Mansarovar Lake: The Sacred Waters That Purify the Soul

The Mansarovar Lake isn’t just a typical high-mountain lake nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, but also a pilgrimage that holds inexplicable mysteries. Situated at an elevation of 4590 meters in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, it is one among a freshwater lakes at such a high altitude.

Every year, pilgrims from different religions visit the lake seeking spiritual enlightenment and to experience the immense energy of this area. With a belief that these waters purify one’s soul, Hindus visit the lake to witness the humble abode of their lord, Shiva. Similarly, the Buddhists and Bon religion people visit it for the cosmic energy that one can experience here.

Indifferent to the intent, it is evident that pilgrims are always on the lookout for witnessing the magic and mystery of Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar lake located on its foothill. Let’s dive deeper into the lakes of the Kailash region and learn why the water of Mansarovar Lake is considered sacred enough to purify one’s soul.

Facts About the Mansarovar Lake

Location

The Mansarovar Lake is located about 20 kilometers from the foothill of Mount Kailash. While the peak borders three different nations, the lake is solely located in Tibet. To be precise, it is situated in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China.

Altitude

Often known as the one among the few freshwater lakes in high altitude, the Mansarovar Lake has an elevation of 4590 meters from sea level. Apart from its mysteries and undefined energy, the altitude is another reason why non-pilgrims also desire to visit this lake.

Depth and Dimensions

If you check the map, the Mansarovar lake appears to be pear-shaped. The lake spans over an area of 85 square kilometers and is  beyond 90 meters deep. While checking the google images, the lake looks deep blue with crystal clear water reflecting the mount Kailash.

Weather Details

Being a water body located at an higher elevation, the weather around Mansarovar lake is comparatively colder with temperature going below -15 degree Celsius at cold winter nights. Whereas the maximum temperature during summer ranges between 10 t0 20 degree Celsius.

Additionally, the extreme snowfall, and strong winds often make the weather harsher around the lake and in Kailash region as a whole. Visitors must be aware of that even in summer, the temperature fluctuation is very common in this region, hence its necessary to prepare in advance to tackle it all.

Best Time to Visit

Considering the weather factor and challenges that come along, the summer months from May to September is the best time to visit Lake Mansarovar. During these months, the weather is relatively mild and its easier to travel too.

Significance of The Mansarovar Lake

The Mansarovar Lake holds a very deep spiritual meaning and cultural significance among the pilgrims following different religions. Since a very long time, this lake has acted as focal point for four main religions, each with a different essence, story, and purpose.

The Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon religion consider this lake a sacred place with immense cosmic energy as well as a place where their respective gods or leader reside.

The Hindus worship the lake as a creation of Lord Brahma and a water body closest to residence of lord Shiva. They believe taking a dip in this lake washes away your sins and guides your way to liberation. However, in recent times, taking a dip in the lake is completely prohibited.

Likewise, the Buddhists associate it with Bodhisattva and see it as a source of spiritual purity and enlightenment. The legends tell that lord Buddha’s mother, the Queen Maya visited the lake before giving birth to Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Buddha.

Similarly, Jains associate the lake with their own spiritual master and consider it holy in association with Mount Kailash. And so do the followers of Bon religion in Tibet. These spiritual followers connect this lake with spiritual forces and consider it holy.

Spiritual Essence of Mansarovar Lake

The spiritual essence of Mansarovar lake is incomparable as people who have been a part of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra have often told about the intense energy they experienced. It’s connection with Mount Kailash amplifies the spiritual essence of the lake. Since the science and religious practitioners call Mount Kailash a cosmic center, the center of universe around which cosmic energies revolve, the lake beholds a great spiritual significance being in its periphery.

Since, pilgrims who visit the lake often opt for a circumambulation trek (the Kora) around Mount Kailash, these two religious center are inseparable connected. Besides, the lake and the peal symbolize the union of physical and spiritual realms in several mythical stories, people visit the both seeking spiritual purification and peace in life.

Why is it considered the Sacred Lake?

Due to its association with religious beliefs, the Hindus specifically consider Mansarovar a sacred lake. The name itself means a creation of mind as “Manas” means mind and “Sarovar” means lake in Sanskrit.  They believe the lord Brahma created the lake and it symbolizes purity. Besides its presence next to Mount Kailash adds on the value to be associated with divine entities.

The Mystery Behind Mansarovar Lake

The Mansarovar Lake mystery is equally interesting as the Mount Kailash. Several pilgrims have experienced many weird phenomenon that’s beyond human mind and imagination. Some of the mysteries that have been in the records are:

• Water level of the lake remains constant despite rainfall or melting of snow.’
• It attracts birds and insects whereas the neighboring lake has none.
• The water of this lake is sweeter.
• It never freezes, not even in the coldest winters. The neighboring “Rakshastal” freezes and is covered with snow in winters.

• Sudden ripples appear in the water even on a calm day without any wind.
• Pilgrims have witnessed mysterious lights over the lake.

The Mansarovar Lake Yatra

The Mansarovar lake yatra is holy pilgrimage that transforms you inside out. Despite the cold, people take a dip in the lake as a holy ritual signifying purification of the body. After the dip, people also trek a full circle around Mount Kailash, which is also called performing Kailash Kora.

This trek is supposed to liberate people from the cycle of life and death. Many people have shared the experience of profound satisfaction in life after this journey.

Things to Know Before Visiting Mansarovar

There is no doubt in the argument that Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most fruitful journey of a devotee’s life. But we also have to agree that this trek/tour is a daring task as the climatic conditions, elevation, and the difficulties of the trail are not always favorable. There are number of factors you need to consider before planning to visit Mansarovar:

• Physical fitness is a major concern for performing Kailash Kora or visiting the Mansarovar lake. You need to have a moderate level of fitness to be able to trek through the treacherous trail.
• Acclimatization hikes before the journey helps prevent altitude sickness.
• Get all necessary permits and visas for the countries that you will be passing through. You will need a Tibet Travel permit, a restricted area permit and Nepal’s or India’s visas depending on your route.
• Carry all necessary trekking gears and layer your clothing to resist the colder temperatures of the higher altitudes.
• Learn to respect the local customs and tradition as the visit to Kailash Mansarovar is a pilgrimage not just a regular trek.

A Soulful Journey of High Altitude Water Bodies

It is pretty evident from all the facts we discussed above that Mansarovar lake isn’t just a pristine water body. But a evergreen symbol of spirituality, purity, and unexplainable mysteries. Whether you are a follower of god or an atheist, a visit to the serene atmosphere of Kailash Mansarovar is a transforming journey.

The towering peaks of pyramid like Mount Kailash, the chilling atmosphere, and soulful ambiance is bound to rejuvenate a person from the core. Visiting Mansarovar lake isn’t just ticking off the exploration of a geographical landmark but a spiritual journey that stays a lifetime.

Take you chance to transcend into the pool of mysteries and miracles!