 Mount Kailash - The abode of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati
Mt. Kailash is claimed to become the apex of the Hindu spiritual axis, can also be among the greatest mountains in Tibet at 22,022 feet. Lord Shiva resides more than here among the peaceful Himalayas. A mythological story states that Lord Shiva as soon as developed a house for himself but gave it away to a devotee who asked for it. Thus without changing his residence he settled within the mountain of Kailash.
This is his abode where he stays together with his entire family such as his wife Goddess Parvati and kids Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikiya along with the other Shiv Ganas (team of Shiva Devotees) like Nandi and other people.
According to historical spiritual texts, the abode of Lord Vishnu is named Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Bhrama is named Bhramaloka as well as the abode of Lord Shiva is known as Kailash. Of the 3, 1 can only go bodily and return within this life from Kailash getting skilled divinity. The Hindus, Bons and Jains all alike journey to this place as pilgrims. A journey to Kailash is deemed as once in a lifetime achievement.
Legends, Myths & Beliefs
It is because of Kailash - Mansarovar, which is 865-kms from Delhi, that Kumaon is sometimes named "Manaskhand". Many myths are associated with this unusual mountain and lake. The Buddhists, the Jains and the Bonpas of Tibet too, all revere this spot with great fervour and devotion.
Therefore, it is not surprising for a devotee to come across the worlds "Om Mani Padme Hum" ("Hail to the jewel (of Creation) inside the Lotus) written on stones and taken from Buddhist scriptures. The Bonpas make an anti-clockwise pilgrimage around Mt. Kailash whereas the believers with the jain faith specially visit astpaad near the southern face of Kailash in the Kailash --mansarovar region.
Among the thousands of deities of Hinduism, Lord Shiva is the most beloved as well as the most sort after lord. Lord Shiva finds a great place inside the heart of all devotees be it the Human beings, the Devataas or the Rakshasaas.
He is even known as Bhola Baba because of his uniqueness of being simple and he grants whatever the devotee asks for. This really is the reason why he is getting a large following in all the three worlds of Akash, Bhumi, & Patal. Bhola Baba filled with Vairagya (dispassion) is a joy of all spiritual seekers.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Divinity is initiated in "Kailash Manasarovar Yatra" with arrival in Katmandu - the capital city of Nepal, exactly where deities mingle with the mankind. A visit to the most dominant temple 'Pashupatinath' with many other people equally significant temples are of great merit. This primordial temple enshrines faith of millions of Hindus throughout the world as Lord Shiva's sacred residence. A spiritual atmosphere is maintained throughout the trip.
A briefing with experts on the second day, will prepare you for the ultimate journey to the most sacred of all pilgrimages, the Kailash - Manasarovar. Rest of the evening is for the preparation and inspection of the equipments that are needed for the journey.
The next day is the departure from the hotel, you cross the Nepal- border and arrive within the Tibetan town called "Nyalam" (3750m). Yatries overcome their exhaustion from 7 hrs drive and abrupt altitude gain together with the hospitality of our experienced staffs - which will take care of your needs.
Next day will be pretty normal - no movement, so that you can rest and acclimatize together with the altitude and extreme weather conditions. For emergency, our crew will carry oxygen, PAC (Portable Altitude Chamber) and other alternative as a measure to ensure your safety.
After attending at the altitude, you will start to feel better and enjoy a lot more of journey towards the Holy Kailash. The day from Paryang makes everyone impatient, as this is a long awaited day of first 'Darshan' of Sacred Kailash and Manasarovar.
Next two days are for Parikrama of Manasarovar. Then you are ready for the Kailash Parikarama. Yaks and helpers could be provided for the Parikrama. The yatris face glow with happiness that they have now covered the journey they only dreamt about. You can carry back sacred memories in form of stones, pebbles and water from the Manasarovar lake to your less fortune friends and relatives.
Significence of the Yatra
For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, the spiritual centre with the universe around which all else revolves. With its roots within the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens, where on top live Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Jains call the mountain Astapada and believe it to be the site where Rishaba, their first Tirthankara (spiritual leader) achieved enlightenment.
For Tibetans, Mt. Kailash is called Kang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and is seen as the navel with the world along with the abode of Chakrasamvara. Followers of the older, much more ancient religion of Bon believe the mountain is the exactly where their founder Shenrab is said to have descended from heaven.
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