Manasarovar
2018
Mount Kailash, part of the Kailash Range in Tibet's Gangdisê Mountains, holds profound significance across Hinduism, Buddhism, Bön, and Jainism. Known as "Gangs Rin-po-che" in Tibetan, meaning "precious jewel of snows" in reference to its snow-capped peak, Mount Kailash is revered as sacred in these religions.
According to ancient Indian scriptures, nearby Lake Manasarovar is described as a divine lake of pristine beauty and great glory, believed to be the first lake created by Brahma, the Creator, at the request of the Rishis (seers) and Devas (demigods). In Hindu mythology, the lake is associated with spiritual symbolism, including its role as the abode of Hamsa.
Hindus consider Mount Kailash the place where Lord Shiva meditated with his consort Parvati. Described in the Vishnu Purana, the mountain's sides are believed to be made of ruby, crystal, lapis lazuli, and gold, symbolising its importance as the "pillar of the world" and likened to a lotus due to its central location among six mountain ranges.