Devotee:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, my child.
Devotee:
Gurudev, a few days ago, you spoke to us about Gyan Gunj. Today, we would love to hear from you about another mysterious place—one whose beauty is beyond human description, as mentioned by various gods and goddesses. That place is Manasarovar. If you could tell us more about it...
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You see, the entire universe was planned by Brahma. According to our Puranas—and I won't get into the science of it—when Lord Brahma created the universe, he envisioned a place where only the gods could bathe, and no one else would have that right. We know of three realms: Swarga (Heaven), Martya (Earth), and Patal (the Underworld). Swarga refers to places like Kailash and Manasarovar because of their breathtaking beauty.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the past, very few people went there, but now, with developed roads and the availability of funds, many more people visit. You can reach Manasarovar via Siliguri and Nathu La. While the mountain roads are winding, they are well-maintained, much like our modern highways. The Chinese government, in cooperation with India, has built several large hotels where travelers can stay. It takes about four or five stops to reach Manasarovar, and the facilities are unexpectedly modern, with great furniture and food. If you go through Tibet via Nathu La, it doesn't take too long.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Lord Brahma's plan for the three realms was specific: Swarga was established at Kailash-Manasarovar, Martya is our world, and Patal lies deep beneath the earth. This is how he divided the universe. Swarga is the dwelling of the gods, Martya is for humans, and Patal also has its residents.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
From Manasarovar, you can see Mount Kailash clearly. In the early morning hours, divine lights (Jyoti) can be seen. Sometimes there are two, sometimes three. People believe these lights are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati going to bathe at 4:00 AM. In fact, many temples across India perform ritual baths at 4:00 AM. Pilgrims at Manasarovar don't submerge themselves directly; they use a vessel to take water from the lake for their bath.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The winds there are incredibly strong. Nearby is Rakshas Tal, and what we call Yam Dwar (the Gate of Yama). It is customary to offer prayers to Yamraj at the gate before proceeding to Kailash.
Devotee:
Is Rakshas Tal what is referred to as Yam Dwar?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, we call it Yam Dwar. One must pray to Yamraj there before entering the realm of the Mahadev (Shiva). It is said that bathing in Manasarovar removes the Rajas and Tamas qualities of a person, leaving only the Satwa (purity). This was all part of Brahma's divine plan. Both Hindus and Buddhists hold Kailash and Manasarovar in high regard. Beyond Manasarovar, you have to trek on foot. Cars only go so far. Many people stay in tents, but the winds are so fierce they are hard to imagine.
Devotee:
Gurudev, I've heard that according to Buddhists, Gautama Buddha's mother conceived him at Manasarovar. Is that true?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is correct. Although he was born in Lumbini, his conception is believed to have taken place there. This gives the site immense significance for Buddhists as well, and there are many Buddhist relics and monasteries in the area.
Devotee:
What about the Lama monks?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They used to have a strong presence there. Nowadays, to visit, one needs a passport and permission from the Indian government. There's also a mandatory health check because of the high altitude and low oxygen levels. After the prayers at Yam Dwar, people travel the remaining 40 kilometers to Kailash either on foot or by horse. Even though it looks close, it is a long trek. Some people even do it barefoot. You have to carry dry food because there are no facilities for cooking. The main challenge is the lack of oxygen; many people carry oxygen cylinders. There are also sudden, intense snowstorms that look like thick smoke. They can be quite deadly for ordinary travelers.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Despite the distance, Mount Kailash looks very clear from Manasarovar. The daylight hours are unusual too—the sun rises as early as 2:30 AM, and it gets dark again quite early.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The area is now more accessible to those who can afford it. There are even helicopter services being organized by the government. When flying from Kathmandu, pilots often announce when they are passing Mount Kailash. However, planes cannot fly directly over it due to a powerful magnetic field; they must fly alongside it.
Devotee:
So, Brahma created this lake specifically for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to bathe?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, that was the intention. But there is a story that Mahadev once told Parvati that as humans began to frequent the area and pollute it, they would move elsewhere. It is said they moved to Chandrachur Hill in Sylhet, Bangladesh. That area is still largely untouched by humans. Kailash, unfortunately, is becoming increasingly polluted with plastic and waste left behind by pilgrims, which has displeased Mahadev.
Devotee:
You mentioned the divine lights earlier. Could you explain that further?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
They appear at dawn. If three lights appear, they are said to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. If two appear, they represent Shiva and Parvati. Regardless of the interpretation, there is definitely something supernatural about that place.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The water of Manasarovar is extraordinary. It is pure, crystal clear, and you can see the stones at the bottom. Bathing in it is said to be a transformative experience. People from all over the world visit. While it is expensive and physically demanding, it remains one of the most sacred pilgrimages.
Devotee:
One last thing, Gurudev—is it also a Shakti Peetha?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. It is said that Sati's right hand fell there. Because of this, the goddess is worshipped there as Dakshayani. The hand is said to have turned into stone, which is what is worshipped. There is also a legend about a pair of royal swans (Raj Hansa) that live in the lake. It is believed they are actually Shiva and Parvati in disguise. Only those with a pure heart are able to see them.
Devotee:
Thank you, Gurudev. Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, my child.