TIBET: Mount Kailash
If mountains are the dwelling place of
Gods, Mount Kailash, a 7000 metre peak in western Tibet is the most
venerated place on earth for the three great Asian religions: Buddhism,
Hinduism and Jainism, as well as Bon, the indigenous religion of Tibet. A
sacred mountain it has never been climbed, and belief holds that deviation
from the traditional circumambulation path around its 52 km base will result
in death. Mount Kailash and nearby Lake Manosarava (the Invincible Jade
Lake) are visited by relatively few pilgrims because of their remote
location. The only access is by four-wheel drive and yak, a rugged 10-14 day
journey in treacherous weather conditions. The aim, in visiting the
mountain, is to perform the ritual circuit which is believed to bring good
fortune - Buddhists say that one circuit can atone for all the sins
committed in a lifetime. Hindus who believe the mountain is the abode of
Lord Shiva, walk in a clockwise direction as do Tantric Buddhists who
consider it is the home of the Buddha Demchok. Jains who know it as Mount
Ashtapada, believe it is where Rishaba, the first tirthankara attained
nirvana. Jains and Bons walk counter-clockwise round its base. A brisk
walker can complete the circumambulation in 3-4 days. Ultra devout pilgrims
perform arduous prostrations - kneeling, lying down full length, rising
again, and praying for the entire journey. Such penitents who may further
immerse themselves in the freezing lake, may take up to three weeks to work
their way around the base. Small rest places and refreshment stalls exist,
but pilgrims must carry all supplies for overnight camping