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Are you considering embarking on a spiritual journey to the mystical Mount Kailash? Do you want to learn about Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva? Do you want to learn about the religious values, myths and spirituality regarding Mount Kailash? This article offers a comprehensive guide to Mount Kailash’s religious significance, interesting facts, the best time to visit, and insights into the Mount Kailash pilgrimage tour.
Located in the majestic land of the western Tibetan region, Mount Kailash is one of the greatest pilgrimages in the world for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The mythical abode of Lord Shiva, Mount Kailash, carries important religious significance worldwide. The mountain is renowned for its spiritual Yatra, a famous religious activity. As per Hinduism, Mount Kailash is home to lord Shiva, and they believe the mountain is a depository of energy, spirituality and knowledge.
The understanding of the significance of Mount Kailash differs according to religion and spiritual beliefs. The Tibetans refer to the mountain as Kang Rinpoche, and followers of Bon-po, an ancient shamanistic religion originating from Tibet, revere Mount Kailash as the soul of Tibet. Similarly, Jains worship the holy mountain as Mount Ashtapada, where Rishabanatha, their religion’s founder, attained enlightenment.
Many religious followers believe that the knowledge required is within Mount Kailash regarding the path to enlightenment. On the other hand, some saints believe that the Kora around Mount Kailash enlightens one and becomes a better version. According to legends, completing the 108 parikramas (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash will help attain Nirvana.
The place is considered a spiritual hub for liberation and salvation from the cycle of life and death. Apart from the belief of Mount Kailash being home to lord Shiva, the Hindus also believe that the Mansarovar Lake contains the essence of the soul of Lord Brahma. As a result, thousands of travelers and pilgrims worldwide visit Mount Kailash to witness the rich landscape, majestic Himalayan Mountain range, and serene lakes.
Facts About Mount Kailash
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The mythical Mount Kailash has been associated with holiness for millennia. It is believed to be the place where the Gods and Sages dwell in a spiritual form. The holy mountain is said to be filled with pureness, serenity, and divine energy. It is mentioned in numerous Sanskrit scriptures that Gods, Rishis, Demigods and Rakshasa received supreme powers and blessings from Mount Kailash.
Ancient texts such as the Puranas, Vedas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana all indicate that Mount Kailash was a source of incredible energy and power. It’s said that Lord Shiva resides in Mount Kailash with Devi Parvati and their two sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha.
Sacred Mountain of Many Religions
Mountain Kailash, home of Lord Shiva is a central hub for religions such as Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Bon. It is a sacred natural mountain where no one can trespass or climb the mountain. Many believed that doing so would disturb the divine energies emitting from the mountain. Only Milarepa, a Tibetan monk, has been rumored to reach the summit of Mount Kailash. After his return, it is said that he warned others not to disturb lord Shiva residing in Mount Kailash.
Mount Meru – Sumeru Parbat
Home of Lord Shiva, Mountain Kailash is believed to be Mt. Meru, which is mentioned in the Sanskrit scriptures. There is also a common myth that the mountain is a giant artificial pyramid made by ancient advanced civilizations. Additionally, several scientists claim that the holy mountain is hollow.
Kailash Kora
Kora, commonly called circumambulation, is a renowned religious act after reaching Mount Kailash. The clockwise walk takes three days, during which you will cover a total distance of 53 km. The process is believed to cleanse all the sins and offer guidance to achieve salvation or Nirvana.
Source of Knowledge
The Hindu religion indicated Mount Kailash as the home of Lord Shiva. It is believed that it is the mountain where the almighty god has stored all his knowledge. This is also a common belief among Jains and Buddhists. They, too, believe that Mount Kailash is the source of tremendous knowledge.
Axis Mundi
Numerous conspiracy theorists believe that Mount Kailash is the world’s cosmic axis or Axis Mundi. The distance between Mount Kailash and Stonehenge is 6666 km, which is the same as the North Pole. Additionally, the distance between Mount Kailash and the South Pole is 13,332 kilometers, twice the distance mentioned above.
Good and Evil Lakes
There are two lakes near the periphery of Mount Kailash, and both have peculiar features. One of the lakes is Mansarovar, one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes. Mansoravar is a beautiful serene blue lake that signifies purity and divinity. It is believed that dipping in the lake washes all the sins and purifies the soul.
The Rakshas Tal is the opposite and is believed to have no aquatic life. According to Hinduism, the demon king Ravana created the lake to please lord Shiva. Unlike Mansarovar, the lake remains turbulent. Sitting at the base of Mount Kailash, these lakes symbolize good and evil or Yin and Yang.
