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Sunday 21 July 2013

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:-

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (KMY) is known for its religious value, cultural significance, physical beauty and thrilling nature. It is undertaken by hundreds of people every year. Holding significance for the Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, it holds religious importance also for the Jains and the Buddhists.



The River of the Lion Mouth to the North, the River of the Horse Mouth to the east, the River of the Peacock Mouth to the south and the River of the Elephant Mouth to the West. Strangely enough, four major rivers do indeed originate near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetans believe that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phagmo. For the Tibetans also, it is a particularly special place in that their poet saint Milarepa, spent several years here meditating in a cave. For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spiritual centre of the universe, described as a fantastic world pillar 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top lives their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati. For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet. Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions. Over the centuries pilgrims have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves of sin, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.

With great divine pleasure we invite and welcome all the Shiv Bhakts to one of the most sacred pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Known as the mother of all Teertha Sthala the Holy Mount Kailash Yatra is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in Asia. With our professional staff and excellent support from associate office in Kathmandu, Nepal and few major locations in India we are successfully operating the overland journey by 4500 CC Land Cruiser to this holy place of Gods for hundreds of pilgrims every year.



Faces of Kailash:- 

Each of Mount Kailash's faces reflects different moods. The southern face reflects majesty or splendour; it is fully covered with snow. The western face is enveloped in an aura of compassion and benevolence. The northern face is stark, forbidding and daunting, while the eastern, only visible from a long way off, is mysterious and distant.



Kailash Mount:-

Mount Kailash, world’s most beautiful creation, is believed to have been formed 30 million years ago when Himalayas were in their early stage of formation, is one of the most revered places in the Himalayas.


Mt. Kailash, the striking peak standing in the remote south-west corner of Tibet in the Himalayan Mountains. Rising at an elevation of 6638 m (21778 ft) it is one of the highest parts of the Himalayas and serves as a
source of some of the longest rivers in Asia. Known as Gang Tise or Gang Rinproche in TibetMount Kailash Parvatan it is a precious and prominent symmetrical peak. Made up of black rock Mt Kailash is a wonderful diamond like shaped mountain that is surrounded by beautiful landscape which is rugged and dry.


The mount Kailas is also known as the name Himalaya covered with snow all the time. The mountain is also considered holy by Hindus, Buddhist and Jains. Kailas Mansarovar Yatra is meant for holy Mansarovar, the holiest, the most fascinating, the most inspiring and the most famous of all the lakes in the world. This Yatra is very popular among Shive Bhagats and rest of India. The name “kailash” is taken from the Sanskrit word as it denotes mountain. Month from April to September is the best time to visit or planning a Mansarovar Yatra trip.

Bon:-

Mount Kailash is known as one of the most sacred mountains and has become an important pilgrim for four faiths : Buddhists, Jains, Hindus and Tibetan religion of Bon.
The Hindus and Buddhists pilgrims walk around in a clockwise direction but the Jain and Bön followers walk around counterclockwise.


Hindu Legends:-

According to Hindu legends, Shiva, the god of devastation and rebirth, resides at the pinnacle of this famous mountain named Kailasa. Mount Kailasa is considered in many sects of Hinduism as heaven, the ultimate destination of souls and the holy center of the world. The narrative in the Puranas, Mount Kailash's four faces are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli. Refereed as the pillar of the world that rises 84,000 leagues high. From it flow four rivers, which stretch to the four quarters of the world and divide the world into four regions.

Buddists Legend:-

Tibetan Buddhists trust that Kailash is the home of the Buddha Demchok who symbolizes supreme harmony. They also state it was on this sacred mountain that Buddhism relocates Bön as the primary religion of Tibet. According to myth, Milarepa, winner of Tantric Buddhism, arrived in Tibet to challenge Naro-Bonchung, who was the spokesperson of Bön. The two magicians engaged in a great sorcerous battle, but neither was able to gain a crucial advantage. Buddhism in Tibet known as the religion “Bon” believes Mount Kailash as the abode of the sky goddess Sipaimen.

