Perched in the Trans Himalaya range in the Tibet autonomous region, Mount Kailash is recognized worldwide for its beautiful views, challenging journey, and most importantly for the divinity that is often associated with it.
The spiritual significance of Mount Kailash draws pilgrims from all over the world and from different religions to visit the peak and explore its majestic ambience in person where they can connect with the divine.
This journey is called the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and it includes several rituals, prayers, and pilgrimage activities that are carried out by the pilgrims out of their faith and devotion.
In this blog, we provide a detailed overview of the pilgrimage activities during Kailash Mansarovar yatra to help you make the most of your journey. If you’re planning a visit to Mount Kailash, this guide will ensure you know all the important activities to look out for on your spiritual path.
Understanding the Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash
Before understanding the pilgrimage activities during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is important to know why there is a pilgrimage tour dedicated to Mt. Kailash and why they consider Kailash to be of spiritual significance in the first place.
Mount Kailash is not merely a beautiful snowcapped peak with stunning views but it is also of extreme spiritual importance, especially in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion.
Hindu Perspective
For Hindus, Mt. Kailash is the holy abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Mata Parvati. Therefore, they believe it to be the center of the universe where divine energies converge.
Pilgrims often find glimpses of Lord Shiva in the different faces of Mt. Kailash, and they also believe that doing the Kailash Parikrama can cleanse their sins and lead them to Moksha (liberation).
Buddhist Perspective
In Buddhism, Mt. Kailash is seen as the Axis Mundi (the center of universe) and the spiritual center of the world as they view it as an earthly manifestation of Mount Meru.
They believe that many sages are living in the caves inside Mt. Kailash and performing Kora around the peak will bring merit, cleanse past karma, and lead to Nirvana.
Jain Perspective
Within the Jain religion, Mount Kailash is referred to as Ashtapada, also called the “Mountain of Eight Steps,” where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, achieved Moksha, or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
It represents detachment and purity of spirit. They too perform several pilgrimage activities during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to honor the achievements of Rishabadeva.
Bon Perspective
Referred to as the “Nine Storied Swastika Mountain” or “Yungdrung Gutsek” in the Bon religion, Mount Kailash is thought to be the spiritual home of the venerated goddess Sipaimen.
The Bon people consider the mountain to be a source of spiritual power, and they believe that walking around it can help them connect with nature and spirits and purify past karmic actions.
The Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the pilgrimage tour to Mount Kailash which is undertaken by thousands of devotees every year who want to reach Kailash Parvat and the nearby Mansarovar Lake.
Given the high altitude of the region, challenging weather conditions, and the rugged terrains that pilgrims have to cross, it is considered to be one of the toughest pilgrimages.
There are many routes which the pilgrims can take to embark on the holy journey including routes from Nepal, Tibet, as well as India. Each route offers a unique experience and combines the tour with spectacular views throughout the journey.
Essential Pilgrimage Activities During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
When visiting Mount Kailash, the pilgrims of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra indulge in several pilgrimage activities in the mountain as well as the surrounding religious places like Mansarovar. Some such activities are listed below:
The Kailash Parikrama (Kora)
The most revered activity and the biggest part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the Kailash Parikrama, also called Kora by the Buddhists, which is essentially the circumambulation of the peak.
Covering around 52 kilometers, this Kailash Parikrama or Kora is usually completed within 3 to 4 days where the pilgrims walk around the base of Mount Kailash.
The followers of Hinduism and Buddhism perform Kora in the clockwise direction and the starting and ending point of their circumambulation is in Darchen. However, Bon pilgrims perform Kora in a counterclockwise direction in contrast to others.
During the Parikrama, several significant stops are made including the Dirapuk Monastery, Zuthulphuk Monastery, the mighty Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters, and many others.
Different faces of Mount Kailash are seen on different days of the Kora and the beauty and significance of each of these faces are relished equally. Pilgrims also perform other activities like chanting and prayers during the Kailash Parikrama.
The ultimate belief behind performing this circumambulation is that it will help to cleanse the soul of pilgrims, free them of their past karma, and help them attain enlightenment and moksha.
Holy Dip in Mansarovar Lake
A sacred freshwater lake located near the base of Mount Kailash, the Mansarovar Lake holds immense spiritual value, and it is often regarded as the ‘Lake of Consciousness and Enlightenment’.
Taking a dip in this holy lake is also one of the important pilgrimage activities during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as this dip symbolizes washing away of the past sins and impurities and bringing spiritual renewal in the pilgrims.
Some pilgrims also believe that if you take a dip in the Mansarovar Lake, you will be blessed by Lord Brahma and then will attain liberation (Moksha).
While direct dipping in the lake is now prohibited, pilgrims can still collect water in a bucket to perform the sacred bath.
Mansarovar Parikrama
While the main Kora or Parikrama is often done around Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is visited for a holy dip, many pilgrims also circumambulate this sacred lake.
Some people believe that the Kailash Parikrama is completed only after you circumambulate Lake Mansarovar as well, as it symbolizes purity and divine blessings.
Visit to Rakshas Tal
Although not a pilgrimage activity, visiting the Rakshas Lake is one thing that almost all the pilgrims do, basically to understand its extreme contrast with the Mansarovar Lake.
