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Mount Kailash – History, Mysteries & the Sacred Mansarovar Lake
Mount Kailash History – A Timeline of Sacred Legacy
Location: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region
Elevation: 6,638 meters (21,778 ft)
Significance: Abode of Lord Shiva, central to four religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon
Vedic & Puranic References (2000 BCE – 500 CE)
Mount Kailash, known as Kailash in Sanskrit, has been revered since Vedic times. According to the Rig Veda and Skanda Purana, it is the center of the cosmic world, surrounded by sacred rivers like Ganga, Sutlej, Indus, and Brahmaputra.
In the Skanda Purana, Kailash is described as the residence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Ramayana and Mahabharata mention the Pandavas’ journey toward Kailash in their final quest for moksha.
Mount Meru in Hindu cosmology is believed by many to represent Kailash, as the axis mundi (world pillar).
Buddhist Scriptures (500 BCE – 500 CE)
In Tibetan Buddhism, Mount Kailash is revered as Kang Rinpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow). According to legend:
The Tantric deity Demchok (Chakrasamvara) resides at Kailash in a state of eternal bliss.
The great Buddhist saint Milarepa meditated in the caves around Kailash and defeated the Bon saint Naro Bonchung in a spiritual contest, securing Buddhist influence in the region.
Jain & Bon Traditions (1000 BCE onward)
In Jainism, Mount Kailash is called Ashtapada, the site where Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, attained moksha (liberation).
The Bon religion, Tibet’s oldest spiritual tradition, predating Buddhism, believes Mount Kailash is the seat of Sipaimen, a powerful sky goddess. Bon followers perform counter-clockwise circumambulation, unlike the clockwise Kora of Hindus and Buddhists.
Medieval to Modern Records (1000 CE – Present)
Chinese and Tibetan scholars documented pilgrimages and spiritual practices around Kailash as early as the 10th century.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, many Indian and European explorers attempted to map the region but respected its spiritual restrictions.
In the 21st century, Kailash remains unclimbed and is protected by both religious reverence and political restrictions, especially from the Tibetan side.
Kailash Parvat Mysteries – Unsolved & Divine Phenomena
Mount Kailash is a spiritual enigma. Despite being one of the most revered peaks in the world, no one has ever climbed it, and many believe it is not meant to be conquered by humans.
1. Unclimbed by Humans
No mountaineer, including legendary climbers like Reinhold Messner, has successfully or officially climbed Kailash.
In 2001, China granted a permit to a Spanish team to summit Kailash, but it was revoked after global protests, especially from Indian spiritual organizations.
2. Time Distortion Zone
Pilgrims report rapid aging, such as fast-growing nails and hair during the Kailash Kora.
It is believed that time operates differently around the mountain due to unexplained gravitational or magnetic anomalies.
3. Strange Magnetic Field
Compasses fail near Kailash. The magnetic pull around the mountain is so strong that navigation devices spin wildly, defying logic and GPS systems.
4. Global Alignment
Mount Kailash is geographically aligned with Stonehenge, Easter Island, and the North Pole, suggesting a sacred global energy grid or ley line.
It also lies at the center of a pattern formed by four major sacred rivers – the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali (Ganga's tributary).
The Legend of Mansarovar Lake – The Divine Reflection
Located just 20 km from Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar (Manas Sarovar) is a high-altitude freshwater lake situated at 4,590 meters above sea level. It is considered the most sacred lake in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
Mythological Origins:
According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Brahma created Lake Mansarovar in his mind before manifesting it on Earth—thus the name “Manas” (mind) + “Sarovar” (lake).
It is said that Lord Shiva and Parvati bathe in its waters.
Drinking or bathing in Mansarovar is believed to purify sins of a hundred lifetimes and grant spiritual awakening.
Buddhist Beliefs:
Queen Maya, mother of Buddha, is believed to have bathed in this lake before receiving the divine vision of a white elephant—signifying Buddha’s birth.
The lake is called Anavatapta, meaning “cooling lake”, in Buddhist texts.
Mystical Experiences:
During full moon nights, pilgrims claim to see heavenly lights or divine reflections on the lake.
Despite harsh winters, Mansarovar remains partially unfrozen, unlike the nearby Rakshastal, which is saltwater and has a negative aura.
The Sacred Parikrama (Kora) of Kailash
A central spiritual act for pilgrims is the Kailash kora—a 52-km circumambulation around Mount Kailash, usually completed in 3 days.
Parikrama Itinerary:
Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk (via Tarboche)
Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk via Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) – the highest point
Day 3: Zuthulphuk back to Darchen
Belief: 1 Kailash Parikrama cleanses sins of a lifetime.
108 Parikramas = ultimate liberation (moksha).
Spiritual Importance of Mount Kailash Today
Mount Kailash is not just a mountain; it is a living deity, a cosmic connection, and a spiritual goal for seekers around the world.
Revered by:
Hindus: As the home of Lord Shiva
Buddhists: As the residence of Demchok
Jains: As Ashtapada, the liberation site of Rishabhdev
Bon followers: As the throne of Sipaimen
Despite being in Tibet, thousands of Indian pilgrims undertake the Kailash Mansarovar yatra annually via Lipulekh pass (Uttarakhand) or Nathula Pass (Sikkim).
Final Thoughts
Mount Kailash is a sacred axis where time stands still, science pauses, and divinity flows. Its history spans Vedic scriptures to modern global reverence. Whether you seek liberation, wisdom, or adventure, a journey to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar will change your perception of life itself.
“You don’t go to Kailash by chance. You’re called. And once called, your life will never be the same again.”
