Step towards Your Salvation by Praying at the Holy Mount Kailash
Sacred Mountains | March 12, 2010Located in the remote and rugged Himalayan ranges in western Tibet, Mount Kailash is the mysterious peak and origin of the Indus, Sutlej, and Bramaputra Rivers in the Asian continent. Surrounded by two holy lakes of Mansarovar (highest fresh water body on Earth) and Rakshsthal, the sacred mountain holds utmost significance for four religions namely, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and the local Bon. Known as Gang Tise or Gang Rinproche in Tibet and Gangdisi Shan in China, it ascends up to 6714 m and is crisscrossed by many blue streams.
Formed with a black rock, the balanced summit appears as a diamond-shaped structure with its four sheer fascias. What is to be noticed here is the manifestation of the ancient sign of good luck here known as swastika naturally formed on its south face where a vertical cut passes intersects its horizontal layers.
Legends
- Hindu Mythology:
Lord Shiva, the Perpetuator of Truth, dwells at the pinnacle of the mountain named Kailash. Further, it is believed to be the Paradise and spiritual location on Earth. According to the Puranas (Hindu Holy Scriptures), the four faces of this legendary mountain are formed using crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli – it is the base of the world and is in the center area of six ranges representing a lotus from where four rivers flow to divide the world into four areas. Some beliefs tell that the mountain is Shiva’s linga. - Tibetan Buddhism:
Mount Kailash is the residence of the Buddha Demchok (known as Demchog or Chakrasamvara) who stands for the ultimate bliss. Further, it says that here Buddhism displaced Bön as the chief religion of the nation. Legend says that Milarepa, master of Tantric Buddhism, challenged Naro-Bonchung of the Bön community. When the battle did not do well, they agreed to reach the summit of Kailash for the victory. Naro-Bonchung was on his way using a magic drum, while Milarepa’s surprisingly was meditating instead of racing. When Naro-Bonchung was just about to reach, Milarepa rode on the sun rays magically to reach the top and won the contest, which marked the advent of Buddhism in Tibet. - Jainism:
Also known as Mount Ashtapada, it marks the site from where their first completely Enlightened Tirthankar (apostle) and founder of principles, Lord Rishabhadev, departed to Moksha after death liberating him completely from the cycles of rebirth. - Bön:
The mountain is the home of the sky goddess Sipaimen.
Pilgrimage
- Beliefs and Inspirations:
Pilgrims believe that walking around the Mount Kailash known as Kailash Kora will free them for their sins and ensure good luck fortune. If walked for 108 times, it will bring them salvation from rebirths. Alternatively, a one walk around and a bathe in the Lake Mansarovar will also ensure salvation. Hindus and Buddhists do so in a clockwise direction, while the Jains and Bon go for counterclockwise. - Climbing:
It is not permitted to climb Mount Kailash. According to the legend, all those who have tried to climb have lost their lives and that only the Buddhist champion Milarepa in the 12th century could reach the peak. - Trip:
A typical trip takes three days, but some take the merit of completing in a single day in just 15 hours. Facing the rough landscape, high altitudes, and changing climate, the visitors and pilgrims need to be really healthy. A few facilities such as benches, resting places, and refreshment stalls can be seen aiding the pilgrims. - Route:
Most pilgrims start from the Darchen city to reach the Dirapuk Monastery on the first night, Zutrulpuk Monastery at the second night via Dolma La Pass, and finally coming back. If you find it difficult to go on foot, hire a yak or porter in Darchen for ¥100 per day. - Tip:
Do carry waterproof shoes, tents, and food.
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According to Hinduism, Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and sorrow, resides at the summit of a legendary mountain named Kailāśā, where he sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his wife Pārvatī, the daughter of Himalaya. Mt. kailash