Manasarovara Lake: A Sacred Jewel of the Himalayas

Nestled in the remote reaches of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lake Manasarovara lies in divine serenity at the southern foot of the majestic Mount Kailash. Located nearly 940 kilometers from Lhasa, this freshwater lake holds deep spiritual, ecological, and cultural significance, making it a revered destination not just for pilgrims but also for seekers of nature’s grandeur.

Geographic Overview

Manasarovara Lake is positioned at 30°40′23″N, 81°29′16″E, soaring at an altitude of approximately 4,590 meters (15,060 feet). Its high elevation makes it one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, standing out amid the typically saline lakes of the Tibetan Plateau.

• Shape and Size: The lake is round, with a surface area of 410 sq. km, a circumference of about 88 km, and a depth reaching 90 meters.
• Color and Composition: Known for its blue and emerald green waters, the lake offers a mesmerizing spectacle.
• Hydrological Connection: Manasarovara is naturally linked to the nearby Lake Rakshastal via the Ganga Chhu channel. While Manasarovara is freshwater, Rakshastal is saline symbolizing the duality of purity and darkness.
• River Origins: This sacred lake lies close to the origins of several major rivers—Sutlej, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Ghaghara, all of which nourish the Indian subcontinent.

Religious Significance Across Faiths

Manasarovara Lake radiates spiritual magnetism across Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion, earning the moniker “The Unconquerable Lake” in Tibetan lore.

Hinduism

• Creation Myth: Hindus believe Manasarovar was first conceived in the mind (manas) of Lord Brahma, and then manifested physically as a sacred site for his twelve sons to perform penance.
• Purity and Salvation: Bathing in the lake and drinking its waters are said to absolve one of a hundred lifetimes’ sins, aiding the soul’s journey toward moksha (liberation).
• Pilgrimage Circuit: As part of the Kailash Parikrama, pilgrims perform a 52-km circumambulation around Mount Kailash and the lake, often stopping for ritualistic bathing.

Buddhism

• Mythical Lake Anotatta: Manasarovar is equated with Anavatapta, a legendary lake from which no evil arises.
• Buddha's Connection: It is said Buddha’s mother was purified in its waters before his conception. The lake also served as a meditative retreat for Buddha, and features prominently in Tibetan Buddhist literature.
• Modern Tribute: The spiritual beauty of the lake is celebrated in teachings such as The Jewel of Tibet, notably promoted by Robert Thurman.

Jainism

• The lake holds importance as it is associated with Rishabha, the first Tirthankara in Jainism marking a sacred start to spiritual exploration in Jain traditions.

Bon Religion

• Bon followers believe Tonpa Shenrab, founder of their faith, washed himself in Lake Manasarovar during his first journey to Tibet, sanctifying the water with his presence.

Historical Restrictions and Reopening

The lake’s spiritual draw was halted post 1951 after the Battle of Chamdo, with foreign pilgrims barred from entering until the early 1980s. Since then, it has slowly regained its place as a premier site for Indian pilgrimage, supported by cultural and governmental efforts.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra: A Test of Faith and Endurance

Each year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India organizes the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, a demanding yet spiritually enriching journey to this remote Himalayan Treasure.

Entry Requirements

To join this expedition:

• Must be an Indian citizen with a valid passport
• Aged between 18 and 70 years
• Must pass a rigorous medical examination due to the extreme altitude and terrain
• Applicants with serious health conditions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma) are deemed unfit for travel

Preparation Tips

Fitness and mental resilience are essential:

• Engage in cardio training and high-altitude conditioning
• Practice with weights, resistance bands, and long treks with loaded backpacks
• Develop coping mechanisms for low oxygen levels and harsh weather extremes

Yatra Routes

There are two government-approved routes:

• Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand): Traditional route involving trekking and camping
• Nathu La Pass (Sikkim): A more accessible route with motorable roads, ideal for senior yatris

Conclusion

Manasarovar Lake isn’t merely a body of water it’s a canvas painted with faith, mythology, and Nature Wonders. Its magnetic spirituality beckons pilgrims and wanderers alike to witness its tranquil depths and ascend to a higher plane of understanding.

Whether you're driven by devotion, curiosity, or the quest for solitude, Manasarovar promises a timeless experience that transcends the physical journey and lingers in the soul.