Overview
Located in the Himalayan mountain ranges in Southwestern Tibet, the magnificent and majestic Mount Kailash stands at an imposing 21,778-feet and is a source of four mighty rivers of Asia; the Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Ganges, and the Indus. Mount Kailash is one of the most significant spiritual spots in the world, revered by millions of people from four different religions. Known as Kailash to Hindus, Mount Ashtapada to the Jains, Tise to the Bons (Tibet’s pre-Buddhist religion followers), and Kang Rimpoche to the Tibetan Buddhists, Mount Kailash is one of the most significant spiritual spots considered to be the ultimate destination of souls, revered by millions around the world. According to Hinduism, Lord Shiva Resides on top of Mount Kailash, where he sits in a state of meditation along with his wife Parvati, the Daughter of Himalaya. For a Hindu, to make the arduous pilgrimage to Kailash and have the darshan (divine view) of Shiva’s abode is to attain release from the clutches of ignorance and delusion.
Like Mount Kailash, the sacred blue and emerald green Lake Mansarovar that lies at a height of 15,015 ft, is known to be an epitome of purity, containing healing properties and the power to cleanse all mortal sins.
Those who have visited the holy spots of Lake Mansarovar and Kailash Parvat carry with them a memory of a lifetime which remind them of the presence of Lord Shiva in their lives and gives them a feeling of peace and tranquility. The pristine beauty, magnificence, and serenity of these religious sites is truly awe inspiring and instills in people the feeling of being one with Shiva.
After a difficult journey to Kailash, pilgrims are then confronted with the equally arduous task of circumambulating the sacred peak. This walking around the mountain, clockwise for the Buddhists and Hindus, and counter-clockwise for Bon followers, is known as a Kora, or Parikrama, and usually takes three days. The entire journey is difficult and physically taxing, however, with the right preparations, devout pilgrims are able to complete this Parikrama.
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