Adi Kailash Yatra : A Spiritual Journey to the Abode of Lord Shiva

In the lap of the mighty Himalayas lies a sacred site known as the Adi Kailash. The Adi Kailash is known for its high spirituality and magnificent majestic peaks. It's one of the five holy mountains, known as Panch Kailash. Among them, Adi Kailash is the second sacred mountain called Chota Kailash or Little Kailash. It is also known as Shiva Kailash and Baba Kailash as it is the abode of lord shiva. Often called Jolingkong Peak, the yatra for the Adi Kailash starts from this particular place, named Jokingkong. One of the significant spots of Adi Kailash is Om Parvat. Situated near Adi Kailash, Om Parvat mountain is adorned with naturally occurring snow patterns that form the sacred 'Om' symbol.

It's believed, the deities reside in the land of Uttarakhand, hence Uttarakhand is commonly known as the Devo ki bhoomi or The Land of God. Among them, Lord Shiva is considered to be residing in the Adi Kailash Parvat which is located in the Pithoragarh region of Uttarakhand, India. The Kailash is specifically located near the Indo-Tibetan border due to which a permit is issued to visit the majestic Adi Kailash. 

The permits are issued from a place called Dharchula. From Dharchula, one has to reach Gunji village via places like Tawaghat, Bundi, and Chelak. When you proceed with your journey you will find the big mountains, landscapes, and numerous green valleys. With every step, you will witness the beauty of nature and the way to heaven. It's like you're truly traveling to the home of Shiva. 

The area around Dharchula boasts stunning landscapes, with the Kali River adding to its scenic charm. The "Kali River," also known as "Kali Nadi," is a beautiful spot you'll encounter on your journey. Here, the river flows gracefully, providing a tranquil setting that captivates travelers with its natural beauty and significance. The gentle flow of the rivers and their confluence create a surreal and captivating scene, making the experience truly unforgettable and well worth watching. 

The mountains wear snowy shields, the valleys are wrapped in green blankets, and the landscapes seem designed to captivate the mind and soul. It's no wonder Pithoragarh is often called "Mini Kashmir" or "Little Kashmir." While moving up, you see a huge snow-covered hill sometimes on the left and sometimes on the right. The hill is called Namjungdung and is the presiding deity of the people who live here, whom they consider to be a part of lord Shiva. In the local language, "Dung" means mountain. 

Once you reach your destination, you will get to know about the local's unique culture and the beautiful tales about the particular area. One of them is Kuti Village, located 19 km before Adi Kailash Yatra. Also known as Kunti's Village as it is named after Kunti, the mother of Pandavas from Mahabharata. Just in front of Kuti village, you can see a ruined fort on a small mountain, this is known as Pandav Fort or Pandav Kila. It is believed that Pandavas stayed here for some time with their mother Kunti. The remains of the Kila are still there, one can still see it with the naked eye and witness all the tales and presence of the epic Mahabharata.

The sacred mountain Adi Kailash, is situated at an altitude of 5,945 m (19,505 ft) and the Yatra begins from Jolingkong, covering a distance by drive. From this point, you will witness the divine presence of the Lord Shiva. The Adi Kailash Parvat features three lines resembling Lord Shiva's tilak, symbolizing Mahadev's presence and blessings for all his followers.

What Hindu Mythology says about Adi Kailash ??

As much as Adi Kailash is known for its highly spiritual presence, it is also known for its story tales of Hindu mythology. It is believed, that when Shiva and Parvati were on their way from Kailash Mansarovar to Triyuginarayan for their marriage, they took a halt in the Adi Kailash. The sacred mountain is believed to symbolize their union.

It is also believed that Ravana, known for his deep admiration of Lord Shiva, journeyed from the south to worship God Shiva at Adi Kailash.

Near Adi Kailash Trek lies the serene Parvati Tal and Gauri Kund. Pavati Tal is also known as Parvati Kund. The pristine glacial lake is surrounded by majestic peaks. It is well-known for providing magnificent views of the surroundings. Whereas Gauri Kund holds a special place in Hindu mythology, as it is believed to be the bathing site of Goddess Parvati. The pristine waters of the lake are thought to have purifying qualities, with a dip in the lake considered to cleanse the soul of impurities. 

Additionally, visitors also explore the nearby Bheem ki Kheti or Bheem’s Field. The area is named after the mighty Pandava, Bheem. According to Hindu mythology, Bheem Ki Kheti is linked to the epic Mahabharata. It is believed that during their exile, the Pandavas, particularly Bheem, spent time in this region. Known for his immense strength and valor, Bheem is said to have tilled this land, leaving a lasting mark on the area. This site adds to the cultural richness of the region and offers visitors a glimpse into the mythological heritage of the area.

Near Adi Kailash, Om Parvat is a mountain where snow naturally forms the sacred 'Om' symbol. It is seen as a divine sign which enhances the spiritual significance of the area. To witness the Om Parvat yatra, the journey starts from Gunji/Nabi to Navidhang. This unique and divine phenomenon draws numerous pilgrims and trekkers, who marvel at the spiritual significance and natural beauty of the sight.

The Adi Kailash Yatra is a highly sacred journey and holds immense value for all the devotees and people visiting from all over the world to witness the touch of spirituality. The pilgrimage not only offers a touch of divine presence but also presents an opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas, making it a cherished and unforgettable experience for all who embark on it.