Panch Kailash Name, Yatra, Location, Images, 5 Kailash

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The Himalayan Range is the most fascinating location that India has in store. For the globetrotters, it must be a dream to explore these locations. And for a devotee 5 Kailash Parvat means the abode where Lord Shiva himself lived in. The mystic adobe of the God evokes a sense of divinity among the devotees. Panch Kailash Yatra includes all the 5 places that are believed to be the home of Lord Shiva himself. The Panch Kailash Name is given to 5 such locations out of which 4 are in India and one in Tibet. These 5 holy peaks attach many stories, legends and myths with itself. The journey is hard and tumultuous and that makes it even more prominent. In this article I will mention everything that you need to know about the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva. So keep on reading.

Panch Kailash Name

The Panch Kailash Yatra includes the journey to 5 locations of the Great Himalayas. These are Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Adi Kailash Yatra, Kinnaur Kailash Yatra, Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra and the Chamba or the Manimahesh Kailash Yatra. Every year these locations draw an influx of devotees from across the world. People travel to these destinations with the aim to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and also to attain salvation. In the lap of the Himalayas these destinations are revered sights of pilgrimage. Not only the Hindus, even other religions like the Jains, Buddhists, Chinese and Bons also consider these as prominent religious destinations.

Moreover, these significant peaks are spiritually and culturally very enriching. It is believed that you need God’s calling to visit these destinations. While embarking on the Panch Kailash Yatra a person follows the footsteps of the Gods and Goddesses. The journeys to each of these destinations are spiritually rewarding and tumultuous at the same time. It takes a lot of faith, strength and grit to complete these journeys. Not just that, one needs to be fit and pass the medical test to go forward with the journey. 

Kaliash Mansarovar in Tibet

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the toughest Yatras to a pilgrimage site. Considered as the holy abode of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, this one is located at an altitude of 21, 778 feet above sea level. It is believed that nobody has ever successfully climbed the peak of the Kailash Mountain, even though it is adaptable for mountaineering. According to popular myths it is forbidden for a human to put their feet on the mountain as it is an unforgivable sin. It is also said that many people have even died while indulging in the process of it.

According to Hindu epic Mahabharata the Pandavas along with their wife Draupadi had tried to reach the peak of this mountain to attain heaven. This area is also known as the Doorway to Heaven or the Swarga Loka. On the basis of the descriptions of Vishnu Purana, it is believed that Lord Shiva meditates in the mountain in a state of absolute bliss.

Not just the Hindus, even other religions consider this location as a holy adobe. The Jains believe that their first Guru Rishavadeva gained Nirvana at this spot. According to the Buddhists, the peak is known as Mount Meru. This place is known as the holy adobe of Buddhist Cakrasamvara or Demchok. For the Tibetans this place is known as Precious Jewel or Kang Rampoche. Also this place is the origin of 4 rivers Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra and Karnali.

It is believed according to popular myths that by doing a Parikrama of the Kailash Parvat one can bring in positivity in the form of meritorious karma and can get cleansed of one’s sins. Furthermore, by doing a Parikrama of the Mansarovar Lake while telling the wishes you have, will get them fulfilled. After doing the Parikrama of the Lake one can fetch enlightenment. Also it is said that one who takes a bath into the holy lake can directly reach the holy abode of the God.

How to reach:

There are different ways to reach the Kailash Mansarovar from India, via Delhi, Nepal, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh. However all the people should travel via the annual pilgrimage organized by the Government of India’s Ministry of external Affairs or through the different private agencies that organize a Yatra. Every foreigner must have a valid Chinese visa and other permits to travel to Tibet.

Weather:

The weather of Kailash Mountain is very extreme from October to March and is almost inaccessible during those months. Mostly the Yatras are held in the months of May to September. Average temperature ranges from 5 degrees to 18 degrees during the day time of the hot months. At night the temperature ranges between -1 degrees to 10 degrees.  

Best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar:

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatras are mostly organized during the months of April to October beginning. The ideal time however is the summer months of April to June. It’s better to avoid the monsoon season though. Again from September to the beginning of October is a good time to visit here.

Nearby places to visit

Mansarovar Lake and Rakshas Taal or Lang- Tso are important places to visit nearby. Other than that there are few monasteries nearby like Selung, Nyari, Guangzhou etc that you can visit.

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Adi Kailash Yatra in Uttarakhand

Adi Kailash is known by different names like Chota Kailash, Shiva Kailash, Baba Kailash and Jonglingkong Peak. This is just a replicated version of the Kailash Mansarovar hence known as the Chota Kailash. Located near the Indo Tibet border in the Pithoragarh district of the Uttarakhand, this is another important site for pilgrimage. This holy peak is believed to be the adobe for Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. According to the description in the Skanda Purana, the mystic procession of the wedding of Lord Shiva started from the Kailash Mansarovar to reach here.  It is believed that a devotee who completes the Adi Kailash Yatra gets their wishes fulfilled.

How to reach:

You can reach Kathgodam from the nearby cities by train. You can also drive from other major cities as well.

Weather:

The Yatra is organized during the months of April to middle of September. The weather remains pleasant till May. After the monsoon the weather is nice but the onset of rains is a little problematic for the Yatra. The summer temperature ranges from 1 degree to 20 degrees while the monsoon temperature ranges from 6 degrees to 20 degrees.

Best time to visit Adi Kailash

The ideal time for Adi Kailash Yatra is from April to December.

Nearby places to visit:

You will see different other spots on your way to Adi Kailash. These are Om Parvat, Jageshwar Dham Temple, Patal Bhubaneswar Temple, Gauri Kund, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Kunti Parvat, Pandav Parvat, Parvati Mukut, Brahma Parvat, Parvati Sarovar etc.

Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in Himachal Pradesh

Located in the Kinnaur valley of Himachal Pradesh, Mount Kinnaur Kailash is another holy site. It is believed that the Hindu Demi Gods consider this place as heaven and therefore reside here. This place is also considered as the meeting point of Hindu Gods and Demi Gods. According to popular beliefs this was the spot where Devi Parvati used to worship and show her respect to Lord Shiva. Later Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati met here for the first time.

The location here is breathtakingly beautiful with peaks at a height of 6050 meters. There is a 79 feet tall rock here which is considered as a Shivalinga.

How to reach:

The nearest Airport to Kinnaur Kailash is Shimla. If you wish to travel via road then you can drive through Chandigarh or Manali to reach here.

Weather:

The place records major footfall during the months of April to June. Average temperature of the place remains between 8 degrees to 30 degrees. The summer months are the ideal time to visit the place according to the weather. Winters are too chilly with temperature going down to -5 degrees. However it is advisable to not visit during the monsoon as there are major chances of landslides and floods in the area.

Best time to visit Kinnaur Kailash

April to June

Nearby places to visit:

Some of the major locations to visit here are Tanglin Village, Sangla Valley or Baspa Valley, Kalpa, Chitkul Village, Kamru Fort, Basteri Village etc.

Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra

This peak located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is considered as a part of the Great Himalayan National Park. At an elevation of 5227 metres above sea level, the Shrikhand Mahadev Shivalinga here is 75 feet tall. One of the most prominent facts about this Shivalinga is that the shrine remains snow free in spite of heavy snowfall in that area. The scenic view of this spot is wonderful with the mountain range in the backdrop. Other than being a religious spot, this is also one of the popular tourist spots for visitors.

It is believed that the name Srikhand Mahadev came from the words “Sir Khandan”. It is believed that Ravana offered his head to Lord Shiva to impress him. After looking at his dedication and efforts Lord Shiva was impressed and granted him immortality. Another popular folklore regarding this place is about the demon Bhimasar. Once he received a boon from Lord Shiva that he can destroy anything that he touches. In turn he wanted to touch Lord Shiva himself so that he could marry Devi Parvati. Later, Lord Vishnu came for their assistance. He took the form of Mohini and danced along with Bhimasar. While dancing Bhimasar placed his own hands on his head and therefore died. It is believed that till date the soil and water of that spot is crimson in colour.

How to reach:

The best way to reach here is to reach Manali first. You can reach by flight or train. Direct buses are available to reach Manali as well.

Weather:

The summer months of April to August are pleasant here with the average temperature ranging between 8 degrees and 25 degrees. During the winter months the temperature remains between 5 degrees to 17 degrees.

Best time to visit

July and August

Nearby places to visit:

Barhati Nala, Parvati Bageecha, Bheem Dwari, Bhim ki Bhai, Nayan Sarovar, Sarahan Bird Park, Bhimakali Temple, Hatu Temple are some of the popular spots nearby that you can visit.

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Manimahesh Kailash Yatra

This is another revered site of pilgrimage in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Also known as the Chamba Kailash, this place is called Mani Mahesh because the Shivalinga here possesses a Mani which reflects the view of the lake. On the foothill of the mountain the lake is located at a height of 13,000 feet. The place holds a lot of importance because of the folklore attached to it. It is believed that Lord Shiva takes a stroll along with Devi Parvati here every now and then in Shiva’s Chaugan.

Furthermore, there are two lakes here. The first one is the Shiv Karotri which has ice cold water. It is believed that Lord Shiva used to take a bath here. The other one is Gauri Kund that has lukewarm water and it is believed that Devi Parvati used to take a bath here. Both these lakes are believed to be formed from the matted locks of Lord Shiva’s hair. Near these lakes there is also a marble image of Lord Shiva known as the Chumakha along with a temple known as Lakshmi Devi.

According to popular folklore, if you are unable to get a glimpse of the peak, it is considered as the displeasure of Lord Shiva. Also it is believed that it is forbidden to climb this peak as whoever has tried to climb here, has been turned into a stone. The devotees visit here to take a dip in the holy water here to wash away their sins. In the month of Bhadon a fair is organized here that attracts the most number of devotees.

How to reach:

You can take direct buses and trains to Pathankot which is the nearest hotspot. From there you can take cabs to reach the peak.

Weather:

From mid June to mid October the weather is most pleasant at this spot. The winter months are chilly with temperature ranging between 12 degrees to 18 degrees during the day time. However the nights are very chilly and the temperature ranges from -2 degrees to 6 degrees during winter. Temperature during the monsoon season ranges between 12 degrees to 20 degrees.

Best time to visit

May to September

Nearby places to visit:

Chamera Lake, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Akhand Chandi Palace, Bundlamata Temple, Bhagsu Waterfall, Chamunda Devi Temple, Dal Lake are some of the nearby spots that you can visit here.

Panch Kailash Locations are destinations that are hard to reach. Previously these sites were totally inaccessible for the general public. With newer ways of travelling and transport, now people are able to climb up there. Every year the footfall in these destinations are increasing. It is believed to be a holy act for a person to be able to visit these locations. According to popular myths and legends, it takes the wishes of Lord Shiva to be able to visit any of these places. Therefore, the devotees visiting here visit with a lot of faith. The belief that the devotees have for their religion and for the divinity of Lord Shiva, makes these sights even more prominent.

These holy sites are hard to visit. With proper medical tests and arrangements one can embark on these religious journeys. Whenever you are planning to visit these places make sure you are carrying all the necessary documents and check whether you are medically fit. And then take the name of Lord Shiva and set out for your yatras to these places.