Jainism:-

In Jainism, Kailash is known as Mount Ashtapada and is the place where the creator of their faith, Rishabhadeva, attained freedom from rebirth.The first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras attained Nirvana

As Tibet is dry and cold country, weather is uncertain out there and you should have all the arrangements
It gives us divine pleasure in facilitating the pilgrimage of the all-faithful “Shiv-Bhakts” to the Mother of all “Tirtha Sthaan” - Kailash Manas Sarovar. Mount Kailash is one of the world’s most sacred spots. To experience its spiritual energy you must go there but with the right intention in mind. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, is a pilgrimage and the intent should be to visit it for peace, both within each person and then the world. Tibetans leave an article of clothing or a drop of blood, hair or a stone to symbolize leaving their prejudices behind them. One should leave their ego, anxiety and meanness here.


Adi Kailash :-
Mt. Adi-Kailash - popularly known as Chhota-Kailash, is in indian territory, close to the Indian tibetan border. It is an area of great natural beauty, peace and sovereignty. Men and women, tired by the incessant roar of urban life, will find here a healing quietude conducive to liking inward and discouraging with one's innerself.

During Adi-Kailash Yatra, you will come across the mighty splendour of the snow peaks of Annapurna, the
gushing Kali river, thick Forest, Narayan Ashram full of wild flowers and rare variation of fruits and number of water falls.

At the very foot of Mt. Kailash is Gauri Kund, whose water reflect the mountain itself. The local folk, called Bhotias, have much to say about there land. The villege Kutti, is named after Kunti, the mother of Pandavas. The great saga vyas lived here for a long time and wrote many books. The bhotias have preserved their heritage assiduously and are always ready to show glimpses ot it through their dance and music.

Kinner Kailash :-

Mt. Kailash is formidable. But in that region there are other majestic peaks that can take your breath away. One such mountain is the Kinnaur Kailash (locally known as ‘Kinner’ Kailash). Located in the scenic Kinnaur district of the Indian state Himachal Pradesh, it boasts of a height of 6050 meters and is considered
sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist Kinnauris. This mountain is sometimes confused with the Mount Kailash in Tibet. The Kinnaur Kailash Range borders the district of Kinnaur in the south and is dominated by the Kinnaur Kailash (elevation- 6349m) and Jonkarden (elevation- 6473m) peaks. The pass accessible on the trek is the Charang La at an altitude of 5300m.


OM Parvat:-

OM Parvat is the magical and inspiring Himalayan mountain peak that rises to an altitude of Om Parvat Hindu mantra6191 m lying in the Darchula district. It is known by various names such as Adi Kailash, Chhota Kailash, Baba Kailash and Jonglingkong. This mountain is famous for the miracle of nature as it poses an impression of OM naturally which is formed with deposition of snow against black background of the mountain.


OM is a holy Hindu mantra and is so clearly visible on this mountain. During the months of August – September the dot (bindi) on the semi circle of the mantra is also seen visible. According to the Hindu legends there are eight such OM symbols in the Himalayan Mountains and at present the world has been able to discover only one which we know as – OM Parvat.


Mansarovar Lake:-

Geographically this Mansarovar Lake is located under 30 miles radius of River Sindhu, Satluj, Brahmaputra and Karnali. You just need there days to get around the kailash Mansarovar. This lake is located around 4,556 m height from the sea level making it highest lake in the world.

Located at the southern base of Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar is famed for its exceptional beauty. Its color changes from a clear blue around the shores to a deep emerald green in the center; it looks positively magical in the moonlight. The lake is 55 miles (88 km) in circumference, 330 feet (90m) deep, and 320 sq km in total area. The journey around the lake is 64 miles (103 Km) long. Travelers stay by the lake for a couple of days, recuperating from the strenuous journey around Mount Kailash.


