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.