This lake is believed to be the place where the demon king Ravana meditated to gain favor from Lord Shiva in Hinduism. Hence the name of it is Rakshas Tal, which translates to the ‘Demon Lake’.
This lake represents the darker aspects of spirituality and is considered inauspicious. So, people do not take a dip in this lake. When viewed in combination with Mansarovar Lake, these two lakes show the balance of good and evil in a person’s spiritual journey.
Ritual Offerings and Prayers
Considered a place of the highest religious significance in multiple religions, you will see many ritual offerings and prayers being made here at the base of Mount Kailash.
Starting right at Yama Dwar where the pilgrims offer prayers to ask for a successful Parikrama, you will see these offerings being continued till the end of the Kora where the pilgrims are expressing their gratitude.
Flowers, incense, food, and butter lamps are a common sight here as people display devotion and seek purity and the light of knowledge in the sacred realm.
Meditation and Reflection
As most of the people visit Mount Kailash for religious purposes rather than experiencing a mere adventure, you will see many spots dedicated for pilgrims wanting to meditate and reflect.
Meditating is often a big part of the entire Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as almost all the pilgrims want to sit and bask in the divinity of this region for at least a while and carry a piece of this realm with them forever.
Key Pilgrimage Sites Around Kailash
While the major pilgrimage activities in Kailash are limited to being around Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, there are many other pilgrimage sites near the peak which you can explore as they can add spiritual depth to your journey.
Some such pilgrimage sites near Kailash are listed below:
Yama Dwar
The official starting point of the Kailash Parikrama, ‘Yama Dwar’ is believed to be the place where the pilgrims are set free from the shackles of worldly responsibilities as they enter the underworld.
The name translates to the ‘Gateway of the God of Death’ and it is considered the entry point into the divine realm of Mount Kailash. Here, you leave behind the mortal world and connect with the divine energy of Lord Shiva.
People perform several rituals at yama Dwar including offering flowers, incense, and fruits to honor Yama and seek his blessings for a safe pilgrimage. Some pilgrims even circumambulate the gate to purify their soul.
Dirapuk and Zutulpuk Monasteries
Dirapuk and Zutulpuk monasteries are important landmarks, especially for Buddhist pilgrims, along the Kailash Kora. Along with being spiritually significant, they also provide resting spot for the pilgrims.
In Buddhism, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche stayed in these places. Therefore, they are named after his footprints. These monasteries provide a rich spiritual experience to the pilgrims.
Both these places are a serene setting where pilgrims can meditate, and at the Zutulpuk monastery, they can learn more about Milarepa as well. They also help you to prepare adruously for the next stage of your Kora.
Chiu Gompa
The Chiu Gompa, often known as the ‘Bird Monastery’, is another important pilgrimage site around Kailash. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, meditated here during his travels in Tibet.
Visitors can get breathtaking views of Mansarovar Lake as well as Mount Kailash from this monastery. The location of this gompa provides an ideal and serene setting for meditation and introspection.
Tirthapuri Monastery
Another religious place of significant importance around Mount Kailash is the Tirthapuri Monastery, which is located around 70 to 75 kms away from the mountain.
In Buddhism, it is believed that a revered Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and his consort Yeshe Tsogyal meditated here. It is considered one of the most sacred tantric sites in Tibet and is believed to be blessed with spiritual energy.
You will find natural hot springs at Tirthapuri Monastery which is said to have healing properties, and it can be the perfect rest you might be needing after the extremely challenging Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Some people even perform pilgrimage activities at this monastery and Kora around the hot springs of Tirthapuri is one such pilgrimage activity. It is said that this Kora will help cleanse your negative karma and provide spiritual merit.
Similar to Mount Kailash, butter lamps, incense, and food are a common sight here as they are offered to the deities, and special prayers are performed to honor Guru Rinpoche and other enlightened beings.
Gauri Kunda
You will find another significant lake along the route of Kailash Parikrama which is known as Gauri Kund. Often known as the ‘Lake of Compassion’, it is of immense significance among the Hindus.
As per Hindu mythologies, it is believed that Gauri Kund is the lake where Mata Parvati meditated and performed penance to win the love of Lord Shiva, and it is the same place where she created Lord Ganesha.
Therefore, for Hindus, this lake holds immense religious significance, and all the Hindu pilgrims make a detour to this lake as the Kailash Parikrama is often regarded as incomplete without visiting Gauri Kund.
Despite the ice cold water and low levels of oxygen, the pilgrims take a dip in this lake as a purification ritual as they believe that this lake which symbolizes purity, compassion, and divine love will clean all their sins.
Pilgrims also collect water from this lake in a container and take it home considering it to be extremely sacred. Believed to have healing properties, this water is then used for several rituals and religious purposes.
The lake’s association with Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha provides pilgrims with an opportunity to connect deeply with their faith. The location of the lake also provides a perfect setting for the pilgrims to meditate and form a connection with their almighty.
Conclusion
All in all, Mount Kailash is a destination like no other where different religions and their faiths intertwine to form a common belief and honor the mysteries of this spectacular mountain.
You will see a tandem of spirituality, mythology, and natural beauty here. Therefore, if you are planning to embark on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, make sure to participate in the different pilgrimage activities in Kailash as well.
