Mansarovar
Manasarovar
is what remains of the Lake Tethys, considered the source of all creation. As
the legend goes, Brahma created this lake for his meditation and worship. Literally
speaking it is manas + sarovar. Manas refers to the mind of the supreme God
Brahma, the lake being its outward manifestation. The sacred Manas is at a height
of 4560 m with a circumference of 110 km, which can be trekked in about three
days. It has a depth of 300 ft and covers an area of 350 sq. kms. It is amongst
the highest bodies of fresh water in the world. Through most of the year the
lake remains frozen but around May when the waters thaw (melt), the pilgrims
start their yatra. Manas is referred to by the Tibetans as Mapham - Yum - Tso
which means 'victorious'. According to a legend, Queen Maya was bathed by the
Gods in its waters before giving birth to Buddha. Kalidasa says 'The water of
Manasarovar are like pearls, to drink them erases the sins of a hundred lifetimes'
Innumerable shooting stars descend into the waters as one sits and watches the
celestial show at dusk. The water is fresh and clear, often like a gem of cobalt
blue. The high elevation lends it an unmatched radiance. The water is considered
to have healing powers. Manas pilgrims often gather white - ringed pebbles from
the lake's shore as the mementos of their visit.
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