Mount Kailash: The Holy Abode Of Lord Shiva

Mount Kailash is a sacred place where the four religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon are woven together in its holy spirit. It is not merely a mountain of stone and snow; it is a personification of belief and spirituality and an eternal source of the energy of Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash. Resting in the southwestern corner of Tibet, the Kailash Parvat rises at 6638m (21778 ft); also known as ‘Mount Meru’ in Buddhist cosmology, which means the Navel of the Earth (centre of the universe).

Millions of Shiva devotees plan Kailash Parvat yatra and take a dip in the holy Mansarovar Lake, which is located at the foot of the Holy Mountain Kailash. There is a belief that taking a dip in the holy waters of Kailash Mansarovar washes away the sins committed in a past life. Millions of Shiva devotees plan Kailash Parvat Yatra to take blessings from Mahadev. Read on to know everything about Mount Kailash.

Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash & its different names

Ever wondered if a mountain could be equally sacred to different religions of the world? Well, believe it or not, this is true! Unlike any other mountain, Mount Kailash is believed to be the hub of spiritual energy; the peak is worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons alike.

Wondering why? Read further to understand how and why Mount Kailash, one of the world’s holiest peaks, holds special significance for devotees of different religions.

Why Mount Kailash is known Axis Mundi of Earth 

It is believed that the Gods reside within the divine yet tranquil landscape of Mount Kailash. Kailash Parvat is a sanctuary of spirituality and divinity because it is home to the Gods- Lord Shiva, Demchok, or Rishabhanatha (Jain Tirthankar), and a place of enlightenment for monks and sages. Tourists who have been to Kailash have also realized the presence of divine forces at Mount Kailash.

But do you know what makes this mountain, powerful than other peaks? Here’s what you need to know:

Kailash Mansarovar mountain is also known as ‘Axis Mundi’ or ‘centre of the world’, connecting the heavens with Earth, and is an axis balancing the cosmic energies of the world. In Tibetan philosophy, Mount Kailash symbolizes the wheel of life and death, cosmic existence, and the path to enlightenment. The geographical territory of Mount Kailash, which is made up of lakes, valleys, hills, and monasteries, forms a giant mandala, where Kailash Parvat stands in the centre as a ‘symbol of light’. And so, pilgrims take a Mount Kailash Yatra to worship this holy peak.

Kailash Mansarovar Darshan: Top 7 places to visit near Mount Kailash

Wondering what to explore around Mount Kailash? Well, the places to visit near the Kailash Mansarovar region are not just spiritual but quite fascinating too. Here are the top 7 places that you must visit after your Mount Kailash darshan.

Yam Dwar

Yam Dwar, or Tarboche, is one of the most popular tourist attractions and the starting point for Kailash Parvat Parikrama. It is believed that crossing Yam Dwar or the gateway of the God of Death (Yamraj) liberates one from the sins committed in past lives. There is a flagpole erected at Yam Dwar, and Tibetans circumambulate it. As per Hindu beliefs, Yam Devta guards the place.

Lake Mansarovar

Lake Mansarovar, Tibet, is the world’s highest freshwater lake located at a distance of 20 km from Mount Kailash and is regarded as the ‘Lake of the Gods’. The word Mansarovar is derived from two words- Manas (mind) and sarovar (Lake), and is locally referred to as Mapam Yumtso in Tibet. Pilgrims usually circumambulate the lake, and this ritual is known as Lake Mansarovar Parikrama, from where pilgrims carry the holy lakewater as prasadam. As per Buddhist beliefs, Buddha’s mother, Maya, conceived at Lake Mansarovar, turning it a site of faith for Buddhists.

Rakshastal Lake

Rakshastal Lake, or the Ravana Tal, is situated west of Lake Mansarovar at an altitude of 4,575 meters. As per folktales, the demon king Ravana performed severe penance at Lake Rakshastal for 1000 years. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him siddhis & supernatural powers, hence, this lake is believed to be the dwelling place of ghosts symbolizing darkness, negativity, and inauspiciousness. 

Saptarishi Caves

Saptarishi Caves Kailash is located at an elevation of 6000 m in the inner parikrama region of Mount Kailash. The seven great sages- Vasishtha, Vishwamitra, Atri, Gautama, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, and Kashyapa have lived & performed tapasya at these caves. The trek to the inner parikrama region of Mount Kailash is believed to be highly difficult, and so is reaching the Kailash’s Saptarishi Caves.

Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund near Kailash is known as ‘Lake of Compassion’, another famous tourist attraction, where it is believed that Goddess Parvati bathed. The water of Gauri Kund is believed to be pure and holy, as Lord Ganesha protects the lake.

Ashtapad

Ashtapad Jain pilgrimage, located in Darchen in the Himalayan region, is revered, which implies ‘eight steps to enlightenment’. It is a lesser-known but famously known Jain pilgrimage site near Mount Kailash where Lord Rishabhanatha (the first Tirthankar of Jains) attained enlightenment.

