MOUNT KAILASH

The Kailash (6 714 m), also known as Gang Tise or Gang Rinpoche, the jewel of snow, is the sacred mountain par excellence. Revered by the Hindus for whom she is the throne of Shiva, she is also by Tibetan Buddhists who see her as the palace of Cakrasamvara. For böns, she is the spiritual center of the Shang-Shung where Shenrab Miwo went down on earth and, for the jains, the place where Mahavira knew Liberation.

His form suggests the lingam of Shiva. It is a natural mandala and is associated with Mount Meru, the cosmogonic centre of the universe. Many hermits and sages have reflected on his caves and it is reported that Milarepa has defeated the Bönpo Naro Naro. He then reflecting eleven years on the face east of the mountain where one of his caves still worships.

The rise of its summit, kept blank, is formally forbidden. The pilgrims pay homage to him by turning the left (kora), by the left for Buddhists and in the opposite direction for böns.

The year of the horse (this year) is considered particularly favourable for this pilgrimage, the most important thing that can be accomplished in his life by a Tibetan or Hindu. Four large rivers and tributaries take their source at the Kailash, as an escape from the mouth of the animals: the Indus of the mouth of the lion, the; du horse, the peacock's Karnali and the Sutlej of the elephant.