Lake Mansarovar situated about 2000 kms from Lhasa is world’s highest freshwater lake. Mount Kailash ParvatKnown as Lake Manas Sarovar in Sanskrit and Mapham Yutso in Tibetan this huge lake with the mirror like image of snow capped mountains in its crystal clear waters is just fabulous. The lake is located at
the southern foot of Mount Kailash, . Lake Mansarovar has exceptional beauty that varies from crystal clear blue water near the shores and a deep emerald green colour at the center. There are a few monasteries on the shore of the lake and most striking of all is the ancient Chiu Gompa Monastery, which has been built right onto a steep hill.

 located at the foot of Mount Kailash in Tibet. It is the holiest lake in Asia and an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Buddhists alike.


This holy lake is one of the important pilgrimages for Hindus and Buddhists. It attracts thousands of tourists and religious people towards itself every year from various parts of the world, but mainly from India, Tibet and its neighboring countries. The best to visit the lake is during springs as it is during this time the lake melts and allows people to bathe in its holy water. As believed by bathing and drinking this water one becomes fortunate and clears all his sins. Many travel agencies have annual pilgrimage group tours to this place and are often known as “Mansarovar Yatra”

Most of the devoters take their holy bath in Mansarovar to forgive their sins.  devouters take this water as trith(to drink holy water). All the priligrims take this sacred water to their home and pray it.

According to Hindu tradition, Manasarovar was created by Brahma’s mind (Manas + Sarovar) to provide an appropriate place for religious rituals. It is said that he had 12 sons, who were holy men and performed rituals and austerities on the dry land at the site. To give them a more suitable place to earn merit, Brahma created the beautiful Lake Mansarovar. For Hindus, a circumambulation of Mount Kailash and a dip in the cold waters of Lake Mansarowar removes the sins of all lifetimes, bringing salvation from reincarnation.


Buddhists associate Manasarovar with Anotatta Lake, where the Buddha was mystically conceived. According to Buddhist legend, the Buddha’s mother was transported here by the gods, where she bathed in the sacred waters of Manasarovar until her body was purified. She then saw a white elephant running to her from Mount Kailash, as the Buddha entered her womb.




Saturday 20 July 2013

Sacred Places in Kedarnath

Various Places in Kedarnath 


The region of the Himlayas, where the shrine is located is known by several names such as Gandhamadana parvatham, Sumera parvatham, Pancha parvatham, etc.  (Pancha parvatham, for this is the spot of five sacred peaks namely Rudra Himalayas, Vishnupuri, Brahmapuri, Udayagiri & Swargarohini.
 The exterior of the temple is rather simple, but the interior is adorned with marvellous sculptures.  In the garba griha is an irregular shaped conical rock which is about five feet by four feet.  Lord Siva in the form of jyotirlingam is worshipped here as Lord Kedareshwar.  It is believed that the jotirlingam is actually the rump of the bull, which was the form that Lord Siva .







Gandhi Sarovar :- A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven. A km trek from Kedarnath, floating ice on the crystal clear waters.












 Gaurikund :- Base for a trek to Kedarnath & serves as a roadhead, the village has hot springs & a temple dedicated to Gauri.







 Vasuki Tal :- 6 km. At 4135 mtr. above sea level, this lake is extraordinary, surrounded by high mountains and offering an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks. This thermal springs of medicinal value.






Sonprayag :- 20 km. The confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers, where there is a diversion for Triyugian.





Gupt Kashi :- 49 km. Famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanathji.





Ukhimath :- 60 km. Winter home of Lord Kedarnath temple, and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months




 Agastmuni :- 73 km., Has a temple dedicated to the sage Agastya.


 Chopta :- Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding it.



 Deoria Tal :- At an altitude of 2,440 mt., this beautiful lake is situated on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road. In the early morning, the snow-capped peaks are clearly reflected on the lake waters. This lake also provides an excellent venue for angling, as well as birdwatching.




 Kedar Massif- : This is an outstanding massif formed by the three major mountains - Kedar Dome.