Nandi Parvat

Every Shiva Temple has a statue of Nandi facing Lord Shiva. It is quite strange that there is a Nandi-like mountain structure, Nandi Parvat, just opposite the south face of Mount Kailash. This mountain resembles Nandi Maharaj (the bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva). Nandi is considered the highest of all in Shiva devotees and his ganas, so he is the guardian of Kailash Mansarovar and Kailash Parvat. 

Shiva Sthal

Shivasthal is another special place that holds great significance for Hindus. Many believe that donating food, clothes, and other items at Shivasthal is granted in the next life. The place reminds us to have a minimalist and humble lifestyle, which represents life and death.

Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in the Barkhor region of Lhasa, also popularly known to be ‘the heart of Lhasa’. The temple houses a life-sized statue of 12-year-old Buddha, of which the corridors and winding alleys narrate Tibet’s rich legacy and culture.

Trithapuri Monastery & Hot Springs

Tirthpuri is a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site, located on the banks of the river Sutlej, close to Darchen. Padma Sambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated inside the Vajravarahi Cave, along with his consort Yeshe Tsogyel, based in the inner complex of the monastery. Tirthapuri Hot Spring is located near the temple, and one can find mani stones, prayer flags, and skulls of yaks on the route to the Monastery. 

What is Mount Kailash Kora?

Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama, also known as Mount Kailash Kora, is one of the most significant rituals performed by Tibetans, Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bons, which is believed to liberate one from the continuous cycle of birth and death. 

The Kailash Parvat Parikrama is a 52km long trek performed around Mount Kailash, starting and ending at Darchen. Before circumambulating Mount Kailash, pilgrims perform three circumambulations of Chorten (Stupas) in Darchen. Along the Mount Kailash Kora trek, one can find mani stones, prayer flags, yak skulls, and goats with mantra syllables. Also, Tarboche is a place where a flagpole is erected every year, marking the onset of the auspicious Saga Dawa festival, an occasion celebrating the birth of Buddha Shakayumani on the Tibetan calendar’s fourth month’s full moon day. During this time, Tibetan Buddhists usually visit monasteries. 

You can check out further differences, significance, places to visit nearby, and other details about Kailash Parikrama- inner kora and outer kora.

Lesser-Known Facts About Mount Kailash You Should Know Before Visiting

Mount Kailash has remained shrouded in mystery for ages. Not many know about the mysteries of Mount Kailash, so we’ve collected some of the interesting facts about Kailash Parvat that would intrigue you:

1. The shape and structure of Mount Kailash 

Generally, all mountain peaks are pointed from the top. However, Mount Kailash is the only mountain that stands apart and has a pyramid-like structure with a symmetrical appearance. It is shaped like a huge Shiva lingam nestled in the middle of a 16-petalled-lotus-like structure formed by the adjacent mountains, often related to a temple, stupa, or cathedral, which is looked upon as a reservoir of knowledge and cosmic energy. These lotus-like mountains are also formed in such a way that they seem to have become argha for the Shiva linga.

2. Origin of the Four Rivers 

The Himalayan range of Kailash is the origin of four rivers—the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali, believed to be sacred as they support human civilization and nurture millions of lives starting from the Kailash region.

3. The process of ageing becomes faster

Many travellers have experienced strange phenomena such as rapid growth of nails and hair within 12 days of their Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This is due to the change in time’s dimension and the geographical situation of the Kailash Mansarovar.

6. An unsummitted peak

Mount Kailash has remained one of the world's unclimbed sacred mountains for ages. Since it is considered to be sacred and revered in the four religions- Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Bon- it is forbidden to climb this mountain. Only Milarepa, a Tibetan spiritual mystic, is said to have climbed this holy peak.

If the best-kept secrets of Mount Kailash fascinate you, do not miss out on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You can call/WhatsApp us at +91-8510007751 for all your queries and travel recommendations related to Mount Kailash Yatra.

People Also Ask: Mount Kailash FAQs

1. What is mysterious about Mount Kailash?

Ans. Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak (29,029 feet), has been summited countless times. However, Mount  Kailash, which has a relatively lower height (21,778 feet) than Mount Everest, remains one of the world’s unsummitted peaks. As per the guidelines of the Government of China, any kind of climbing activity is prohibited at Mount Kailash due to safety, environmental concerns, and religious importance in four different religions.

2. When does Kailash Mansarovar Yatra start?

Ans. May to September are the ideal months to go for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. For more details about taking a pilgrimage tour to Kailash Mansarovar, contact us now!

3. How to reach Mount Kailash from India?

Ans. You can reach Mount Kailash from India via Lucknow and Nepalgunj, with the assistance of Trip To Temples. For a detailed itinerary and trip information, send us your query at +91-8510007751.