Mount Kailash is situated on the Tibetan Plateau. It is located in the southwestern region of Tibet in the Himalayan Mountains near the borders of India and Nepal. Its height is about 6,638 meters. Mount Kailash is known as Mount Meru in the Buddhist text, Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan, Mountain of sea water in Bon and Kailash means crystal in Sanskrit. It is pyramidal in structure.
At the foot of Mount Kailash, two lakes are situated – Lake Mansarovar (considered to be the highest freshwater body in the world) resembling the sun and Rakshastal (salt water body) resembling the crescent moon. Mansarovar has spiritual significance while Rakshastal has a demonic origin (originating from Ravana’s harsh penance to please Lord Shiva). Mount Kailash is the source of four major rivers: the Indus, the Sutlej, the Brahmaputra and the Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges).
Is it a natural mountain or a man-made structure? Does time work fast here? Is it really the centre of the earth?
Mysteries of Mount Kailash
For a long time, Mount Kailash and the surrounding Lake Mansarovar and Rakshastal have been revolving around many mysteries.
Scientists believed that there is an energy vortex in Mount Kailash which accelerates ageing. Trekkers and pilgrims noticed the rapid growth of hair and nails.
Scientists believed that this mountain is situated in the centre of the earth which is known as Axis Mundi. This is proved by Google Maps. It is a point where heaven meets earth.
According to religious texts, the mountain is endowed with supernatural powers and cannot be climbed which has proved to be true so far.
It is said that Mount Kailash is the stairway to heaven (as per the Vedas). Mount Kailash is not the highest peak and climbing it is almost impossible for everyone. Divine forces such as sudden weather changes, altitude sickness, confusing trails, restlessness etc. are believed to be involved in restricting the ascent of Mount Kailash.
It is a fact that some of those who have climbed Mount Everest are unable to climb Mount Kailash. Mount Kailash is at least 2000 m shorter in height than Mount Everest and has not yet been climbed. No pilgrim climbs for religious reasons. They do not want to disrespect their respective religion as Mount Kailash is associated with four religions.
There is only one person who climbed the peak in the history of mankind, a Buddhist monk named Milarepa in the 11th century. Others who tried to climb failed to do so and even some died in the process.
Every year thousands of pilgrims go for the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. They perform parikrama (32 miles of ritual circumambulation) around the mountain. It is a matter of beliefs. But due to the harsh conditions, only a few are able to accomplish this.
Reasons behind mysteries of Kailash mountain
Mount Kailash is one of those places on earth where the presence of divine powers has been accepted for many reasons.
Mythical reasons
It is one of the holiest places in the world. It is sacred to 4 religious people – Hindus, Jains, Tibetan Buddhists and people of the Bon religion.
For Hindus, it is associated with the throne of Lord Shiva, who resides there with Goddess Parvati and their children- Ganesha and Kartikeya. Buddhists believed it to be the home of the deity Chakrasamvara Buddha (also known as Demchog), which means highest or supreme bliss. For Jainism, Mount Kailash is the place where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, attained moksha (liberation). For people of the Tibetan Bon religion (a religion native to Tibet), it is a place of ritual walking.
Geographical reasons
Its location is one of the reasons behind the unsolved mysteries of sacred Mount Kailash. Here climate changes occur faster than in other places. It is far away from the human population and not easily accessible.
Conclusion
No logical and scientific explanation has been found regarding the mysteries of Mount Kailash. Despite so many secrets, Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra is known for its spirituality and cultural values.
Investigation continues.
References
The Unsolved Mysteries Behind Sacred Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash facts: mindboggling things you may not know about Lord Shiva’s home
8 Mysteries Of Mount Kailash | A Sacred Place In India With Many Secrets
MYSTERY-LADEN BELIEFS ABOUT MOUNT KAILASH
