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, 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 Lake Manosarava
(the Invincible Jade Lake) 20 km, 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 cold, treacherous weather
conditions. The aim in visiting the mountain is to perform the ritual circuit
which is said to bring good fortune - Buddhists
say that one circuit can atone all 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 of the 21 tirthankaras attained nirvana. Both
Jains and Bons walk counter-clockwise. A complete circumambulation takes a
brisk walker 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 water of Lake Manosarava 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 and camp overnight.