Kailash Mansarovar story

Truly blessed is one who gets a call from within to visit the place where philosophers, holy sages and even Gods got submerged in a blissful trance. A visit to the most sacred “Theerta Sthaan” – The Kailash Manasarovar is truly a divine experience for all devotees.  The place itself radiates spiritual energy and if your mind is at peace the entire experience will be enthralling and blissful. Only the ordained can embark on a holy and spiritual yatra to Kailash Manasarovar. 

This place is significantly important for four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon. There are many interesting facts and stories associated with this divine place which will throw light on why one is blessed to take up the Kailash Manasarovar yatra.

Facts about the Kailash Manasarovar 

Mount Kailash also known as Gang Rinpoche by the Tibetans is a peak in the Kailas Range or Gangdise mountains which is a part of the Transhimalaya in Tibet. This sacred and holy place is revered by the Buddhists, Hindus and Jains.   Kailash in Sanskrit means ‘crystal’. The Tibetan name signifies 'Treasure or Saint of Snow Mountain'. 

Significance of Kailash Manasarovar

The Kailash Manasarovar has a great religious significance in the four religions- Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon.

Hinduism

The Hindus believe that Lord Shiva resides with his wife Parvati in this legendary mountain. He sits in a perpetual state of meditation. In Hinduism, the Kailash Mountain is also synonymous with his power symbol ‘Om’. The Vishnu Purana, states that the four faces of the mountain are made up of crystal, gold, lapis lazuli/sapphire and ruby. The Kalpa Viruksha tree (the celestial tree) is also believed to adorn the slope. 

The mountain is linked with the history of the Ramayana. In order to revive the dead and injured soldiers of Prince Rama who were fighting the Rakshasa army of Ravana in Lanka, the mighty monkey ally of Rama, Hanuman was sent to fetch the ‘Sanjeevani’ medicinal herb which restores life from Mt. Kailas. Unable to recognize the plant, Lord Hanuman picked up the mountain and brought to Lanka. Once the herbs were collected, it is said that Hanuman intending to restore it to its original place, tossed the mountain back in the direction of the Himalayan range. But, as it was tossed from a great distance, it landed lopsidedly and some of the snow dropped into Tibet and it is now called Tise (Mt. Kailas). 

Jainism

The Jains refer to the mountain as Meru Parvat or Sumeru. It is here that the first Jain Tirthankara or leader, Rishabhadeva attained ‘Nirvana/Moksha’ meaning liberation or enlightenment.

Buddhism

According to Buddhism, Mount Kailash is the abode of the enlightened soul ‘Buddha’ who represents supreme bliss. For Buddhists it is the place of Chakrasamvara or Demchog. They also believe it to be the navel of the universe. 

Bon

In Bon religion which is similar to Buddhism it is considered to be the home of the Sky goddess ‘Sipaimen’. It is believed that this is a mystical region and the Swastika Mountain is the seat of all spiritual power. 

It is also believed that Guru Nanak meditated here. 

The mountain lies near Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal and is the Kailash-Manasarovar region is the source of the Holy Rivers like Indus, Tsangpo/Brahmaputra, Karnali and Sutletj.

Manasarovar

The Manasarovar Lake is considered to be the source of all creations. Manas means ‘mind of Lord Brahma’ and according to the Hindu mythology, Brahma the Swayambu created this lake for meditation. In Sanskrit the lake is called "Manasa sarovaram", which is a combination of the words ‘Manasa’ i.e. mind and ‘sarovaram’ meaning lake. It is also supposed to be the summer abode of the sacred Hamsa goose which represents beauty and wisdom. Situated at a height of 4560m the lake is amongst the highest fresh water body in the world. It is also believed that between 3 to 5 am which is referred to as ‘Brahmamuhurtha’, the Gods come to bathe every morning in this lake. The lake is believed to contain the essence of all the Vedas. It is also the place of holy ceremonial bath wherein oblations are offered to the ancestors.  

Buddhists believed that Queen Maya was given a bath by the Gods in this lake before she gave birth to Lord Buddha.

