Kailash Manasarovar Yatra with Barahakshetra, Janakpur,
Valmiki Ashram, Lumbini & Muktinath via Kerung
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a highly revered pilgrimage that holds immense significance for adherents of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religions. It is believed that even a mere glimpse of Mount Kailash can absolve all sins committed in a lifetime, while a ritualistic bathing in the sacred Manasarovar Lake purifies the mind and body.
For Hindus, the Mount Kailash is the epitome of pilgrimage, known as Parabrahma Kshetra, and revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, where he resides with his family and Shivaganas. The majestic mountain is venerated as Mount Sumeru or Meru, the center of the universe. Buddhists also hold the Mount Kailash in deep reverence, worshipping it as Kang Rinpoche, the abode of Chakrasambhara, the god of eternal bliss. The Kailash-Manasarovar area is home to eight significant Buddhist monasteries, including Chhu Monastery, situated on the western shores of Lake Manasarovar, which is believed to have been sanctified by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).
Jain followers hold the Mount Kailash in a special esteem, as it is believed that their first Tirthankara Rishavdev attained Kaivalya (Nirvana) in the Astapada mountain area, located near the Mount Kailash.
Similarly, the Bon practitioners, an indigenous faith of Tibet, regard the Mount Kailash as the place where their ancestors descended from heaven and settled in the Khyunglung area called the Garuda Valley. Apart from its religious significance, the Mount Kailash also attracts adventure enthusiasts seeking serene tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty.
The Kailash-Manasarovar Mandala is also home to several other sacred sites, such as Rakshasa Tal (also known as Skanda Sagar), Mount Gurlamandhata, Tirthapuri (also known as Adi Badrinath), Asthapada, Yamadwara, Saptarshi Cave, Gauri Kunda, Dolma La, Charansparsa Sthal, Nandi, Atmalingam, Dirraphuk, and Zutholphuk, each holding religious and spiritual significance.
Furthermore, the Kailash-Manasarovar Mandala is considered the origin place of four holy rivers of the Indian subcontinent - Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus, and Karnali.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra with Barahakshetra, Janakpuri, Valmiki Ashram, Lumbini and Muktinath. Barahakshetra is one of the sacred sites for Hindu adherents and it is considered as one of the not-to-miss pilgrimage sites. It holds a special religious and spiritual significance. It is mentioned in Baraha Purana, Brahma Purana and Skanda Purana. The tour also includes Janakpur, Valmiki Ashram, Lumbini and Muktinath. Janakpur is the Birthplace of Sita Mata. The Mithila kingdom was ruled by virtuous king Janak. Newly wedded couple visit Janaki temple to seek blessing for their happy conjugal life. Valmiki Ashram is the place where the sage Valmiki wrote Ramayan. Mata Sita also spent her later part of her life. Lumbini is the Birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is the holiest pilgrimage site for Buddhist followers. Muktinath is the revered as the place of Moksha (salvation). It is believed that one gets liberated from the cycle of birth and death after visiting Muktinath. Nonetheless, this Yatra offers opportunity to transform oneself spiritually.
Barahakshetra:
Baraha Kshetra is located 10 km northwest of Biratnagar, the kingdom of King Virat, in the Sunsari District of Koshi Province of Eastern Nepal. It is revered as one of the sacred religious sites for Hindu adherents. It holds a special religious and cultural significance. Its popularity, serenity, and natural beauty attract several pilgrims from different parts of the world every year. It is easily accessible as it is well connected by air and surface making it easy to reach the visitors seeking spiritual solace and cultural experience.
Historical and Spiritual Significance:
According to Hindu mythology, Baraha Kshetra has been mentioned in Brahma Purana, Baraha Purana, and Skanda Purana and even mentioned and glorified in the Mahabharata, one of the greatest Hindu epics. As per the legend related to Baraha Kshetra says that during the time of a great deluge, Lord Vishnu, by taking the incarnation of Baraha (Boar) protected the earth (Bhudevi) from being submerged into Patala (underworld) with his elongated tusk and restored the proper cosmic order. This symbolizes the victory of virtue over vice.
Spiritual Attractions:
Baraha Temple:
One of the major spiritual attractions of the Baraha Kshetra is the Baraha Temple dedicated to Lord Baraha, one of the reincarnations of Lord Vishnu. The temple’s architecture showcases Nepalese art and craftsmanship. The façade is decorated with intricate wooden crafts and beautiful paintings.
Koshi River:
The holy river Koshi flows near the Baraha Kshetra, elevating the spiritual significance of the place. Visiting pilgrims perform various ritual acts including ritualist baths, prayers for blessing, and purification at the river’s bank.
