Adi Kailash, the second most important peak amongst the “Panch Kailash” travel circuit, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. Adi Kailash is considered the replica of the mighty Mount Kailash, the earthly abode of Lord Shiva. Therefore, it is called “Chhota Kailash” (Little Kailash). People who couldn’t embark on the Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra opt for the Adi Kailash Yatra. The Chhota Kailash is associated with many historical and mythological stories. Its mythological and historical significance adds to its spiritual importance for devotees from all over the world.
In this blog, we will learn about the historical and mythological significance of the Adi Kailash Yatra and why everyone must visit here once in a lifetime.
Adi Kailash is located in the Kumaon region of the Pithoragarh District in Uttarakhand state near the Indo-Tibetan border. Dharchula, one of the picturesque villages in Uttarakhand, is the Adi Kailash Yatra base camp. The mountain is located at an altitude of 5495 metres (19,505 feet) above sea level.
According to mythology, Adi Kailash is where Lord Shiva lives to respond to the needs of his worshippers. He fulfils devotees’ wishes from here. This is the reason why people embark on this mystical journey. It is the holy place where devotees feel the cosmic presence of lord Shiva and commune to ask for his favour.
Adi Kailash is associated with many mythological stories from the Hindu scriptures. According to the Puranas, this is where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati stopped on their way to Triyuginarayan for their marriage.
Here are the historical and mythological significances of Adi Kailash:
Adi Kailash is the earthly abode of Lord Shiva, a major deity of Hinduism, revered as the destroyer and transformer. He dwells in Adi Kailash to grant devotees’ wishes. Also, according to the mythological texts, Lord Shiva had meditated in the region for thousands of years. This place shows an unbreakable bond between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in their divine form.
According to mythology, it is the same place where Lord Shiva tested the devotion of Mata Parvati. She was deeply in love with Lord Shiva and wanted to marry him. But Lord Shiva was not interested as he was focused on his spiritual pursuits. He then decided to test Mata Parvati’s devotion and gave her difficult tasks to complete, which she completed. Lord Shiva was impressed with her devotion and decided to marry her. It is said that this is the first place where they both met, hence, many people refer to it as Lord Shiva’s in-laws' home.
Adi Kailash is the sacred mountain, where once Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance called “Tandava”. He did this to reveal his divine form to Sage Astavakra.
With many of the mythological stories of Adi Kailash, one is associated with Lanka Pati Ravana. Ravan, the king of Lanka and a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva, had meditated here to impress Lord Shiva. Impressed with his unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva blessed him with immense strength, extraordinary power. However, this strength becomes the reason for his arrogance, and he even forgets who bestowed him the blessing. Despite the fact that he is a devotee of Lord Shiva, his own arrogance becomes the reason for his destruction. During the trek to Adi Kailash, you will be told a story of Ravana as a cautionary tale for understanding the value of honesty, modesty, and handling power.
Apart from many Hindu scriptures, the prominence of Adi Kailash is also mentioned in the legendary epic of the Mahabharata. The Pandav brothers, Yudhister, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahdev, along with their wife Draupadi, went on a holy pilgrimage to seek blessings from Lord Shiva before the battle of Kurukshetra. During this lengthy excursion, they stopped at many places, among which one was Adi Kailash. It is said that this journey cleansed their souls. It is also believed that the journey to Adi Kailash played a crucial role in their victory.
Mount Kailash is known as the abode of Lord Shiva, and Adi Kailash is famous for its likeness to Mount Kailash. It is located in Tibet, due to which the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra requires special permits and huge means. Adi Kailash is a worthy alternative pilgrimage for the devoted followers of Lord Shiva. People who cannot undertake the physically challenging Mount Kailash yatra embark on Adi Kailash Yatra because it is known as Chhota Kailash. Adi Kailash has so many similarities with Mount Kailash, like in appearance and having a Sarovar—Parvati Sarovar, which is fondly known as Chhota Mansarovar. Followers believe that making to Adi Kailash is just as important as the holy journey to Mount Kailash, which is of utmost importance from a religious perspective.
