Mount Kailash is located in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China and is considered one of the most sacred mountains in the world. Standing at 6638 meters (21778 feet), it is revered by several religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. In Hinduism, it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. For Buddhists, it represents the axis of the universe, a spiritual center connecting heaven and earth. The mountain is seen as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and purity, with its snow-capped summit often viewed as an unapproachable realm of the divine.
The region surrounding mount Kailash is equally significant, with Lake Manasarovar lying at its base. This freshwater lake is regarded as one of the holiest sites in Hinduism and Buddhism, where pilgrims from the globe come to bathe in its sacred waters, believing it cleanses sins and brings spiritual benefits. Pilgrims also undertake the arduous Kailash Kora, a 52 kilometers trek around the mountain, which is said to be a journey of purification and a means to attain spiritual liberation.
Despite its immersed religious and cultural importance, Mount Kailash remains largely in accessible for climbers, with the Chinese government enforcing a ban on summit attempts. The mountain’s forbidding terrain, harsh weather conditions, and religious significance all contribute to its preservation as a sacred site, untouched by human conquest. It remains a symbol of mystery and reverence, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to connect with its spiritual energy and divine aura.
Mythological Significance
1: Hinduism: The Abode of Lord Shiva
In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is regarded as the earthly abode of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in the Hindu pantheon. It is believed that Lord Shiva resides at the summit, meditating in the eternal Himalayas with his consort Parvati. The sacred river Ganga is said to flow from the matted locks of Lord Shiva, and the mountain is believed to be the source of several other important rivers, including the Indus, Brahmaputra, and Sutlej.
Hindus believe that by making a pilgrimage to Kailash, a person can cleanse themselves of all past sin and achieve spiritual liberation (Moksha). The trek around the mountain, known as the “Kailash Kora”, is believed to purify the soul, and completing it is said to bring immense spiritual merit.
2: Buddhism: A Center of Enlightenment
For Tibetan Buddhists, Mount Kailash is also an important symbol of enlightenment and the center of the universe. It is associated with the mythical Mount Meru, which according to Buddhist cosmology, is the axis of the world and the center of all spiritual energy. Buddhist believes that the mountain’s shape in an embodiment of the Buddha’s mind, and it is said that pilgrims can reach a higher level of spiritual enlightenment through the pilgrimage.
Buddhist tradition holds that the “Kailash Kora” is an essential pilgrimage for those seeking to gain merit and achieve nirvana. The journey around the mountain is symbolic of the path to enlightenment, and many Buddhists perform prostrations as they circumambulate Kailash is a ritualistic act of devotion.
3: Jainism: The Sacred Peak of Lord Rishabhanatha
In Jainism, Mount Kailash is associated with Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthanakara, who is believed to have attained liberation at this sacred mountain. For Jains, Kailash symbolizes the pinnacle of spiritual purification and is an important place for those seeking to follow the path of non-violence and enlightenment.
4: Bon Religion: The Sacred Seat of the Bon Deities
For followers of the Bon religions, an indigenous Tibetan belief system predating Buddhism, Mount Kailash is considered to be the seat of the Bon pantheon. It is referred to as “Yungdrung Gutsek,” the nine-story mountain. The Bonpo believe that the mountain is the abode of their spiritual deities, and it represents the axis of the universe, much like in Hinduism and Buddhism.
The Kailash Kora: A Journey of Faith
The pilgrimage around Mount Kailas, known as the “Kailash Kora” or “Kailash Parikrama,” is considered one of the holiest and most transformative spiritual journeys in the world. The 52 kilometers (32 mile) trek circumambulates the sacred peak and takes several days to complete, passing through harsh terrain and challenging altitudes. Pilgrims, regardless of their faith, walk the Kora in the belief that doing so will purify their body, mind, and soul.
At the heart of the journey is the belief that each step around the mountain erases sins, bringing the traveler closer to enlightenment or liberation. The Kora is typically done in a clockwise direction by Hindus and Buddhists, while the Bonpo community performs the trek counterclockwise, in keeping with their traditions. The trek is not only a physical challenge but also an emotional and spiritual one. Pilgrims often perform prostrations along the way, a symbol of surrender and devotion. The Journey includes passing over the Dolma La Pass (5630 meters / 18,470 feet), which is considered the highest point on the route and a site of great spiritual significance.
The Geography and Natural Beauty of Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash stands as an imposing figure in the Tibetan plateau, surrounded by the vast expanse of the Tibetan plateau and the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. The landscape around the mountain is both stark and beautiful, with beautiful blue skies, expensive vistas, and glaciers that glisten under the sun. The region is rich in natural beauty, from pristine water lakes Manasarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, to the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.
Lake Manasarovar holds a special place in the heart of pilgrims, as it is considered a source of spiritual purification. The lake is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma for the use of Lord Shiva, and taking a ritual bath in its waters is thought to wash away sins.
Why is Mount Kailash Unclimbed?
Despite being a popular pilgrimage site and a towering peak, Mount Kailash remains unclimbed, and no expeditions have ever attempted to reach the summit. The reasons for this are both cultural and practical. For the various religious communities that revere the mountain, the ideal of climbing Kailash is considered disrespectful, as it is seen as the sacred dwelling place of deities. Climbing the mountain would be regarded as an intrusion into the divine realm.
Moreover, the harsh terrain, extreme altitude, and dangerous weather condition make it a perilous challenge for climbers. The Tibetan authorities, along with the religious communities, have emphasized that the mountain should be left untouched as a mark of respect for its sacred significance.
Modern Pilgrimages and Accessibility
In recent decades, the number of people making the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash has increased, with thousands of pilgrims and tourists traveling to Tibet each year. However, the journey is not without its challenges, due to the remote location and the political situation in Tibet, reaching Kailash can be a logistical hurdle. Most pilgrims access the region via Lhasa, and then travel to Darchen, the town at the base of the mountain, where the Kailash Kora begins.
The pilgrimage is often undertaken in groups, and many travelers choose to hire local guides and porters for assistance. The trek is demanding due to the high altitude, with many pilgrims experiencing altitude sickness, so proper acclimatization is essential before attempting the Kora.
Conclusion
Mount Kailash is not just a mountain: it is a symbol of spirituality, a place where the physical and the divine converge. Its significance transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, and it continues to be a beacon of faith for millions of people worldwide. Whether viewed as the home of Lord Shiva, the center of Buddhist cosmology, or a sacred place of meditation for the Bonpo, Kailash remains one of the most awe-inspiring and spiritually charged locations on Earth.
For those fortunate enough to undertake the Kailash Kora, undertake the Kailash Koa, the journey is not merely a physical trek but a deeply transformative experience that reaffirms the profound connection between the human soul and the divine.