Raghukul holidays has been taking many yatris on a pilgrimage to this divine place which is a once in a life time rewarding and blissful experience. One is sure to achieve inner-peace and good fortune by the holy ritual of ‘Parikrama’ or circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot and prostrating full-length. The Holy Scriptures state that one who takes a holy dip in the Manasarovar and carries single set of parikrama around the mountain is said to wash away sins of a lifetime and 108 such parikramas will help in achieving Nirvana or Moksha i.e., salvation(no rebirth). 

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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - A spiritual experience!

Blessed are those who get the opportunity to traverse through a spiritual and divine experience while embarking on the journey of their lifetime- ‘The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra’. The journey to Kailash Mansarovar has been a life-changing experience for millions of pilgrims across the globe. Every year thousands of pilgrims experience of being in the most divine and spiritual spots in the world revered by people from different religions of the world. Since time immemorial, many pilgrims have been visiting this spiritual destination of Mount Kailash and the holy emerald lake, Lake Mansarovar.
Raghukul Holidays, one of the best tour organizers in Pune, have been helping many individuals to seek the blessings of the divine. Through this Yatra many individuals have the opportunity of feeling oneness with the divine and also a sense of self-realization. The journey to this isolated, beautiful and fascinating spiritual spot completely helps to transcend one’s soul and provide the most blissful and soulful experience of their lifetime.

Mount Kailash a magnificent and majestic mountain is located in the Southwestern corner of Tibet. This 21,779 feet tall beautiful mountain, is a part of the Himalayan mountain ranges and is the source of four mighty and sacred rivers of Asia- Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra and Sutlej. This mystical and magical spot has been drawing people from different religions due to its divinity. The Hindus consider it to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati and the true manifestation of heaven. For the Buddhists this sacred mountain, the home of the Buddha Demchok, symbolizes supreme harmony. The Jains refer to the mountain as Ashtapad and it is here that the creator of their faith, Rishabhadeva attained enlightenment. The Bons consider it to be the spiritual seat of power.  The 3 day Kailash sacred walks or the parikrama starts from the Yam Dwar where one experiences immortality. After completion of circumambulation of the mountain the soul gets cleansed and is liberated from your sins.

The eternal jade blue Manasarovar Lake created by Lord Brahma lies 20 kilometers away from Mount Kailash and is considered to be the epitome of purity. This sacred lake considered by Buddhists to be the place where Queen Maya conceived Lord Buddha,  is believed to have healing properties and has the power to wash away one’s sins of a lifetime. An individual can experience a sudden surge of energy within themselves, the reason for which is unknown. During Brahma Muhurta (between 3 and 5 am) it is believed that the Gods descend to bathe in the lake.  One gets transformed into a state of tranquility, peace and bliss while meditating in the surreal and peaceful surroundings of this beautiful pristine lake.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sojourn to this roof of the world is truly an intense spiritual experience. Every single yatri despite the arduous and trying journey undergo an enlightening transformation which is beyond words. This rewarding experience cannot be described but needs to be felt.
This mystical and magical spot has been drawing people from across the world. Come be a part of this beautiful and enlightening journey with Raghukul Holidays. We have a team of highly skilled, dedicated and trained volunteers who will help you to take upon this memorable journey with ease and comfort. All our fellow travelers who have embarked on this spiritual journey have returned from this trip with a positive transformation. Get a chance to have a peek into your own self through this wondrous and incredible experience.

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Interesting Places to visit at Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Important and Interesting Places to visit at Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is truly a divine, ultimate and ethereal experience for the blessed pilgrims!

Every year thousands of pilgrims make a pilgrimage embark on the most divine and enthralling experience of their life time- the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. For centuries, several people have been following this tradition of visiting the holy place. It is a common belief among several religions that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual which will wash away the sins of a life time and will also bring good fortune. The circumambulation by Hindus and Buddhists is done in a clockwise direction while the followers of the Bon and Jain religions circumambulate the Kailash Mountain in an anti-clockwise direction. 

According to the religious belief, the year of horse is considered to be the most sacred and right time to make the Mt.Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage. This holy site is believed to have been initially opened in the year of horse (happens once in every twelve years) for pilgrims. 2014 is also the year of the horse and many pilgrims are expected to visit this holy place.

