The very fact one thought of proceeding to Kailash and Mansarovar is a call from within. Thousands of Sages, ordinary mortals, philosophers and even the Gods had submerged in blissful trance at the very Bight of this divine grandeur. It is the MERU, SUMERU, SUSHUMNA, HEMADRI (golden mountain), RATNASANU (jewel peak), KARNIKACHALA (lotus mount), AMARADRI, DEVA PARVATHA (summit of gods), GANA PARVATHA, RAJATADRI (silver mountain). It was the SWAYAMBU – the self-created one. Kailash and Mansarovar are as old as the creation. Everything emanates from there are finally return there. It is the centre of creation and the Universe.
It is the abode of LORD SHIVA and his divine consort PARVATHI. It expounds the philosophy of PURUSHA and PRAKRITI – SHIVA and SHAKTI. The radiant SILVERY summit is the throne of TRUTH, WISDOM and BLISS-SACHIDANANDAM. The primordial sound AUM (NADABINDU) from the tinkling anklets of LALITA PRAKRITI created the visible patterns of the universe and the VIBRATIONS (DVPANI) from the feet of Shiva (NATARAJA) weaved the essence of ATMAN – the ultimate truth. The spreading resonance and limitless patterns constitute the grosser forms of all matters to accurate scale. This is the cosmic dance (THANDAV) visualized in millions of forms by the devotees. The silvery mount is the apex where the sound (NADA) and the lights merges and the true Yogi transcends both these and merges into OM. Mind is the knot tying consciousness and matter this is set free here. This is the heart of Indian Philosophy and civilization and the grand Mansarovar reflects the total Indian consciousness.
Kalpa Viruksha tree is supposed to adorn the slopes. The south face is described as Sapphire, East the crystal, west as Ruby and the North as Gold. The city of KUBERA is situated here. Ganga after originating from the toe of Maha Vishnu entered the lunar circle and descended on peak of Kailash. Shiva quelled her furiousness by receiving her on his matted locks. Ganga, it is believed descends further from Kailash and after circuiting Kailash seven times divides herself as four rivers. The major rivers of India and Nepal originate in this area Brahmaputra (Lohita) Indus (Sindhu) Sutlej (Shatadru) and Karnali.
Every object in this area is sanctified and each one is related to gripping legends. As one ascends through PARIKRAMA one encounters holy peak of RAVANA PARVAT, HANUMAN PARVAT, PADMASAMBHAVA, MANJUSRI, VAJRADHARA, AVALOKITESWARA, JAMBEYANG, SHAVARI, NORSENG etc. the learned address five of them as PANCHABUDHAS. The track takes one through Dhira Puk, Sbi4asthalandfmally to DOLMA (The highest point). This pass belongs to DEVI – PARVATI and is an important point of worship. This point is considered as the point of spiritual renaissance. One can have the best view of Mansarovar and Ravan Tel from the south west point of Kailash during Parikrama. Kailash Parvat, kailash Travel Guide
The grand view of Gulra Mandhata, Mansarovar and Ravan Lake hypnotizes the onlooker into subliminal aura. Ravan is claimed to have prayed at this lake (Ravan Tal / Rakshas Tal) and had the audience with Shiva. Mansarovar was created by Brahma at the request; of the great Rishis. This mind born lake contains the essence of all the Vedas. This is the place for holy ceremonial bath: oblations to the ancestors are offered here. Both the lakes are full of swans.
The scriptures reiterate that take the holy dip at Mansarovar and carry out the Parikrama around Kailash are absolved of their sins through generations and is absorbed into the Supreme Finality. To him, there is no rebirth, sorrows or joys: he is one with the ultimate – He is one with Shiva: He becomes the Shiva. SHIVOHAM.
This is one of the most important pilgrim centers for the Buddhists. They worship DEMCHOK (BUDDHA in forceful form) seated on the summit of Kailash. It is also called Dharmapala – one version quotes the deity as a form of Shiva’s manifestation. The descriptions of the deity are more or less like Shiva. Devi is also given a similar form like Parvathi. They adore Kailash as KANG RINPOCHE and Mansarovar as TSO MAPHAM. Guru Rinpoche (the great Indian Master PADMASAMBHAVA who introduced Buddhism) and Saint Milerapa are greatly revered here by pilgrims. Since TANTRISM runs through the main core of Buddhism here, their customs and practices would be found running close Kailash Parvat Travel Vacations and parallel to Hindu traditions. Like the Indians, they also consider DOLMA (DEVI) and GAURI KUND (Thuki Zingbu) as holiest spots. Buddhists strongly believe that pilgrimage to this place liberates them to NIRVANA. Many of their legends when interpreted rationally would find commonality with Indian approach.
The Jain’s acknowledge Kailash as ASHTAPADA and PADAMA HRADA. It is believed that ADINATI VRISHABDEVA, the first Tirtankara attained Nirvana here. A few claim that GURU NANAK meditated here. Across the river CHU, there on the Nyanri range stands an impressive temple. Inside this monastery there is a marble statue radiating peace and compassion. This statute is claimed to be that of Guru Nanak. A few call it Guru Rinpoche. Interpretations vary. The entire area echoes with spiritual vibrations. Even the agnostics shall discover new Balance amidst that fathomless serenity. One has to experience it. The common belief is that those who are ordained only could be there.
Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several religions believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune. The peregrination is made in a clockwise direction by Hindus and Buddhists. Followers of the Jain and Bonpo religions circumambulate the mountain in a counterclockwise direction. The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km (32 mi) long.
Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day. This is not easy. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the 52 km trek. Some of the devout do accomplish this feat, little daunted by the uneven terrain, altitude sickness and harsh conditions faced in the process. Indeed, other pilgrims venture a much more demanding regimen, performing body-length prostrations over the entire length of the circumambulation: The pilgrim bends down, kneels, prostrates full-length, makes a mark with his fingers, rises to his knees, prays, and then crawls forward on hands and knees to the mark made by his/her fingers before repeating the process. It requires at least four weeks of physical endurance to perform the circumambulation while following this regimen. The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan Himalayas. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions. According to all religions that revere the mountain, setting foot on its slopes is a dire sin. It is claimed that many people who ventured to defy the taboo have died in the process.
Walking around the holy mountain—a part of its official park—has to be done on foot, pony or yak, taking some three days of trekking starting from a height of around 15,000 ft (4,600 m) past the Tarboche (flagpole) to cross the Drolma pass 18,200 ft (5,500 m), and encamping for two nights en route. First, near the meadow of Dirapuk gompa, some 2 to 3 km (1.2 to 1.9 mi) before the pass and second, after crossing the pass and going downhill as far as possible (viewing Gauri Kund in the distance).