Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
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| Kailash Mansarovar Yatra कैलाश मानसरोवर यात्रा ཀཱའི་ལ་ཤ་མན་ས་རོ་ཝར་ཡ་ཏྲ། | |
|---|---|
 Glacier at Chandanwadi, the first point to Kailash Mansarovar yatra | |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Religious pilgrimage |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Location | Tibet |
| Country | China |
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (Hindi: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, transl. Kailash-Mansarovar Journey) is a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Considered a spiritual journey of immense importance, it holds religious and spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. The pilgrimage involves traversing harsh terrains, high altitudes, and extreme weather, making it one of the most challenging pilgrimages in the world.[1]
The yatra is organized annually by the Ministry of External Affairs of India in collaboration with the Government of China and attracts thousands of devotees despite the arduous journey. The pilgrimage is believed to cleanse the soul of sins and offer liberation (moksha) to those who complete it.[2]
Mount Kailash is rising to an elevation of 6,638 m (21,778 ft) in the Himalayas. Its distinctive pyramid-shaped peak remains perpetually snow-clad, adding to its mystical allure. Lake Mansarovar located at 4,590 m (15,060 ft) is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and lies adjacent to the saline Lake Rakshastal.[citation needed]
Religious significance
Hinduism
In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu scriptures, it is believed that Lord Shiva resides at the summit of Kailash in a state of perpetual meditation, making it the spiritual center of the universe. Lake Mansarovar is said to have been created by Lord Brahma and is believed to purify the sins of those who bathe in its holy waters.[3]
Buddhism
For Buddhists, Mount Kailash is known as Kang Rinpoche or "Precious Jewel of Snow." It is considered the dwelling place of Demchok (Chakrasamvara), a deity representing supreme bliss. Buddhists believe that circumambulating the mountain purifies negative karma and leads to enlightenment. Lake Manasarovar is associated with Anavatapta, a dragon lake mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts.[4]
Bon religion
The indigenous Bon religion of Tibet considers Mount Kailash as the spiritual center where Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche descended from heaven. Bon followers circumambulate Mount Kailash counterclockwise, unlike followers of other religions.[5]