What is the history behind the famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

1. What is the history behind the famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? When we see something great around us, it has to have a rich history as well. The same holds true for the Kailash Mansarovar as well. The holy peak and the pristine lake are worshipped like the god itself and there are several interesting stories that are related to both of these. Mount Kailash finds its roots in four different religions — Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Bon. And all the four have distinct yet interesting stories that can be linked to each other. Mount Kailash There is a great significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the Hindu Mythology. The holy peak of Mount Kailash finds a mention in both the Vedas and the Purans. As per the Hindu belief, Kailash Parvat is home to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is regarded as their seat of meditation. Lord Shiva who is also regarded as ‘the destroyer’ and the lord of regeneration is believed to meditate on the peak with wife, goddess Parvati. Mount Kailash also finds a mention in the supreme Hindu Text, Skanda Purana where it is mentioned as a holy mountain. It has been named Kailash Mansarovar since it is regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva. Lake Mansarovar Similarly, Hindu mythology states that Lake Mansarovar was first created by Lord Brahma in his mind. It was only later that it was manifested on earth. ‘Mansarovar’ is a Sanskrit word that is a combination of ‘Manasa’ and ‘Sarovaram’ that literally translate to ‘mind’ and ‘Lake’ respectively. The lake is supposedly the abode of Swans that are known as ‘Hansa’. Swans are regarded as sacred birds in Hindu religion and symbolize wisdom and beauty. According to a completely different story in Hindu mythology, the sacred Mansarovar Lake was created when the hand of Sati fell at the foot of Mount Kailash. For the same reason the lake is also regarded as one among the 51 Shaktipeeths of Sati. When the snow in the lake melts, the flowing water creates a distinct sound. It is believed that the sound is similar to the drums that are carried by Lord Shiva. The blue water lily that blooms in the lake is also called ‘Neelkamal’. It is said that the flower directs only in the direction of Mount Kailash. While we all know that Lake Mansarovar is the highest fresh water lake in the world, it is also regarded as the purest of pure. The devotees who take up the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra ensure that they take a holy dip in the lake and take a sip of the holy water. Both of these rituals are believed to cleanse away all of one’s sins.

2. As per another popular belief, the early morning hours of 3 to 5 are regarded as an auspicious time when Lord Brahma along with the other gods steps down to the lake to bathe in it. For the same reason, this time period is also called ‘Brahma Mahurata’ that literally means the auspicious time of Lord Brahma. There are innumerable stories that are attached to both the holy peak and the lake and their different beliefs too. But the faith of devotees in the famous Mount Kailash has only multiplied. Even though the trek is a challenging and complicated trail, it does not deter pilgrims from taking up this daring challenge. Various studies suggest that Mount Kailash is the center of the world. The enormous mountain is not just known for its huge size but it is also regarded as the spiritual center of the earth by the devotees.