KAILASH MANASAROVAR YATRA – 2014

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) is known for its religious value, cultural significance, physical beauty and thrilling nature. It is undertaken by hundreds of people every year. Holding significance for the Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, it holds religious importance also for the Jains and the Buddhists.

The Yatra is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs every year between June and September. It is open to eligible Indian citizens, holding valid Indian passports, who wish to proceed to Kailash-Mansarovar for religious purposes.

Last dates: - 4 March 2014 to file an online application.10 March 2014 to submit printout of an online or printable application.

Batches: - This year, 18 batches, each with a maximum of 60 yatris, will be sent for the Yatra between 09 June and 09 September. Batches are allocated through a fair computerized process and are normally not changed.

Duration: - Duration of the Yatra proper will be 22 days. In addition, yatris need to spend 2-3 days in Delhi for Chinese visa, medical tests, etc. Government of Delhi will provide free meals and accommodation for the stay in Delhi.

Important and Fundamental Aspects of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

-The Kailash Yatra is done in the Tibetan region of Himalayas, Chinese territory and foreign nationals including Indians should possess a valid passport and visa for an extra six months beyond the Yatra end.

-Pilgrims health and medical condition has to be certified by registered prominent or reputed doctors. Yatris are briefed on the nature of terrain and frequent weather changes that require a fit and healthy regime of exercises to maintain the bodily functions and health.

-Clothing in the Himalayan region is crucial for survival and healthy conducting of the rituals. Yatris are asked to pack warm clothing to protect against severe weather changes like excessively cold winds that can be dangerous, as well as different clothing for warmer days.

-Packaged food items as well as snacks for extra strength in days of excessive bodily demands. Packaged energy foods and drinks to sustain good health are crucial and vital.

-Accommodation facilities on the Yatra are relayed to the pilgrims and necessary effects for the wellbeing of the pilgrims are communicated to keep handy. Insurance policy, passport size photos, torches, plastic bags, water bottles, antibiotics, lip balms, bandages and as mall first aid box.

-Pilgrims incur personal costs on choice of horse rides which are not part of the main fee for the Yatra. This information is relayed in advance to know the cost and amount it takes.
As pilgrims the mood and nature of conduct is important to keep harmony and peace in camp.

Kailash-Mansarovar Parikrama

Kailash-Mansarovar has existed since time immemorial and rituals and rites have been performed for generations in reverence of Lord Shiva. The rituals form part of the daily life of adherents. It’s believed they help connect to the supreme or divine nature. In temples the Shivling represent Lord Shiva and seen as the symbol of energy and potentiality of God. Many faiths and beliefs have had a history of rites, rituals and other forms of observances to help connect or induce reverence for the Lords, gods and goddesses. Mount Kailash is also significantly revered by other religions the Jains, Budhists and Bonpos.

Parikrama therefore is a spiritual act of devotion and reverence. It’s also called Pradakshina observed with circumlocution of the deity or symbol. Lord Shiva is devotedly worshiped in many Hindu homes everyday as the Lord of dissolution or death.  
The circumlocution of Kailash-Mansarovar is believed to bring cleansing of sins of a lifetime to Yatris (pilgrims).

Parikrama it’s believed creates an invisible link between the believer and the deity. The mantras or chants made in the circumlocution are the source or path to release of these powers from the deity to person as they are done meditatively and slowly. These rituals and rites are also done for the removal of past actions that ensures well-being, prosperity and peace.