Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil:
The tourism department of Uttarakhand unveiled a significant new pilgrimage initiative titled “Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil.” This unique opportunity allows pilgrims to witness the majestic Mount Kailash, along with the sacred Om Parvat, from the Old Lipulekh Peak in the Pithoragarh district. The first group of pilgrims embarked on their journey on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, and were treated to breathtaking views of Mount Kailash the following day.
Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil -The new pilgrimage option was made possible after a recent discovery by a team of officials from Uttarakhand Tourism, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). This team identified a vantage point from which Mount Kailash is visible, prompting the Uttarakhand tourism department to create a comprehensive tour package that includes not only Mount Kailash but also Adi Kailash and Om Parvat all from Indian soil.
The inaugural batch of pilgrims will visit Adi Kailash starting from Gunji, Pithoragarh, before returning to their base in Pithoragarh. The tourism package includes helicopter tickets for travel between Pithoragarh and Gunji, as well as accommodation options at Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) facilities or local homestays.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his enthusiasm for the launch of this pilgrimage, highlighting it as a reflection of the government’s commitment to enhancing spiritual tourism in the region. He congratulated all departments involved in bringing this project to fruition, noting its potential to benefit numerous Shiva devotees.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that the new darshan option eliminates the need for devotees to wait for their turn to participate in the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, allowing them to pay their respects to Lord Shiva directly from Indian territory.11:30 AM
What is Mount Kailash:
The Mount Kailash in Tibet is extremely sacred for the Hindus. It was till date possible to reach only through arduous pilgrimage into China. Uttarakhand Tourism has presented Mount Kailash Darshan from Indian Soil-a stimulating new package devised as a state-of-the-art innovation, which has enabled the pilgrims to behold the majestic mountain even from confine of Indian territory.
The first batch of the pilgrims began this hundred-year-old yatra on 2nd October 2024 coinciding it with Gandhi Jayanti and on the very next day, they were blessed by the wondrous view of Mount Kailash and holy Om Parvat.
Mount Kailash is a mountain of great importance in far west Tibet; this mountain has its religious significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. At 6,638 meters or 21,778 feet, it is an unclimbed mountain, and that only adds to its mystery and reverence.
Religious Significance:
1. Hinduism: This mountain is considered the earthly abode of Lord Shiva, the greatest deity in the Hindu religion. According to Hindu mythology, the top of Kailash serves as the dwelling place of Shiva, either alone or with his consort, Parvati, deep in meditation, controlling the cosmic forces of destruction and regeneration.
2. Buddhism: Tibetan Buddhists refer to Kailash as Kang Rinpoche, or “Precious Jewel of Snow,” and regard it as the center of the world. According to legend, it is the abode of the Buddha Demchok (Chakrasamvara), who is the god of ultimate joy.
3. Jainism: In Jainism, Mount Kailash is indeed associated with the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva. According to the tradition, Rishabhadeva attained nirvana there, and that has made the mountain a seat of liberation and fulfillment in the spirit.
4. Bon Religion: According to the indigenous Tibetan spiritual faith Bon, the mountain is said to be the sacred seat of the sky goddess Sipaimen and represents the world’s axis or the center of the world.
Geographic and Physical Features:
Location: Mount Kailash falls under the Trans-Himalayan range and is located near Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal in Tibet. The largest town within close proximity to this mountain is Darchen, which acts as the starting point of the mountain pilgrimage.
Shape: Mountain Kailash has a very distinct pyramid-like shape and at many distances looks like a giant mandala or some kind of divine throne with steep, symmetrical faces.
Pilgrimage (Kora):
A “kora” refers to the spiritual act of circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The mountain attracts pilgrims from across the world, especially from Tibet, India, and Nepal, with either clockwise or counterclockwise movement depending on their faith. The total kora extends over 52 kilometers long and takes approximately 3 days.
Hindus and Buddhists – trek the kora in a clockwise direction, while adherents to Jainism and Bon follow the ancient practice of a counterclockwise direction.
The kora is said to absolve sins and bring enlightenment. Completing one kora is thought to cleanse the soul; 108 koras are meant to lead to salvation in the afterlife.
Climbing Restrictions:
Mount Kailash has never been climbed; the mountain is so sacred that it will not and cannot be touched by a human. Only a few attempts have been made in recent history, but those who came there at least got scared or were forbidden not to climb the summit of the mountain. In 2001, mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner tried and was refused permission to climb, which further saved the spiritual sanctity of the mountain.
Attractions Around the Area:
Lake Manasarovar- Lake Manasarovar is one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes. In Hinduism and Buddhism, bathing in it is said to be purificatory and sin-removing.
Lake Rakshastal: This saltwater lake is commonly compared to Lake Manasarovar as the latter’s counterpart. In the mythology of Hindus, the former was said to have been bound to Ravana, demon king of Lanka.
Environmental and Access Challenges:
This mountain is also inaccessible by virtue of its far-off location and altitude. The climatic conditions, though in summer, range from snow and other freezing conditions.
The trek to Kailash can only take place within limited periods. This falls within the months of May to September when the roads are clear and the weather conditions have improved.
Symbolism:
It is also simply called the “Axis Mundi” or world’s spiritual axis and embodies heaven and earth, material and spiritual. Mount Kailash Mount Kailash has been a spiritual center for over a millennium and still is for the devout and an adventure for the spiritual seeker-the sacredness of which ensures that it has not seen human hands in millennia.