Before I share our incredible experience of visiting the sacred abode of Lord Shiva—Mount Kailash—let me take you through its spiritual significance and why it holds such a revered place in the hearts of many.
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is a place of deep spiritual and cultural importance in several major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
- Hinduism: Revered as the sacred home of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, Mount Kailash is believed to be the site where Shiva meditates. It is a center of worship and pilgrimage for millions of Hindus.
- Buddhism: For Buddhists, Mount Kailash is associated with Buddha Demchok (Chakrasamvara), who represents ultimate bliss. The mountain is seen as a place of enlightenment and deep spiritual awakening.
- Jainism: In Jain tradition, it is the site where Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara (spiritual teacher), attained Nirvana, making it a place of liberation and spiritual significance.
- Bon (Tibetan religion): Bon followers consider Mount Kailash sacred as well. It is believed to be the place where their founder, Tonpa Shenrab, descended from heaven.
- Pilgrimage and Spirituality: Pilgrims from various faiths circumambulate the mountain (called kora or parikrama), which is thought to purify the soul and bring spiritual transformation. The mountain itself has never been climbed due to its sanctity.
Beyond its religious importance, Mount Kailash is also geographically significant. It serves as the source of some of Asia’s major rivers, including the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges).
How Our Journey Began:
Our journey started in Lucknow, India, as part of a group of 18 individuals. The group included people from various countries—Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Spain, France, the United States, and different regions of India. The first leg of our trip was a 200 km bus ride to the Nepal border. Upon reaching the border, we took a flight to Nepalgunj. After resting for the night in Nepalgunj, we prepared for our early morning flight to see Mount Kailash.
Why Mount Kailash?
Shree Maa and Swamiji have traveled to many holy sites across India, but Mount Kailash had always been a long-cherished dream. Shree Maa’s wish was to see the sacred mountain from above and perform the parikrama (circumambulation). With the blessings of Lord Shiva, that dream was about to come true. The journey, though challenging, brought immense joy and created memories that we would forever cherish. The road trip was tough, a straight 24 hours of travel, but the shared experiences, singing, laughter, and anticipation made it a memorable part of the pilgrimage.
The Day of the Yatra:
We woke up at 4:00 AM, brimming with excitement. Everyone was dressed and ready, hearts full of devotion, as we prepared to journey closer to Mount Kailash. Shree Maa and Swamiji kept chanting and offering prayers to Lord Shiva as we boarded the plane. The flight took off from Nepalgunj and headed toward Gautam Buddha International Airport. As we boarded the plane for the final stretch of the journey, each of us had a personal seat to ensure an uninterrupted view of the holy mountain. Shree Maa and Swamiji sat in the front, continuing their chants of Lord Shiva’s name. Our hearts raced with anticipation as the plane taxied, and soon, we were airborne, soaring closer to the realm of the divine.
Looking over the surreal landscapes of the Himalayas, it seemed more like a trip over the surface of the moon.
The views were totally other-worldly, and the scenery can only be compared to outer space.
As we flew over the magnificent snow-covered peaks, our eyes scanned the horizon, searching for the unmistakable sight of Mount Kailash.
The Awe-Inspiring Moment:
Then, the announcement came: “There it is!” We all peered eagerly out of our windows, and there it stood—majestic, serene, and awe-inspiring: Mount Kailash, with its distinct dome shape, stood apart from the other peaks, its snow-covered slopes radiating an otherworldly beauty.
Below it, we saw the sacred Lake Mansarovar, shimmering in the distance.
(Mansarovar is a sacred freshwater lake near Mount Kailash. It holds deep religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon. Hindus believe the lake was created by Lord Brahma, and bathing in its waters is said to cleanse one’s sins and offer spiritual salvation. The lake is a crucial part of the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash.)
The sight of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar brought an overwhelming sense of peace and purity. There was a tangible feeling of bliss—a connection to the divine that words cannot fully express. As we neared the mountain, we felt closer to Lord Shiva himself, and the emotions we experienced in that moment will forever remain in our hearts.
Shree Maa and Swamiji were overcome with joy. It was evident how deeply content they were together with their dream being fulfilled.
Each of us had a clear view of the mountain, and we were so fortunate to witness the breathtaking sight not once but three times. The plane circled around Mount Kailash, performing a parikrama in the air—a traditional circumambulation around the deity. We completed six full rotations, with passengers on both sides of the plane receiving three opportunities to behold the mountain.
A Possible Dream:
It still feels like a dream—an impossible dream made possible by pure devotion and love for our beloved Lord Shiva. This journey will forever be etched in our minds as a testament to the power of faith and the blessings of the divine: a journey to remember, a memory that will remain etched in our minds forever. It felt like we not only viewed the place where Lord Shiva lives; we connected our inner Shiva with the Master of the Three Worlds, and inside and out there was nothing but divinity to inspire us in everything we do!
