About Manasarovar Lake
The Manasarovar Lake is in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China and lies at the foot of the holy Mount Kailash, which is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Both – Manasarovar Lake and Mountain Kailash are the two of the most divine pilgrimage places for the followers of various religions. Even though these places are known for their high altitude and extreme weather conditions, still, every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the sacred Kailash Manasarovar for religious as well as fun purposes.
The word ‘Manasarovar’ comes from the two roots viz. ‘manas’ and ‘Sarovar’, meaning ‘mind’ and ‘lake’ respectively in the Sanskrit language, and refers to – ‘lake of mind’. The Manasarovar lake is at the height of around 4,592 meters and is the world’s biggest freshwater lake, which is located this high. The existence of such a large freshwater lake at such height above the sea level is indeed remarkable. The Manasarovar Lake is somewhat round in shape and has about 320 square kilometers surface area, while its circumference is 88 kilometers.
Changing Colour of Manasarovar Lake
Manasarovar Lake is well-known for its extraordinary beauty and looks mystic under the moonlit sky. The enchanting backdrop presented by this lake is exceptionally superb, and visitors forget all their struggles when they see this magical lake. The Manasarovar lake is said to change colors – while it is clear blue around the shores, it looks of emerald green color in the center.
One can take comforting walks along the entrancing shore of the Manasarovar Lake or simply enjoy a calm meditation here. Not only this, the unbelievable reflection of the top of Mount Kailash on the surface of the Manasarovar Lake increases the holiness of the lake. One can also see the view of Mount Kailash from Manasarovar Lake, which is simply breathe taking. However, it is not always possible to get a clear view of the peak from the lake, as the cloudy weather can at times play a spoilsport!
Religious views about the Manasarovar Lake
The Manasarovar Lake together with Mount Kailash next to it are believed to be sacred places by many religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These religions have different beliefs about these places.
Hinduism
According to the Hindu Belief, the Lake was initially made in the Lord Brahma’s mind and after that, it surfaced on the earth. Some people also believe that Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva used to take baths in this Lake and therefore imparted the magical power to this holy water. Moreover, it is believed that earlier swans used to sin in this lake.
Buddhism
The Buddhist’s connection with the lake is associated with mythical Lake Anavatapta where Maya is supposed to have conceived Buddha. Owing to this belief, there are several monasteries on the shores of the Manasarovar Lake, the most known of them is the Chiu Monastery. Buddha is believed to have meditated at this lake numerous times.
Jainism
In Jainism, Kailash is called Mount Ashtapada and is the place where the founder of Jainism, Rishabhadeva, achieved release from rebirth.
Manasarovar Lake Parikrama and the ‘holy dip’
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is chiefly known for two things, which are – doing a parikrama of Mount Kailash and taking a divine dip in the Manasarovar Lake. These two things are believed to release the visitors of any sins and bring redemption to them. Along with the dip in the Manasarovar Lake, pilgrims can also do the parikrama of the Manasarovar Lake, which takes only 3-4 hours by the bus.
The hardest part of this yatra is the parikrama of the peak of the Kailash. The parikrama is walking around in a clockwise/anti-clockwise direction. The parikrama of the Kailash is done in a clockwise direction. However, the followers of Bon religion perform it anticlockwise. The parikrama of the Kailash requires you to cross rivers, trek rough ground, jump from rock to rock, climb steep tracks and cross a pass high in the mountains.
However, the Manasarovar Lake parikrama is extremely easy in comparison to the Kailash parikrama, as it can be easily done in the bus. The Manasarovar Parikrama is a very mesmerizing experience, as with this parikrama one can see the lake in all its glory. Nevertheless, not many people have heard about this parikrama as very few tour operators provide the facility of this parikrama. Pavitra Kailash Yatra is one such tour operator, which arranges the Manasarovar Parikrama together with the whole Kailash Yatra.
The Manasarovar Parikrama can be completed easily and can also be enjoyed. All you need to do is be careful and take suitable care and make preparation prior to and during the trip.
After the parikrama, while returning devotees can take a holy dip in the Manasarovar Lake. The best time to bathe at the river is believed to be between 3-5 am. In Hinduism, it is believed that Devas descend to bathe in the lake at this time, which is known as Brahma Muhurta, an auspicious time. The water of this lake is extremely cold and numbs your brain. However, still, you will find many people taking a dip in the holy water, as it is said to clear all the sins through the generation. It is said to be chief of all the pilgrim places where the holy ceremonial bath is taken and oblations are offered to the ancestors.
At The End
So, if you are ready to take this holy pilgrimage just get in touch with Pavitra Kailash Yatra, and we will offer the best package to you. No matter whether you are traveling for pilgrimage or for adventure, we ensure you that with us your yatra will be divine. We are one of the best Kailash Yatra Organizers out there and we invite you to visit with us to the place of the Gods and get his blessings! So, don’t wait any longer, choose any of our packages and get ready to give an entirely new meaning to your life.