So, according to various mythical stories, Adi Kailash represents the two important things—Lord Siva’s divine bond with Goddess Parvati and his dedication to fulfilling devotees’ wishes. People who travel to Adi Kailash with a pure heart and devotion have the opportunity to feel the cosmic presence of the divine and get their wishes fulfilled by Lord Shiva.
Not only in mythological stories, but Adi Kailash Yatra has a historical weight as well. Adi Kailash has always remained one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations for Hinduism. It has attracted devotees and trekkers from all around the world for centuries. Its historical roots can be traced back to ancient times, when pilgrimage was a highly respected practice.
For ages, people have been undertaking this spiritual journey for spiritual awakening, receiving divine blessings, and making a closer connection with the divine. Pilgrims from all around the world have made their way to this sacred location. The importance of Adi Kailash is not limited only to the region itself. You will find its spiritual significance mentioned in many scriptures, mythology, and legendary stories. The stories and spiritual importance of Adi Kailash have been passed from one generation to the next. It contributes to the attractiveness of this mystical pilgrimage destination, where the realm of divine and human meet.
People who have already undertaken this spiritual journey have felt that the Adi Kailash darshan makes your inner self enlightened, and the divine presence turns your negative thoughts into a positive approach. Therefore, everyone must undertake the Adi Kailash pilgrimage once in their lifetime.
Adi Kailash is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India, especially for the devoted followers of Lord Shiva. Adi Parvat is located at an altitude of 5954 metres above sea level in the Pithoragarh district of the Uttarakhand state. It is one of the most important peaks of the Panch Kailash Darshan of the Himalayas.
This sacred peak, with its majestic beauty and spiritual significance, has attracted many devotees, trekkers, and nature lovers. Here are your top reasons to plan your Adi Kailash tour:
Adi Parvat is known as the Chhota Kailash because it is a replica of the mighty Mount Kailash, the earthly abode of Lord Shiva. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most challenging treks in the world. Pilgrims who cannot undertake this physically challenging pilgrimage prefer visiting Adi Kailash. If you cannot visit Tibet, plan a trek to Adi Kailash, which gives the same spiritual experience. Its resemblance to the mighty Kailash adds to its sacred significance, which attracts devotees and Shaivites.
Near Adi Kailash, Om Parvat is located. It is a natural wonder and one of the main attractions of Adi Kailash, which is naturally formed in the ‘Om’ shape. The view is awe-inspiring when the white snow covers the rocky mountain, making the Om shape even more visible. According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva himself created 8 mountains like this, but only Om Parvat has been discovered to date and is easily accessible. No one would ever want to miss this golden opportunity to witness this magical creation of the god. Watching Om Parvati makes you feel the mountain itself is Lord Shiva incarnate.
At the very foothill of the Chhota Kailash (Adi Kailash), Gauri Kund is located. The most interesting part of this lake is the reflection of the giant peak and the expanse that creates a breathtaking view. There is one more lake located near the Adi Kailash—Parvati Sarovar. It is located approximately 3-4 km from the Gauri Kund. Devotees take a holy dip in the Parvati Sarovar to wash away their sins. However, no one is allowed to bathe in the Gauri Kund because it is dedicated to Goddess Parvati only, and there is no direct way to it. Apart from the holy dip, the serenity of the lake offers a perfect setting for meditation. The still water of the lake and the serene atmosphere give you ultimate peace and a divine experience.
Pilgrims' foremost reasons to embark on a spiritual journey are to connect with the divine, experience the spiritual significance of the place, and deepen their faith. However, during the Adi Kailash Yatra, one gets to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.
The historical and mythological significance of Adi Kailash Yatra has made it one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. It is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. You get to immerse yourself in the mythological stories and legends associated with the divine. As you go through the rugged terrains of Uttarakhand, you see the magnificent beauty of the Himalayas, like the lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers, and peaceful meadows.