Ghadiarwa Pond:
It is believed that the Ghadiarwa Pond is one of the sacred lakes and it possesses mystical power for ritual activities and ceremonies. A ritualistic dip into the Ghadiarwa Pond is said to gain enough spiritual merits to purify sins.
Janakpur: Sita-Ram Nagar
Located in Nepal’s Southern Tarai region, Janakpur is very an important sacred site in Hindu mythology. It is the Birthplace of Sita Mata, the beloved wife of Lord Rama. Pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual merits in their lives, visit this bustling city, dotted with temples dedicated to deities like Sita and Rama.
Major attractions in Janakpur:
Janaki Temple:
Also known as Janakpurdham, this magnificent temple dedicates itself to Goddess Sita and showcases beautiful architecture and intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Rama Temple:
This temple dedicated to Lord Rama is another important pilgrimage site where devotees offer prayers and participate in religious rituals. It is believed that the Rama Temple is the exact place where Lord Rama, in his universal form, bestowed blessing to King Janak.
Ram-Sita Vivaha Mandap:
Believed to be the wedding venue of Lord Ram and Sita. This sacred site is one of the popular tourist attractions as it symbolizes love and devotion.
Dhanus Sagar and Ganga Sagar
Dhanus Sagar and Gangar are sacred ponds associated with Janakpur. It is believed that Shiva Dhanus also known as Pinaka, broke into three pieces when Lord Rama lifted it during the time of Sita’s Swayam-vara, and one of the parts fell into the Dhanus Sagar. Water from various holy sources was collected and brought in to fill the Ganga Sagar and to elevate its sacredness.
Dhanusha Dham:
Dhanusha Dham is located at a mere distance of 25 km from the main Janakpur. This place is worshipped as the exact place where one of the broken parts of the Shiva Dhanush (Pinaka) had landed. Thus, this site is revered as one of the sacred sites for Hindu adherents.
Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha
Buddhists around the world consider Lumbini located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal to be the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who was later known as Lord Buddha after his enlightenment. A UNESCO World Heritage Sanctuary of Peace and Tranquility invites visitors to explore its sacred gardens and majestic monasteries.
Major attractions in Lumbini:
Mayadevi Temple:
This temple was built at the place where Queen Mayadevi is said to have given birth to Prince Siddhartha. The nativity stone marker has been placed to mark the exact birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is worthwhile visiting the temple to learn more about facts related to Lord Buddha and Buddhism.
Ashoka Pillar:
Erected by Emperor Ashoka the Great, the third Mauryan Emperor of Magadha of India in the 3rd century B.C. to commemorate his visit to Lumbini.
Lumbini Monastic Zone:
With the construction of monasteries and meditation centers by various Buddhist communities around the world, visitors can get a glimpse of the traditions and practices of Buddhism.
World Peace Stupa:
World Peace Stupa is the symbol of peace and it is a testimony that Buddhism advocates for peace and harmony in the world.
Muktinath: Temple of Salvation
Muktinath is one of the very important pilgrimage sites for the Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu and Buddhist adherents revere this sacred site as the place of Moksha (Salvation). Located in the Mustang District of Nepal at an elevation of 3800m.
Major attractions in Muktinath:
Muktinath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is one of the 108 divine orders and sacred temples mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Belief holds that seeing Muktinath frees one from sin and liberates one from the cycle of rebirth and death.
Jwala Mai Temple:
Within the Muktinath Complex, this temple has a perpetual eternal flame, symbolizing the eternal presence of Lord Brahman.
Janakpur, Lumbini, and Muktinath stand as timeless testimonies to Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. These sacred sites offer pilgrims a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, blessing seeking, and enlightenment.
Conclusion:
Janakpur, Lumbini, and Muktinath stand as timeless testimonies to Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
- The holy Kaushiki River, Baraha Chhetra and Chatara Dham
- Visit Janakpur Dham, birthplace of Sita Mata, Valmiki Ashram and Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha
- Pilgrimage to birthplaces of Sita Mata at Janakpur Dham, Lov-Kush at Valmiki Ashram, and Gautam Buddha at Lumbini
- Darshan of Muktinath, the temple of salvation
- Perform Tarpan at Kagbeni, the confluence of holy Kaligandaki River and Krishna Gandaki
- Explore major attractions of the Pokhara
- Pashupatinath, Doleshwor Mahadev and Jalnarayan Darshan
- Havan at Pashupatinath
- Full Parikrama of Kailash
- Lingashworupa Darshan of Kailash from Driraphuk
- Darshan of Nandi, Ashtapada, Gurlamandhata, Hanuman Sagar, Atmalinga, Gaurikunda, Manasarovar and Rakshas Tal
- Visit Tirthapuri (Adi Badrinath) and Yamadwara
- Pure vegetarian meals during the entire Yatra
- 5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu on full board basis