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is a peak situated on the Gangdise Mountains which is a part of the Himalayas in Tibet. The mountain is located near the source of some of the largest rivers in Asia which include the Indus, Sutlej which is a prime tributary of the Indus, Brahmaputra and the Karnali River (which is a tributary of the Ganges River). The mountain is nestled between the two lakes Lake Rakshas Tal and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Mount Kailash is considered to be the most venerated revered as a sacred mountain by a number of faiths and cults like Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon. The Hindus consider it as the abode of Lord Shiva, because its unusual contours of black granite looks like a Shivalinga. It is also considered as the ultimate destination of the holy centre and the souls of the world. The Tibetan Buddhists consider Mount Kailash to be the abode of the Buddha Demchok who is the symbol of supreme harmony. According to Jainism it is the place where the creator of their religion Rishabhadeva attained salvation. The Bons consider it as the abode of the sky goddess Sipaimen.

According to the Puranas the four faces of the mountain are believed to be made of precious stones: crystal, gold, ruby and lapis lazuli. 

Many monk, yogis, monks and pilgrims from across the globe have undergone severe hardships to reach this abode of gods. In Hinduism a pilgrimage to Kailash is considered as the ultimate Yatra and the road to heaven. Climbing up the Mount Kailash is not allowed. Milarepa, a Tibetan Buddhist yogi who belonged to 11th century is the only person to have ever scaled the sacred mountain.

Kailash Parikrama

The most difficult part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the Kailash. The pilgrims show reverence to the mountain by circumambulating it as it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. 

The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km or 32 miles long and the walk (circumambulation) around the mountain is known Kora or Parikrama. It takes normally three days and includes difficult tasks which include scaling trails that are steep, trekking rough terrain, cross beautiful streams, to jump from one boulder to another boulder and traversing a pass situated at an altitude of 19,200 feet. The Parikrama might take more days depending on the tempo of the pilgrim’s movement. It is believed that he who completes 108 such Parikramas is assured enlightenment. 

Yam Dwar

The Yam Dwar which means the “gateway of the God of Death Yama” is situated in Tarboche which is approximately 30 minutes drive from Darchen. It is also known as Shorten Kang Nye meaning two legged Stupa in Tibet and marks the initial point of circumambulation of Mount Kailash. 

Ashtapad

Ashtapad in Sanskrit means Eight steps where Ashta means ‘Eight’ and Pada means ‘Steps’. It is situated at the bottom of Mount Kailash at a height of 17000 ft. The Ashtapad is considered as a holy place by the Hindus and Buddhists. It is equally revered by the Jains as it is the place where “Shri Adinath Bhagwan” the first of the 24 Jain Tirthankara had attained Nirvana or salvation at this place. 

Lake Mansarovar

The sacred lake of Mansarovar or Mapham Yutso( Tibetan name) creates an enchanting and beautiful backdrop to Mount Kailash with its crystal clear blue water near the shores and a deep emerald green colour at the center. It spans an area of 350 sq km and is situated at an altitude of 4556 meters. This beautiful lake of the Gods is considered to be the highest fresh water lake in the world and the lake is 300 feet deep. In the northern side of the Lake Mansarovar lies Mount Kailash and in the southern side lies the mountain Gurla Mandhata. The Rakshas Tal lies in the western side of the lake. According to Hinduism this beautiful lake got its name Mansarovar (Manas-mind, Sarovar-Lake) as it is believed to have originated in the mind of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. It is also believed to be haven of the celestial swan or Hamsa considered wise and sacred. The lake has a great significance for the Buddhists as they consider it to be the place where Queen Maya conceived Lord Buddha. It is also believed that Lord Buddha meditated near this lake. There are many monasteries situated near the lake. The most prominent is the Chiu Gompa Monastery. Pilgrims come to take ceremonial bath in the lake. The devotees believe that those who take a holy dip in this lake will be purified from all sins committed over even a hundred lifetimes.

Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund also known as the Lake of Compassion is another major place to visit at Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This holy place is associated with a number of legendary tales and mythological stories. In the steep descent of the Dolma Pass lies this wonderful lake at an altitude of 5608 meters. In Shiva Puran, Gauri Kund is popularly known as Parvati Sarovar as it is the place where Goddess Parvati gave birth to her son Ganesha. One day Parvati was taking bath in the Kund and had asked Ganesha to guard the entrance and not let anyone inside. But, when Shiva came to the place to meet Parvati, Ganesha stopped him at the door as per his mother’s instructions. Lord Shiva angered by this severed Ganesha’s head. Parvati was heartbroken and insisted that Ganesha be brought back to existence. Lord Shiva sent his army and found the head of an elephant which was then placed on the severed portion. Thus, Ganesha was revived and Goddess Parvati got back her beloved son. The reflection of the Chhota Kailash peak falls on the surface of this lake.

Rakshas Tal

Near the west of Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash lies the Lake Rakshas Tal and is connected with Lake Mansarovar by Ganga Chhu a natural channel. The total area of the lake is 70 sq km and it is located at an altitude of 4,752 meters. From the north-western tip of the lake originates the River Sutlej. Rakshas Tal or the ‘lake of the rakshasa’ is also believed to be the abode of the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, Ravana. Lake Mansarovar is round in shape and in Buddhism it is considered as the symbol of brightness while the crescent shaped Lake Rakshas Tal is associated with darkness. In sharp contrast to the fresh water Lake Mansarovar, the water of Lake Rakshas Tal is salty. It is strictly not allowed to take a dip or drink the water of Lake Rakshas Tal as it does not nurture any fish or aquatic plants and is considered as toxic by the local Tibetan dwellers. It includes four islands namely: Dosharba, the Dola, Lachato and Topserma or Dose. The local inhabitants visit the island only during the winter season and mainly use it as winter pastures for yaks.

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How long is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2014??

Mt. Kailash

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra for the devotees of divine Lord Shiva :

Shiva, An Omniscient Yogi, a divine being worshipped and followed by millions and millions of devotees across globe. Mount Kailash is his abode and is worshipped usually in the aniconic form of Lingam. He is worshipped as Mahadeva, Pashupathinath, Budhaneelkantha, Swayambhunath and with various names. Visiting Mount Kailash for Lord Shiva’s Darshan is believed to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage’s of all. Also, It is considered as a sacred place in four religions: Bön, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The mountain lies near Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal in Tibet.

In Tibet and China the Buddhist believes ‘Horse’ as a pivotal part and is considered as a symbol of well – being and good fortune. The ‘Horse year’, which comes once in 12 years is considered to be an auspicious one. Though kailash manasarovar tour takes place every year, according to their religious belief, most sacred and worthy time to make the Mount Kailash pilgrimage is in the ‘Year of Horse’. And 2014 is a horse year, which occurs once in twelve years. Thus, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2014 is a finest time for a pilgrimage. Along with Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar is a pilgrimage site too. Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are famous as Sacred Mountain and Holy Lake.

Aspiring for Mount Kailash Yatra?

If you are aspiring for a pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, ‘Raghukul Holidays’ one of the finest travel agencies can facilitate you for this tour. Raghukul Holidays organizes 12 nights and 13 days of the fascinating and holy Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. They also have tailored packages, keeping customer’s requirements in view.

Though Kailash Manasarovar tour brings a feel of positivity in you and make you blissful, there are some difficulties you might face during the trip and some preparatory measures to be taken before starting. High altitudes and rough weather condition are the main thing which gets on your nerves. Yet with good facilities, preparedness and well managed things by the mentors of Raghukul Holidays, the Yatra becomes hassle free.

12 Nights and 13 Days of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra:

Raghukul Holidays established in 2009, with a vision to facilitate the devotees of Lord Shiva are the organizers for 12 nights and 13 days of the Kailash Manasarovar tour. Below are the points mentioned in  brief to give you an idea of travel plan.

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.

Day 2: Early morning Mountain Flight (Optional - Chargeable). Half day sightseeing – Pashupatinath Temple, Budhaneelkantha, Swayambhunath, etc. followed by shopping / leisure.

Day 3: Early morning drive towards Kodari. Immigration formalities in Nepal and proceed to Nyalam along with scenic sightseeing.