Recent road developments and infrastructure have made the Adi Kailash trek and pilgrimage even more accessible than before. The well-maintained routes ensure a smoother ride, especially for older people. Even with so much of road developments, it still retains he pristine and untouched beauty of the region. The best part is that this spiritual trek offers multiple routes for trekkers, suitable for both intermediate and experienced trekkers. The routes also encompass the captivating views, serene stopovers, and quaint villages that are a retreat to the eyes and soul for nature lovers. Unlike most pilgrimage destinations in India, Adi Kailash Yatra is less crowded, perfect to attain peace and solitude.
There are several reasons people undertake this spiritual expedition. Some of the reasons why you should visit Adi Kailash have already been discussed above. Let’s now see the significance of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra:
We have seen all the historical and mythological significance of Adi Kailash Yatra, and also the top reasons to visit Adi Kailash. Now, let’s discuss the nearby attractions of the region and how you can plan the Adi Kailash pilgrimage tour.
The Adi Kailash trek begins from Dharchula, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. After beginning from here, you will proceed to Gunji. The route includes breathtaking views and follows the Sharda River. From there, the path divides into two paths, one goes to Om Parvat and Kailash Mansarovar, and the other goes to Kuti Valley, Adi Kailash, and the Gunji Lampiya Dhura pass. During your journey, you will pass through some of the significant holy destinations of the Adi Kailash Yatra:
The Adi Kailash temple is located in the center of the pilgrimage. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees who visit Adi Kailash must visit this temple to seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment from the divine being.
Om Parvat is the major holy destination in the Adi Kailash Yatra circuit. It is a mountain naturally formed in the shape of the ‘OM’ symbol. Devotees come here to witness this natural wonder and experience the divine aura while deepening their connection with the god. Om Parvat has mythological importance too. According to the Hindu scriptures, there are a total of 8 mountains in the world showing the ‘Om’ symbol. However, only one has been discovered to date, that is Om Parvat.
Also known as Jolingkong Lake, Gauri Kund is situated at the foothills of the Adi Kailash mountains. According to the Hindu mythology and local beliefs, goddess Parvati had bathed in this lake and completed some rituals. Hence, it is one of the sacred and untouched divine destinations in the Adi Kailash region. No one is allowed to dip in the holy water of Gauri Kund as it is dedicated to Mata Parvati. You will also see the shrines of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva near its shorelines.
Parvati Sarovar is another glacial lake in the vicinity of approx. 2 km from Gauri Kund. The beauty of the lake is the breathtaking reflection of the peak on the still water. Local people believe the water of Parvati Sarovar possesses healing powers. Hence, devotees take a holy dip in the lake to get rid of any physical illnesses, washing away their sins, and taking the almighty’s blessings. Some also take the holy water with them to their homes.
Adi Kailash is located in the Dharchula, Pithoragarh District of the Uttarakhand state. Dharchula is the gateway to Adi Kailash. Dharchula is the starting point for the Adi Kailash Trek or Adi Kailash Yatra by Helicopter. One has to visit this place because here only they are provided with the Inner Line Permit (ILP) by the SDM of the district. This permit is essential for every pilgrim for Adi Kailash Darshan because pilgrims will be traveling along the Indo-Nepal border.
However, depending on your Adi Kailash tour itinerary, you will choose the starting point. Some tourists traveling from Delhi to Adi Kailash reach Kathgodam first. It is the most convenient route to reach Dharchula, which is only 272 km away.
Adi Kailash Yatra has both historical and mythological significance. The evidence of the history of Adi Kailash Yatra exists since time immemorial. It has been of religious importance for ages. Its history originates from ancient times when pilgrimage tours were the revered practices for Hindus. For centuries, pilgrims from all over India and other countries as well have been visiting here to seek the Almighty’s blessings and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Both Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra are just the destination, they are the transformative journey for trekkers, pilgrims, and nature lovers. The divine energy, spirituality, and natural beauty give every pilgrim a unique experience. From the breathtaking vistas to the sacred destinations steeped in mythology, Adi Kailash Yatra gives everyone a unique experience for their faith and spiritual energy. So, do not miss planning your Adi Kailash trek or pilgrimage to witness the divine abode in Uttarakhand. This yatra not only gives the spiritual enlightenment you need but also takes you close to Lord Shiva.
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