New Delhi: Mount Kailash is religiously important to the followers of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon. It is the spiritual epicentre of their faith and is seen as the connection between heaven and Earth. The spiritual allure of this sacred mountain extends beyond religious teachings. Thousands of devotees from India and other parts of the world undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Mount Kailash is shrouded in mystery and steeped in legend. It is believed that this holy mountain is a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage destination. Its peak rises to 6,638 metres (21,778 feet). It is located near the point where China, India, and Nepal meet.
While we talk about Kailash Mansarovar, let us look at some interesting facts about Mount Kailash that you probably have not heard about.
Mount Kailash: Unveiling Secrets of the Sacred Mountain
Home of Lord Shiva
Mount Kailash is the sacred home of Lord Shiva, a highly respected god in Hinduism. Ancient texts say that Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation, lives at the mountain’s peak. There, he meditates in eternal bliss, surrounded by peaceful peaks. Mount Kailash is a powerful symbol of divine peace, wisdom, and transcendence. It holds great religious importance, and millions of devotees worship it. Hindus see the mountain as the best place for reflection, meditation, and seeking blessings from Shiva, enhancing its spiritual significance.
Mystical Geometry and Unique Geographic Position
Mount Kailash has a unique, pyramid-like shape that fascinates scientists and geographers. The distance from Stonehenge in the UK to Mount Kailash is 6,666 kilometres, the same distance to the North Pole. Remarkably, the distance to the South Pole is 13,332 kilometres, twice the distance to Stonehenge or the North Pole. This perfect geometry adds to its reputation as one of Earth’s most mysterious places.
Mount Kailash is the Axis of the Universe
People across cultures see Mount Kailash as the axis of the universe, a sacred spot where heaven and Earth meet. It is considered the cosmic centre that connects the physical and spiritual worlds. The mountain represents balance and unity, showing the harmony between the material world and the divine. Pilgrims from various faiths believe that Mount Kailash is not just a physical place but a sacred bridge to higher spiritual levels, helping them find enlightenment and a deeper connection with the universe.
Sacred to Four Major Religions
Mount Kailash is special to four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Each religion views the mountain as important in different ways. Hindus see it as the home of Lord Shiva, a place of great power and transformation. Buddhists consider it the cosmic axis, or Mount Meru, the spiritual centre of the universe. Jains honour it as where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, reached liberation, making it a path to ultimate enlightenment. For Bon’s followers, it is the source of all spiritual power. Despite their different beliefs, all traditions regard Mount Kailash as a sacred site for pilgrimage, where people seek spiritual growth, enlightenment, and a connection to a greater reality.
Mount Kailash is Unclimbed
Mount Kailash is one of the few major peaks in the world that has never been climbed. This is not due to how hard it is physically but because it has deep spiritual meaning for millions of people. Its sacredness has stopped climbers for centuries; even modern expeditions respect its religious importance.
Kailash Parikrama or the Kailash Kora
Many pilgrims from different faiths travel to Mount Kailash to do the Kailash Parikrama, also known as Kora, which means circumambulation. This 52-kilometre trek is seen as a path to spiritual enlightenment. When walking around Mount Kailash, Hindus and Buddhists usually walk clockwise as part of their custom. In contrast, followers of Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, walk counterclockwise. Completing the Kora is very important in all traditions connected to Mount Kailash. It is believed that if one finishes this trek, it cleanses a person of sins and earns spiritual merit.
Four Major Rivers Originate from Kailash
Mount Kailash is the source of four major rivers in Asia: the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges), and the Sutlej. These rivers flow in different directions from the mountain, providing vital water and support to millions of people across Asia. Each river nourishes various ecosystems and communities, showing Mount Kailash’s importance for both spiritual and physical needs.
Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal
At the base of Mount Kailash are two important lakes: Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal. These lakes represent the idea of yin and yang—light and darkness, good and evil. Lake Manasarovar is a sacred freshwater lake honoured in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is believed to have formed from the thoughts of the gods. Pilgrims often take a holy bath in its clear waters during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, believing this can cleanse sins and provide spiritual liberation. In contrast, Lake Rakshastal is a saltwater lake linked to demonic beings. Manasarovar represents the sun, while Rakshastal symbolises the moon, illustrating the balance of light and darkness.
No Permanent Settlements near Mount Kailash
Despite its religious importance and the thousands of pilgrims who visit each year, there are no permanent settlements near Mount Kailash. The harsh climate and high elevation make it hard to live there long-term, keeping the area remote and untouched. This pure environment is essential to the Mount Kailash journey, maintaining its sacred nature for those seeking spiritual growth.
Mount Kailash, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers, is a sacred mountain. This article explores its unique geography, religious significance, the challenging Kailash Parikrama pilgrimage, and the surrounding lakes Manasarovar and Rakshastal. Learn about its unclimbed peak, its role in various faiths and its significance as a source of four major Asian rivers. Discover why this mysterious mountain remains a powerful spiritual epicentre. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
