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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been closed since 2020 due to border dispute between Korona epidemic and India-China, has started once again. This is not just a journey, but a feeling of faith and spiritual peace for Shiva devotees. After the new consent between India and China, now thousands of devotees are ready to go on this difficult but holy journey.
After about six years, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has started once again. The journey was closed since 2020 due to tension on the border between Kovid epidemic and India-China. Now after the agreement between the two countries, Shiva devotees have got permission for this holy journey. Kailash Parvat and Mansarovar Lake are the center of faith for Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions. There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm among the devotees due to the restoration of this journey. Thousands of people are ready to go on this difficult but holy journey.
It is believed that Mansarovar Lake was built by the psyche of Brahma. This lake is situated at an altitude of about 15,100 feet above sea level and from here Saryu, Sutlej, Indus and Brahmaputra rivers come out. It is considered the center of purity and spiritual energy. Mount Kailash is called the abode of Lord Shiva, and Mansarovar is a symbol of his power. The peace and purity here gives every devotee experience divinity.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is done by two routes: one from Lipulekh Pass of Uttarakhand and the other from Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The Ministry of External Affairs organizes this visit from June to September every year. Both routes are difficult, but the Nathu La route is considered relatively convenient because it has more journey. Devotees can choose one of these routes. The number of batches attached to both routes and duration of travel varies.
The Lipulekh Marg of Uttarakhand is known for the mountainous, foot and challenging journey. A total of 5 batches are sent to this route and the travel period is about 22 days. The estimated cost of the journey is ₹ 1.74 lakh. In this, pilgrims have to pass through high mountain paths. The journey here is difficult, but this difficulty makes it even more sacred. This route is very important from traditional and spiritual terms.
The journey from the Nathu La route of Sikkim is considered relatively easy because most of it travels by bus. A total of 10 batches are sent from this route and it is about 21 days. The cost is around ₹ 2.83 lakh per person. This route is better for those who are unable to do foot tracking or want to take less risk due to health reasons. Although this route is a bit expensive, it is considered convenient.
Only Indian citizens can apply for this visit. Passport should be valid for at least 6 months. The age of the applicant should be between 18 and 70 years old and the body mass index (BMI) should be less than 25. Also, it is mandatory for them to be fully healthy. It is ensured that the physical ability of the passengers correspond to this difficult journey. Foreign nationals cannot apply for this visit.
Some important documents are required for online application, including scan copy of passport, passport size photo and medical fitness report. After selection, passengers have to report in Delhi, where they have to bring 6 passport size photos, Indian passports, compensation bonds, consent letters and other documents. All these formalities are very important to make the journey safe and easy.
After online application for the journey, passengers are selected through a fair draw from the computerized lottery system. Selected passengers are informed through email and mobile number. If no one is selected, they can apply again next year. The draw process is transparent and it is operated by the Ministry of External Affairs, so that there is no possibility of any kind of bias.
Kailash Mansarovar is the most important part of the journey ‘Kailash Parikrama’. It is a difficult tracking of about three days, in which devotees revolve around Mount Kailash. It is also called ‘Kyyakram’ and it is considered a symbol of reverence for Lord Shiva. Despite the height, lack of oxygen and weather challenges, devotees fulfill this circumambulation with full faith. This is considered to be the peak of spiritual practice.
This journey not only gives the good fortune of Shiva philosophy to the devotees, but also gives them an experience that is memorable throughout his life. Situated in the lap of the high mountains, this pilgrimage is full of cure, loyalty and newness. The journey of Kailash Mansarovar is actually a purifying experience of the body, mind and soul – which tests reverence and courage at every step. This is why it is considered one of the holiest trips of life.
