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.

Journey of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra held every year in summer month May and June when out of many applications registered and few lucky members are selected for going to the subh Yatra. The Yatra takes place in many batches and one has to first clear hard medical test to ensure people physical condition and good health and body in good shape to be able to hike on a height of 20,000 feet above sea level.
About Kailash Mountain:
Kailash Mountain is a holy crest nestled in the Gangdise Mountains of Himalayas in Tibet. Also, known as the column of the world it is situated along the basis of many longest rivers in Asia like Satluj river, Indus river, Karnali river Brahmaputra river, etc. On Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, traveler can also visit other many beautiful attractions nearby Mansarovar like Gauri Kund, a lake located in little distance from Kailash Mountain, which is alleged to be of space origin and a dip in it is careful very moral.

Mythology and Values:
Basic Requirement of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
There are some essential requirements when you make a plan for the blessed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
1) First of all the devotees need to present at the reception of Ministry of External Affairs, when application is cleared.
2) Validate Passport with at least 6 months beyond the date of return is required.
3) A cleared medical certificate for trekking.
4) Kailash Mansarovar Yatra charges depend on your travel agency and all the other charge also included like Chinese visa fee.

Importance of Famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Spiritual Pilgrimage
Pilgrimages are spiritual journeys to abodes of gods or search of enlightenment and truth. Hindus believe that Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, and revered and worshiped daily in many homes as the destroyer of ignorance and illusion. Lord Shiva is depicted in many avatars and names like Kailashnath and Kailashadhipathi, and holds the imagination in the eternal state of meditation in many Indian spiritual books and texts.

Spiritual Importance
It's central to religions around Asia majority Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bonpo. It plays a crucial role and significance in entreating people to come closer to god for spiritual Darshan, belief in attaining purification or sanctification as well as salvation and redemption.

Altitude
Due to the high altitudes and the low temperatures of the Himalayan range and many other factors yatries are advised and cautioned to stay in the best physical shape before undertaking the Kailash Yatra.

Kailash Yatra Requirements
-Yatries submit latest medical checkup from reputed hospital or doctor on medical fitness.
-Submit valid passport with more than six months validity beyond possible return date and two passport size  photos for visa processing.
-Report to the ministry of external affairs, New Delhi on clearance of application.
-Warm clothing and Light clothing for the varied weather changes characteristic to the regions.
-Personal first aid kit for emergency and meditative value incase of injury and other medical needs.
-Insurance against possible health complications.
-Personal use antiseptic creams, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory.
-Accessories for further safeguard against weather vagaries like gloves, sunhats and goggles, flashlights, raingear and any item for wellbeing.