Day 4: Warming up your body for Parikrama. Acclimatization and a short hiking in Nyalam.

Day 5: A drive from Nyalam to New Dongpa. Ganesh Parvat Darshan, crossing the river Brahmaputra.

Day 6: Early morning breakfast and drive to Lake Mansarovar. An  astonishing moment of the first glimpse of Mount Kailash with the view of sacred Lake Mansarovar.

Day 7: Puja and bath in Lake Manasarovar. Proceed from Lake Mansarovar to Darchen.

Day 8: Morning, Drive To Yama Dwar then Start Parikrama of Mount Kailash. Ashtapad and Tirthpuri the special attractions for the tourists (Optional).

Day 9: Continue Parikrama To Zutulphuk Via Gauri Kunda. The longest day of Parikrama.

Day 10: End Parikrama Near Darchen And Drive Back To Lake Mansarovar

Day 11: Return Journey to Nyalam

Day 12: Return to Kathmandu

Day 13: Transfer to the Airport and a safe drive back home.

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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2014 Q&A with Mr. Amit Kulkarni

Amit Kulkarni

Raghukul Holidays:

An ideal travel agency Raghukul Holidays, started its journey in 2009. We are involved in organizing the sacred kailash mansarovar yatra and many tours to various places. The religious followers from all over India and across the globe visit Kailash Mansarovar every year. This Yatra is considered to be the most sacred pilgrimages and can be one’s life’s blissful experience. We are identified and recommended by ‘trip advisor.com’. We are also a part of Kailash Mansarovar Travel Agents Association.

Mr.Amit Kulkarni:

Mr. Amil Kulkarni, an enthusiastic person is the founder of Raghukul Holidays. He is a veteran in this field. Though Kailash yatra is one of the most difficult yet fascinating pilgrimage tours in the world, Amit Kulkarni with his group is able to ensure you the safe, stress free and enjoyable journey.

Q & A’s:

Why prefer Raghukul Holidays for booking?

We understand your love and devotion towards Lord Shiva,hence we strive to make your kailash mansarovar tour more special, more memorable, more secure, and more affordable than you might have ever thought of. Our vision is to facilitate the devotees of Lord Shiva, thus provide facilities needed for a tension free journey.

• We offer tailor-made packages to cater your needs

• We provide our host of services, who book tickets, arrange accommodation, sightseeing, support for visa / passport applications, currency exchange and provide travel insurance.

• We also provide Translators during your tour to ensure that you do not miss even a bit of the fun,and feel at home.

• We also provide you basic equipments needed during journey and oxygen cylinders in need

What are the precautions you take up in rough weather conditions?

Weather in Kailash Mansarovar changes suddenly and weather conditions often remains extreme. We take an extra care to avoid any bad consequences and we provide various facilities like:

• Oxygen Cylinder with Masks in every vehicle

• Warm and Cold cloths like jackets, T-shirts, towels, thermals, ankle high walking boots etc. on rent basis

• Readiness of first aid kit, antibiotics and so on.

How Raghukul travel group makes the journey enjoyable?

Our company is well aware about what adventure lovers like on their tour. We have an enthusiastic team of trained professionals to take you through the challenging limits of Rafting, Skiing, Safari, Trekking, Bungee Jumping and etc.
We have joint ventures with leading establishments in Nepal to make sure that you bag the best out of the opportunity of touring the holy place.

Tips you would advice to visitors

Visiting this holy place brings the positivity in you. For sure the journey is filled with adventures. Yet you might face the rough weather conditions, high altitude location, breathing issues and so on. It is advisable to follow the mentioned tips here for a trouble free sacred trip.

• It is advisable to consult a doctor and get a fitness, medical certificate before starting with the pilgrimage.

• Basic antibiotics can be carried during Kailash Mansarovar Tour based on doctors prescription.

• Trekking in Kailash Parvat needs a lot of strength. Hence, we advise you to start 30 minutes walk, jogging daily, stretching and regular exercise, etc. that will keep you nimble.

• Right Clothing. Weather changes suddenly in Kailash Parvat you need the right clothing for extreme cold as well as too sunny temperature.

• A little basic knowledge on currency of China and Tibet. 

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