’s heavenly abode. As per the legends immortal Shiva lives on Kailash Parbat’s top and practices yogic austerities. It was formed over thirty million years ago and holds immense importance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The Mansarovar Lake is an important part of Kailash considered to be the holiest water body by the followers of Hinduism. Devotees believe that Mansarovar has healing properties and is the ideal destination for spiritual reflection. Therefore, if you’re visiting Mount Kailash you must take a holy dip in this lake. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a journey of spiritual growth and self-discovery. One of the main highlights of this yatra is the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The pilgrims circumambulate around Mount Kailash, also known as Kora or Kailash Parikrama, beginning from Darchen, and taking a holy dip in the Mansarovar lake.

History of Kailash Mansarovar

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is mentioned in ancient texts and scriptures and has ancient roots. This spiritual journey has been undertaken by the pilgrims for centuries in search of divine blessings and spiritual enlightenment.

The Puranas, provide the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra’s first reference. These texts explain the prominence of Mount Kailash and the pilgrimage’s ritualistic practices.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds immense importance in Tibetan Buddhism. As per the beliefs Guru Rinpoche, a renowned Tibetan Buddhist guru meditated in the caves that surround Mount Kailash and has left behind his spiritual footprints.

Mount Kailash is considered in Hindu mythology to be the mythical Mount Meru, which is basically a cosmic axis that connects Earth and heaven’s realms. It is also believed to be the four sacred rivers origin point including the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej, and the Karnali.

• Also Read: History of Adi Kailash

Kailash Mansarovar Mythology

As per mythology Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a way to build a direct connection with God. Taking a dip in the holy waters of Mansarovar and completing the Kailash Parvat circumambulation can help you secure a place in heaven. According to Mahabharata, the Pandava brothers in pursuit of salvation, undertook the challenging trek to Kailash as they considered it the gateway to Swarg Lok. Let’s take a look at a few other mythological stories associated with the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

• Mount Kailash’s western face is immensely sacred and it is considered to be the gateway to Shambhala, which is a mythical kingdom of eternal bliss and enlightenment. Pilgrims pay homage to Mount Kailash’s western face, adding to its mystique.
• Lake Mansarovar is believed to be created by Lord Brahma who is regarded as the creator of the universe. He believed that Lake Mansarovar was the most appropriate site for performing various important religious rituals. Lord Bramha and his 12 sons, who were known to be holy men, purified the region by performing various austerities. In Buddhism, Mansarovar Lake is considered to have a direct connection with the Anotatta Lake.
• In the Hindu religion having the Darshan of Shiva’s adobe ie Mount Kailash is believed to be helpful in attaining release from the clutches of disillusions and ignorance. The Kailash Mountain is called by the Jains as Ashtapada. They believe that the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, ‘ Rishabh Dev ‘ attained liberation at this holy mountain.
• In the Bon religion, the Kailash Mountain is called Sipaimen (Sky Goddess). Bon myths also consider Tise as the site of the twelfth-century battle of sorcery between the Bon-Shaman Naro-Bon-Chug and Buddhist Saga Milarepa. Though Gautam Buddha visited Mount Kailash in the fifth century BC, it is believed that Buddhism entered Tibet via India and Nepal in the seventh century AD.
• The Kailash Mountain is called by the Tibetan Buddhists as Kang Rinpoche and they consider it the abode of Demchog and his companion, Dorsephagmo. Near Kang Rimpoche, three hills can be seen rising that is believed to be the Bodhisattvas Vajrapani, Manjushree, and Avalokiteshvara’s homes.
• According to Skanda Purana, Kailash Parvat is a Supreme Mountain as Lord Shiva resides here. Therefore, it is also known as Shiva’s Mount Kailash. This holy mountain is known for its peculiar hugeness and shape and is also regarded as the ‘spiritual center of the Earth.’ Kailash Parvat’s average height is 21778 ft. The ‘Kailash Parikrama’ or ‘Kailash Kora’ is a famous ritual practiced at Lake Mansarovar by pilgrims. It takes around two to three days to complete the circumambulation. It is considered that around the mountain if you perform circumambulation it brings renewal, prosperity, and good fortune in your life. However, nobody is allowed to climb the mountain as it is considered sacred by people of all religions.
• As per the description in the Puranas, Kailash Parvat is considered to be the ‘pillar of the world.’ It symbolizes a lotus and is situated at the heart of six mountain ranges. The unique thing about this mountain is that the four rivers—Karnali, Indus, Sutlej, and Brahmaputra emerge from it and they divide the entire world into four different parts. Maharashtra’s rock-cut temple Ellora has also been named after Kailash Mountain. Many of this temple’s sculptures depict Shiva and Parvati’s stories, including the attempt of demon king Ravana to lift Mount Kailash. According to Shiv Purana, at Kailash Ravana sang the Shiv Tandav Stotram to please Shiva.

Legend of Lake Mansarovar

As per the Hindu texts, Lord Brahma first visualized Mansarovar Lake in his mind. Then it materialized on Earth. Mansarovar has been derived from ‘Manasa(mind) and Sarovaram’ (lake). Around the lake, you can spot a lot of swans. The lake is considered to be one of the one of the 51 Shakitpeeths. According to the texts of Devi, Goddess Sati’s hand fell at the Mansarovar Lake. During summer, you can hear a unique sound when the snow melts. It is believed that it is the dumroo’s sound carried by lord Shiva. It is also believed that the blue waterlily or Neelkamal blooms and faces Mount Kailash’s direction at his time.

The Mansarovar Jheel or Kailash Mansarovar Lake is considered to be deeply sacred and pious. During the Manasa Sarovara Yatra, those who drink the holy water of Lake Mansarovar are said to grant redemption for all the sins they have committed by Lord Shiva’s blessings.

• Check out: Kailash Mansarovar Tour Packages by Helicopter

Mystery Surrounding Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash has many fascinating mysteries surrounding it. It is believed to be the ‘Centre of the Universe’ and the link between the Earth and Heaven. NASA has captured the Kailash Parvat’s satellite images reflecting Lord Shiva’s smiling face. There are many untold secrets and facts surrounding Mount Kailash. Unusual growth of hair and nails has been experienced in just 12 hours after reaching this holy mountain. Nobody is allowed to climb Mount Kailash due to its sacred status.

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• Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar
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