Friday 7 February 2020

Inner Kora or Parikrama of Mount Kailash provides Magical Experience


The supremely sacred Mount Kailash is segregated into two distinct Koras, Inner and Outer Kora, which are completely different from each other. Both these Koras differ in terms of parikrama or Circumambulation difficulty level, the inclusion of spiritual hubs, traveled distance and the regions covered in each of these Koras. The Inner Kora is known to be more complicated and challenging and so quite a less number of pilgrims opt for it, as the decision of circumambulation lies solely with the devotees. This yatra is recommended only for physically fit people having prior trekking experience.   


Devotees planning for Inner Kora are taken to the southern part of the base of this sacred peak for the felicitation of the inner parikrama. Kailash Yatra holds religious significance among all the four religions Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Bon. Hindus revered this mountain as the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati, Bon consider it as the Damchauk's Home and observe it as the nine-story Swastika, Buddhists entail it as the residence of Lord Buddha and Jains pay homage to this mountain because they considered it as a hub of Nirvana attainment for their first Tirthankara.


The Inner Kora or Parikrama is a 34 km walking journey, which also includes some spiritual destinations such as:

Nandi Parvat - Each and every peak around Mount Kailash is filled with great divinity due to which these are worshiped and regarded by every pilgrim coming for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Nandi Parvat is one such peak that is ardently followed by people. The Nandi, a holy bull, is a sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva, who acts as a messenger and delivers devotee's message to Lord Shiva, as Lord Shiva is believed to be engrossed in deep meditation on the top of Mount Kailash. This peak is named as Nandi Parvat due to its shape and appearance that greatly resembles a Nandi. Thus, pilgrims on this religious voyage revered this Parvat.  

Saptrishi Caves - Saptrisi Caves are assumed as the home of the seven rishis, who were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. These caves are believed to be the extreme hub in the inner parikrama and are considered as the most difficult treks of this Yatra and only the experienced mountaineers can have  access to its trekking.  The Saptrishi Caves are located approximately at a height of 6000 metres and consists of the thirteen Chortens that are well managed and maintained by the Gengta Monastery. Pilgrims in these caves are going to witness abundant religious books kept inside these caves that are kept to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims will also get a glimpse of the Nandi Mountain from the Saptrishi Caves.

Ashtapad - Ashtapad, the most beguiling pilgrimage spot of Jain religion, is also the nirvana attainment centre of the first Jain Tirthankar Bhagwan Rishabhdev. Ashtapad means 'eight steps' and it is named so because there exists an array of eight mountain peaks and also because the eight giant steps might lead to the palace. Among all the spiritual destinations,  the Ashtapad is regarded as the most beautiful due to the presence of abundant natural beauty and some unique elements. This peak is in  the Sichuan Province of  South West China and lies quite near to the Tibetan border.

Atmalingam – Atmalingam is formed from the snow Pushpadanta that comes through the Ashtapadu path created from the tip of Kailash. It is believed that Holy Sailodha river stream water originates from this Atmalingam. The Saptarishi and the yogis took a holy dip in pious waters and received Lord Shiva's blessings, thus it is considered as the most blesses part of the Mount Kailash having great prominence in the Hindu culture. It is a great feeling and blessing to walk down the path that has been walked by innumerable saints and rishis and it is also said that the Saptarishi and other religious beings still live in the unseen caves of and are invisible to the human eyes.

Kuber Kund  - During the Inner Kora or parikrama of Mount Kailash, pilgrims will spot a significant lake called Kuber Kund. This lake is highly revered among the worldwide tourists due to innumerable tales associated with it. Devotees coming to this lake are sure to be awestruck with its breathtaking scenic surroundings and serenity found around this lake.  

Despite Inner Kora being a challenging and difficult trek, devotees still opt for this parikrama, as the peace and blissfulness achieved after completing the parikrama are difficult to describe in words. The eternal peace and satisfaction achieved during the voyage of Kailash Inner Kora are immense and the divinity lying in between spiritual hubs is simply magical. 
 

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