A Sneak-Peak Into Kailash Mansarovar’s History And Its Significance
A sacred mountain that has emerged as an eternal manifestation of faith—Mount Kailash is believed to be one of the world’s holiest mountains. Resting at the heart of the mighty Himalayas, this holy mountain has withstood the passage of time through the ages. Hindus believe this mountain to be the celestial abode of Lord Shiva—(the destroyer within the Trimurti tradition).
Also regarded as the ‘Stairway to Heaven, Mount Kailash unites multiple faiths in all its essence. This sacred peak holds profound religious and spiritual significance for Buddhists, Jains, and Tibetans alike. There are several legends and mythological tales associated with this holy mountain, each holding the message of divine connection in its existence.
In Tibetan tradition, Mount Kailash also known as ‘Mount Meru’ is said to be the cosmic axis connecting heaven and Earth. The mountain is also believed to be the abode of Demchock (a mystical saint). In addition to this, many Buddhist saints and yogis have meditated at Kailash. According to Jainism, the first Tirthankar (spiritual preacher of Jains)—Rishabhanatha attained salvation at Mount Kailash. As stated in Jain literature, Mount Kailash is held as ‘Ashtapada’ or ‘the eight steps’ which connote the path to enlightenment and spiritual progress.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is far more than just a spiritual journey, it’s a deep-seated dream of millions of Shiva devotees yearning for Mount Kailash Darshan and the blessings of Lord Shiva. We have curated the historical account of Mount Kailash to help you make your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra a little more engaging and meaningful. So, if you are a history buff and like to discover unknown facts, this blog is the right fit for your travel plans. Let’s delve into the historical legacy of this sacred mountain.
A Journey Through Mount Kailash’s Intriguing History
The Kailash Parvat Story is documented in several Hindu mythological texts. Mount Kailash finds its mention in the Puranas and Vedas. As per Hinduism, Kailash Mansarovar is said to be the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati along with Devtas, Ganas, Yakshas, Yogis, Siddha Purushas, and Gandharvas.
It is believed that the Kailash Mansarovar Trip is the gateway to salvation (Moksha). According to a popular belief, Shiva— the lord of destruction and regeneration meditates at the peak of Kailash. Tourists have deeply realized the presence of Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash. Skanda Purana states that Kailash Parvat is a Supreme Mountain which is the celestial abode of Lord Shiva. Therefore, it can also be called Shiva’s Mount Kailash.
Kailash Parvat is not just known for its peculiar shape or hugeness, but also as the ‘spiritual center of the Earth.’ The average height of Kailash Parvat is 21778 ft. The ‘Kailash Kora’ or ‘Kailash Parikrama’, is a popular ritual practiced by pilgrims at Lake Mansarovar. It takes almost 2.5-3 days to complete the Kailash parikrama (Circumambulation). It is believed that circumambulation around the mountain brings good fortune, renewal, and prosperity in the lives of travellers. However, climbing the mountain is strictly prohibited as it is considered sacred amongst many religions.
As mentioned in one of the descriptions in the Puranas, Kailash Parvat is referred to as the ‘pillar of the world’ and is located at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus. What’s more intriguing about Mount Kailash is that the four rivers— Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Karnali, and Indus emerging from it divide the world into four parts. Apart from this, the rock-cut temple Ellora in Maharashtra is named after Kailash. Many of its sculptures depict the stories of Shiva and Parvati, including the Ravana’s attempt to lift Mount Kailash. As per Shiv Purana, Ravana sang the Shiv Tandav Stotram at Kailash to please Lord Shiva. Mount Kailash’s history reflects an amalgamation of faith, divinity, and sacredness.
Kailash Parvat Mystery
Mount Kailash has a lot of fascinating mystery surrounding it. It is known as the ‘Centre of the Universe’, It is even believed to be the link between Heaven and the Earth. The Kailash Parvat Mystery has piqued the curiosity of netizens as NASA has captured satellite images of the Kailash Parvat reflecting the smiling face of Lord Shiva.
Scientists have been researching the Kailash Parvat mysteries since the aegis. There are a lot of untold facts and secrets surrounding this holy Mountain. Several people have experienced the unusual growth of nails and hair in just 12 hours after reaching Mount Kailash.
It is believed that the Kailash Mountain mystery is related to its perfect pyramid-like shape, which implies a connection with ancient civilizations. Additionally, the unclimbed status of Mount Kailash has remained unfathomable.
The Legend Of Mansarovar Lake
According to Hindu texts, Mansarovar Lake was first visualized by Lord Brahma in his mind, after which it materialized on Earth. The word Mansarovar is derived from two words ‘Manasa(mind) and Sarovaram’ (lake). One can spot a lot of swans around the lake. The lake is regarded as one of the one of the 51 Shakitpeeths of Sati. As per the texts of Devi, the hands of Goddess Sati fell at the holy lake Mansarovar. A unique sound can be heard during summer when the snow melts. People believe that it is the sound of the dumroo carried by lord Shiva. Also, it is said that the Neelkamal, or the blue waterlily blooms and faces the direction of Mount Kailash at his time.
The Kailash Mansarovar Lake or Mansarovar Jheel is regarded as deeply pious and sacred. Drinking the holy water of Lake Mansarovar during the Manasa Sarovara Yatra is said to grant redemption for the sins committed by the blessings of the Lord Shiva.
The Power Of Chanting Aum At Kailash
The tinkling anklets of Lalita Prakriti or Adi Para Shakti form the primeval sound ‘Aum’ which connects one with Mahadev. The mantra Aum formed by Adishakti created the visible patterns of the universe and the vibrations from the feet of Shiva weaved the essence of Atman - the ultimate truth, into this universe. The silvery mount is the apex where the sound and the lights merge into Aum. Pilgrims should actively chant Aum while being at Mount Kailash and Kailash Parvat Temple. The conscious chanting of ‘Aum Namah Shivaya’ and ‘Aum’ instills a pulse of positive energy in your life as you return from the yatra. One can easily witness the philosophy, religion, and civilization at the grand Kailash Manasarovar Temple.
If this history-themed blog of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has fascinated you, plan your Kailash Mansarovar Trek or Kailas Manas Sarovar Yatra today and stay tuned with us to learn more about the Kailash Yatra tour packages, best travel tips, and travel recommendations.
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