Standing at an elevation of 6,638 m, Mount Kailash lies in the Kailash range of Transhimalaya in the western region of the Tibetan plateau. Popularly known as the abode of Lord Shiva, carrying great spiritual importance and considered as the world’s most sacred mountain, Kailash is shrouded in mystery.
Why no one can climb Kailash? What did NASA find on this mountain? What do locals and pilgrims experience at Kailash Parvat? Let’s find out, in this writeup the facts and mysteries about Mount Kailash.
No matter how many times and in how many ways you look at Kailash, still there are endless other ways to look at it. The only reason not to go there anymore should be the legs and the lungs.
– Sadhguru
Incredible Mount Kailash Facts
1. Mount Kailash is situated near Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal, and sources of 4 major rivers, namely Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra and Karnali are located near this mountain.
2. This mountain is located in in Burang County, Tibet Autonomous Region in China.
3. It is visible from the top of Lipulekh Peak in India.
4. It is known by different names like Kailas (in Sanskrit) and Gang Rinpoche (in Tibetan language). Tibetan Buddhists call this mountain Kangri Rinpoche, while it is called Water’s Flower, Mountain of Sea Water or Nine Stacked Swastika mountain in Bon.
5. Hindus regard Mount Kailash as the abode of Lord Shiva. Buddhists call it the navel of the universe and followers of Bon consider this mountain as the home of sky Goddess Sipaimen.
6. Kailash Mountain stands as the central point of the universe, serving as the axis and core of the world. Mount Kailash and the North Pole are 6666 kms apart and the Stonehenge is also located at a distance of 6666 kms from Kailash. The South Pole is at a distance of 13332 kms from this mountain.
7. Flying a helicopter or airplane in the region of Mount Kailash is highly risky due to strong winds, low air pressure and extreme weather.
8. Mount Kailash is considered as a holy mountain by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of Bon, and several pilgrims from India, Nepal, and Tibet travel to this mountain for spiritual practices.
9. As per Google Maps and pictures taken by NASA, Mount Kailash is the centre of the world (or navel of the world). NASA scientists had stated that the face of Lord Shiva appears on Kailash Parvat.
10. Jains believe Mount Kailash to be the place where their first leader attained enlightenment. They believe that the first Jain Tirthankara Rishabhanatha achieved liberation on this mountain. They also believe that this mountain was where Mahavira was taken by Indra.
11. For pilgrims, circumabulating Mount Kailash on foot is a sacred ritual. It is known as kora, in which devotees take up a 52-km long walk around Mt. Kailash. They walk barefoot and some perform body-length prostrations along the way. For a healthy individual, the 52-kms walk can take about 15 hours to complete. May-June is a good time for kora.
Mystical Secrets of Mount Kailash
12. This mountain is believed to be the gateway to heaven. Lord Shiva is believed to be sitting in the lotus position in meditation, on Mount Kailash.
13. There’s a Tibetan legend that says that a monk named Milarepa is the only person to have climbed Mount Kailash. Milarepa was a Buddhist saint and poet who is said to have spent many years in a small cave located at the base of Mount Kailash. This cave is known as Milarepa’s cave and is quite famous.
14. It is said that Mount Kailash changes positions and that those who attempted to reach the peak lost track of time and place during the trek.
15. Climbing Mount Kailash is believed to be impossible, as those who attempt it encounter insurmountable difficulties, preventing them from reaching the summit. Numerous mountaineers have embarked on expeditions to this mountain; however, none have successfully reached its summit.
16. It’s believed that climbers on Mt. Kailash experience accelerated nail and hair growth. According to legend, a group of Siberian trekkers aged by several decades after surpassing a specific point on Kailash.
17. For Hindus, trekking to Mount Kailash is forbidden, as this act can harm the sanctity of this place and disrupt the divine energies here.
18. It is said that only the pure souls (those who are completely free of sins) can successfully climb this mountain. It is believed that Lord Shiva stays here with his family members, and many Gods and Goddesses keep visiting this place.
19. Locals say that the sounds of damru and Aum (om) can be heard on Mount Kailash. Even people traveling to this mountain have experienced this but no one has been able to locate the source of these sounds. However, scientists say that these sounds are created by the friction of air with the snow on this mountain.
20. It is said that this mountain has some ancient monasteries and caves where some sages reside.
21. In Vishnu Purana, it is written that the four faces of Mount Kailash are crystal, ruby, gold and lapiz lazuli. It is a pillar of the world and is situated at the heart of 6 mountain ranges together symbolic of a lotus.
22. As per the epic Ramayana, it is said that Ravana in his rebel against Lord Shiva, attempted to uproot Mount Kailash. Then Lord Shiva pressed his right big toe upon the mountain and trapped Ravana.
23. According to the epic Mahabharata, Pandavas with their wife Draupadi climbed up Mount Kailash during their journey to liberation.
24. Mount Kailash’s snow cap never melts, defying extreme temperatures, and has long intrigued pilgrims, enhancing the mountain’s divine allure. Whether a result of natural forces or revered as sacred manifestation, it symbolizes enduring purity and spiritual resonance in the Himalayas.
25. When it comes to Kailash, there are three dimensions to it. One is the sheer presence of this mountain. Second is the enormous level of knowing or knowledge that is here. Third is the very source of Kailash, which is also present. ~ Sadhguru
A pilgrimage (yatra) to Mt. Kailash is challenging due to the lack of well-built shrines or modern lodging facilities. Recently, some places for resting and refreshment have been set up, which helps the devotees during this arduous journey.
However, setting foot on Mount Kailash has been forbidden for religious reasons, owing to which this majestic mountain will forever remain mystical and the secrets it hides may never unfold.