 Bharatekuntha:-It is at 6578 Meters, is connected to Kedarnath to the East, by a long and dangerous avalanche ridden ridge. At 6000 meters it looks stunning and has several glacial flows, one of which is the Mandakini glacier running down its ridges.



Panch Kedar:- The five most important temples of Lord Shiva in garhwal Himalayas.


Tungnath:-

 The arm of Lord Shiva came out at this place as per Kedarnath myth. The Tungnath temple is situated at an altitude of about 3680 m above sea level, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the highest Shiva Shrine among the Panch Kedar, 3 km uphill from Chopata. The sancity of the region of Tungnath is considered unsurpassed.
 The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that form the river Akashkamini. Tungnath is reached through a path that wends through alpine meadows & rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila with its panoramic views,


Rudranath:-

The shrine is 23 km from Gopeshwar at 2286 m. The Mukhor face of Lord Shiva os worshipped as Neelkanth Mahadev here. The temple site provides splendid views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trishuli and other peaks. Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund, etc. are the holy kunds situated nearby. The scenic beauty and the spiritual piousness of the place make it scenically beautiful as well as enchanting.
 Anusuya Devi temple is located on the trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3 km. Another route 13 km from Gopeshwar to Mandal then trek 6 km to reach Anusuya Devi. Devi Anusuya is revered as the Goddedd who blesses her devotees in their difficulties.

 Madmaheshwar:-

It is said that the navel of Lord Shiva reappeared at this shrine after disappearing at Kedarnath. Shiva is worshipped Madmaheshwar in the form of a navel shaped lingam. This Shrine is 31 km from Guptkashi at an altitude of 3289 m. The temple can be approached by a trek through the famous Sidha Peeth of Kalimath. Wild, unparalleled scenic beauty and incredible landscapes distinguish the distance from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar. Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks are visible from here. Gaundar, at the conflux of Madmaheshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last place that is worth a visit before one reaches this shrine.

Kalpeshwar:-

The hair locks (Jata) of Lord Shiva are worshipped in this small rock temple at the height of 2134 m before the matted, tresses of Shiva enshrined in rock in the sanctum and sanctorum. The sanctum is preceded by a natural cave passage. This temple is located in Urgam valley. This shrine is a delight for the tourists with striking views of valley with terraced fields and lush green forests. The temple is reached after a trek of 12 km from Helang which is the motor head on Rishikesh - Badarinath route .


Kedarnath:- Kedarnath and Kedardome, are connected by a deep ridge. Kedar Domeat 6831 Meters presents a fair challenge to climbers. Kedarnath is however, a difficult peak to climb. At 6940 Meters it is just beneath the level where the oxygen layer is thin. Anyone interested in a good day trek, could
take the well travelled path from behind the temple toward Bharatekuntha. About three kilometers away in the valley formed by the Kedarnath massif, is Chorabhari Tal. This lake has been renamed Gandhi Sarovar after the Mahatma's ashes were immersed in Iake.







Shankaracharya Samadhi :-The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.







Triyugi Narayan :- This is a mythological venue, at a distance of 25 kms from Kedar and at a short trek of 5 kms from Sonprayag. It is believed that the wedding of  Shiva with   Parvathi was
solemnised here. An eternal flame, said to be   a witness for the above wedding, burns in front of the temple even today.




Bhairavnath Temple:-It is situated at a distance of 0.5 km from Kedarnath Temple. The temple is devoted to the Hindu deity Lord Bhairav, who is supposedly the main gana of Shiva, the Hindu God of Destruction. The first Rawal or Rajput, Sh. Bhikund, established the idol of the deity in the temple in 3001 B.C. The deity of the temple is also known as Kshetrapal or the guardian of the region. According to legendS, when Kedarnath Temple closes during winters, Bhairavnath guards the complex of the temple.
The trek to the Bhairav Nath Temple starts from the right side door of the Kedarnath Temple