Source of Sacred Rivers
Mount Kailash, home of Lord Shiva, originates from four sacred rivers flowing through Asia. It includes Sutlej, Indus, Karnali, and Brahmaputra. The four rivers originating from Mount Kailash significantly impact the religious, cultural, and economic aspects of the regions through which they flow.
Four Faces of Kailash
The structure of Mount Kailash is peculiar and distinct from the other mountains. The mountain has four faces that align in four different directions. One of the interesting facts about it is that all of the faces are aligned perfectly with the cardinal points.
Additionally, it is believed that the faces of Mount Kailash are made of jewels. It includes lapis Lazuli in the south, gold in the north, ruby in the north and crystal in the east.
Mount Kailash – The Abode Of Lord Shiva
As abode to Lord Shiva, Mount Kailash is one of the sacred and holiest places in the world. The history of the holy mountain has been narrated in numerous religious books and scriptures. According to Srimad Bhagavatam Mahapuran, Rudra is Lord Shiva’s incarnation. The incarnation of Shiva then made an abode at Mount Kailash, which was beyond destruction. It was said not to be harmed even after destroying the entire universe.
The story continues to Kashi, where Kubera mediated and prayed to Lord Shiva. Impressed with his dedication, Shiva granted Kubera a boon and decided to live in a human form close to Kubera and resided in Mount Kailash. The omnipotent controller of the entire cosmos made the mountain his home and the holiest place on Earth.
Kailash Parikrama
Kailash Parikrama, also known as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, is a sacred pilgrimage undertaken by religious followers and travelers around Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The circumambulation is compared to the circle of life and death. It is a common belief that this practice will conjure positive changes in the people who complete it.
Additionally, many believe that completing the 108 circumambulations of Mount Kailash will lead to liberation and moksha or Nirvana. Besides, you will also get to witness distinct landscapes and beautiful views of lakes and Himalayan regions, which will surely be a memory to remember.
Mount Kailash, Where Science Is in Question!
The home of lord Shiva, Mount Kailash cannot be climbed or trespassed by any human being. It is said that the region is restricted because of the energy and supernatural power the mountain beholds. Regardless, the expedition to the summit of Mount Kailash is nearly impossible because of the region’s sudden and alarming weather changes.
Also, it is said that some sort of mysterious energy repels or affects those who try to trespass on the mountain. People have experienced sudden rapid aging as they stay close to the mountain for an extended period. Researchers believe that aging within 12 hours near the mountain is equivalent to two or three weeks in normal conditions.
Additionally, the mountain’s shape, which resembles a perfect pyramid, has no scientific explanation. Regardless, Mount Kailash remains a unique spiritual trek, which draws pilgrims and travelers worldwide. The spiritual significance of Mount Kailash and the mysteries surrounding it make it an attractive destination where science fails and faith takes over.
Best Time To Visit Mount Kailash
The best time to visit Mount Kailash depends on your preferences and the type of experience you are looking for. The months of April to June are considered the best time to visit as the weather is relatively mild, and trekking is easier. During this time of the year, the pond, lakes and surrounding landscape are beautiful. Moreover, summer offers stunning panoramic views, sceneries, and incredible pilgrimage activities. The temperature averages around 14 to 16 degrees Celsius during these months.
Places You See During Mount Kailash Parikrama
You can visit numerous other highlights and destinations during your trip to Mount Kailash. One of the popular destinations is the Gauri Kunda, which is an emerald-green lake. It is renowned as the lake of compassion and has major significance in the Hindu religion.
Hindus believe Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva, used to bathe in Gaurikund. Apart from Gaurikund, you can visit destinations such as Trithaouri, Ashtapad, Yam Dwar, Siwasthal, Tarboche and Dolma La Pass.
The unique experience of Mount Kailash, the abode of lord Shiva, cannot be expressed in words. One can only grasp the feeling of the majestic and spiritual aura of the holy site by visiting the mountain itself.
FAQs
It is believed that lord Shiva resided in Mount Kailash. The naturally formed symbol of Om in the mountain is said to be an embodiment of his presence.
NASA pictures and Google Maps have revealed that the mountain is the center of the world, center of the world or world axis.
The holy mountain is considered to be sacred to numerous religions and abodes of lord Shiva.
According to Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, there are numerous caves and monasteries inside Mount Kailash where the spirits of holy sages reside.