5 Mythological stories of Mount Kailash, other than being an abode of Lord Shiva

Mount Kailash is a revered site for Hindus because it is believed to be an abode of Lord Shiva. It is due to this reason that thousands of pilgrim visit this sacred mountain, from across the globe every year, to pay their homage. But, that’s not all about Mount Kailash. Although, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been famous for being Lord Shiva home but there are 5 more mythological stories that are associated with Mount Kailash, which makes this trail even more interesting

Mount Kailash from Deraphuk just as it appeared after a long cloud cover

The Relevance of Lake Mansarovar: The relevance of Lake Mansarovar is beyond anyone’s understanding. Mansarovar lake is believed to be originated from the mind of Brahma, where it was created, before it got manifested on earth. Hence, it is also known as the Mind Lake.

Me at Lake Mansarovar with my famous Yoga pose 😛

In Hinduism, Mansarovar lake is a personification of purity and it is said that whoever drinks the water from this lake, will directly go to the abode of Lord Shiva after death. They are cleansed of all sins. It is also believed that some celestial body and saptarishi descend on this lake in the form of a light everyday during Bhram mahurat (4 AM) to take a holy dip. But, I would say that whether you believe or don’t, the experiences that people had at Mansarovar lake is enough to give you goosebumps

The existence of Rakshas tal: Rakshas tal is a lake which is believed to be originated through the demon king Ravana, in order to garner superpowers from Lord shiva by showing his devotion towards him. It is said that everyday, King Ravana would sacrifice one of his 10 heads at one of the island of this lake to please shiva. It was on the tenth day, that the god moved by his devotion, granted Ravana his wish to obtain superpowers.

I found Rakshataal more beautiful than Lake Mansarovar

Rakshas tal is considered as a devil lake due to its association with king Ravana and it is this belief that keeps the pilgrims away from here

Gauri Kund, where Lord Shiva son is believed to be born: On the second day of Parikrama around Mount Kailash falls the Dolma Pass, which is the highest pass on the entire Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. Just when you cross the Dolma pass, you shall get a glimpse of an emerald colored lake, which was the bathing area of the wife of Lord shiva, Parvati. It is also believed that it is at Gauri Kund that Parvati created lord Ganesha using the dirt of her body.

Gauri Kund is the birth place of Lord Ganesha

It is even said that if you have not taken a dip in Gauri Kund, the Kailash parikrama remains incomplete. But having said this, I would like to mention that the temperature here is cold, since it’s the highest point of Mount Kailash Yatra and a dip here might be harmful, considering the altitude.

Yam Dwar, the Gateway to the God of death: It is said that one must pass through Yam Dwar before starting Kailash parikrama, which is personally guarded by Yamraj, to keep his promise to Shiva that he wouldn’t allow any negative energy to enter the surroundings of Mount Kailash. It is believed that those who successfully pass through this gate, gets free from all the sins. By doing this Yamraj shows his devotion for Shiva

Relevance for Jainism: Apart from being an abode of Shiva, Kailash Parvat is also considered as one of the Asthapad where it is believed that their first tirthtanthkra, Rishabdev attained nirvana. That’s the reason that why Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is also considered as sacred in the Jain religion.