Gauri Kund
While proceeding downwards from Dolma - La (Dolma Pass), a steep descent to Gouri Kund at 5608 m, also called the Lake of compassion as referred to in the shiva Purana this is the setting for the legend of Parvati and how Ganesh acquired his elephant head bathing in the emerald waters of the kund, Parvati fashioned an image of Ganesh from the soap suds on her body, breathed life into it and placed it at the entrance of her home to prevent anyone entering. Lord Shiva happened to return at this point of time and was stopped by Ganesha. Indignant at this affront, shiva cut off the boy's head. Pravati was inconsolable and insisted that the boy be brought back to life shiva took the head of a wandering elephant and placed it on the body. Life was restored and Parvati had her son back.
Mansarovar
Mansarovar YatraManasarovar is what remains of the Lake Tethys, considered the source of all creation. As the legend goes, Brahma created this lake for his meditation and worship. Literally speaking it is manas + sarovar. Manas refers to the mind of the supreme God Brahma, the lake being its outward manifestation. The sacred Manas is at a height of 4560 m with a circumference of 110 km, which can be trekked in about three days. It has a depth of 300 ft and covers an area of 350 sq. kms.
Parikarma (Kora)
The Parikarma, or circumambulation, of the natural shrines forms an important part of the journey to Kailash and Manasarovar. The Shiva Purana says: 'There is no sin in the world which cannot be destroyed by circumambulation. Hence one should dispel all sins by circumambulation alone. The parikrama or circumambulation of Kailash is a three - day trip, 53 kms long, and the most sacred for all yatris. It is performed in a clockwise direction. Followers of Bon, The Pres - Buddhist religion of Tibet, perform it anticlockwise. For the Buddhists, the parikrama around Kailash is equivalent to going through a cycle of life and rebirth into a new life.
Rakshas Tal
At a height of 4515 meters bears a legend associated with the demon King Ravana. Rakshas tal and Manasarovar are considered as sister lakes and are divided by a narrow hill.
Legend has it that Ravana had performed austerities here to appease Lord Shiva and being pleased by his devotion the lord allowed him to ask any boon. Ravana asked the god to leave Kailash and the lord readily agreed to stay with Ravana on a condition that Ravana should not put the lord down on the earth. But Ravana could not succeed in keeping his words since the God of Water entered his stomach. As Lord Varuna himself had occupied Ravana's tummy there was an incessant pour of water out of Ravana, which fashioned the lake Rakhsas Tal. This story has gained momentum among the devotees and none dares to taste the water of this kund since it is considered as inauspicious. Like its name Rakshas Tal appears dull and grumpy and it hence it is often linked with the forces of darkness.
Apart from its mythological significance, Rakshas Tal offers mind blowing sites of two beautiful islands. |
