Manasa Shakti Peeth Manasa Sarovar
Manasa Shakti Peeth is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas located at the foot of Mount Kailash, Tibet. Idols are placed just beside the most sacred and pure water body known as Manasa Sarovar. The goddess is called with the name Manas or Dakshayani (Durga) and her consort lord Shiva (bhairava form) is called “Amar” (lord who is immortal).
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Legend of Manasa Shakti Peeth:
The legend of Manasa Shakti Peeth is associated with the story of Manasa Devi, the goddess of snakes. Manasa Devi was the daughter of Kashyapa Prajapati and Kadru, the queen of snakes. Kadru was jealous of her sister Vinata, who had given birth to two powerful sons, Garuda and Aruna. Kadru challenged Vinata to a bet, and Vinata lost. As a result, Kadru’s 1000 sons were cursed to be born as snakes.
Manasa Devi was determined to help her mother and her brothers. She disguised herself as a beautiful woman and went to the home of King Janamejaya, the great-grandson of Parikshit. Janamejaya was a great warrior, and he had vowed to exterminate all snakes. Manasa Devi married Janamejaya, and she eventually convinced him to spare the snakes.
The Manasa Shakti Peeth is said to be the place where Manasa Devi was born. The temple is dedicated to Manasa Devi, and it is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings from the goddess, especially for protection from snakes.
Significance of Manasa Shakti Peeth:
According to the mythology Daksha yagna and Sati self-immolation, it is the holy place where the “Right hand” fell down.
From ancient texts, we can learn that Manas Shakti Peeth or Manasa Sarovar is one of the purest places on this planet where one can get rid of all their sins backed from all janmas with a single dip in the holy river and by circumambulating around it. Although it is compelling to visit this place, it is not that simple to reach there.
Manasa Sarovar Lake is one of the places where one can get the purest form of water. It is said one can see objects in the water body with bare eyes. Also, it is believed that this water has healing powers. One who drinks water from this lake will go to the abode of lord Shiva after their death.
According to Ancient texts, this lake originated in the mind of lord Brahma. It is a Sanskrit word Manasa = mind and sarovar = lake.
Places to visit near Manasa Shakti Peeth:
Mount Kailash: This is the most prominent attraction near Manasarovar Lake. Mount Kailash is considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bön religion. Many pilgrims undertake the Kailash Parikrama, a circumambulation of the mountain. The trek around Mount Kailash is a life-changing experience for many.
Tirthapuri: Tirthapuri is another important pilgrimage site located near Manasarovar. It’s known for its hot springs, caves, and monasteries. Pilgrims often stop here during their Kailash Yatra to take a dip in the holy springs.
Rakshastal Lake: Rakshastal is a neighboring lake to Manasarovar, and the contrast between the two lakes is striking. While Manasarovar is considered pure and sacred, Rakshastal is believed to be a lake of demons. The stark difference in the color and nature of the two lakes is intriguing.
Gauri Kund: Gauri Kund is a small lake near Manasarovar associated with the goddess Parvati. It is believed that Parvati took a bath here before her marriage to Lord Shiva. The kund is a site of reverence and a stopping point for pilgrims.
Astapad: This is a place of religious significance located near Mount Kailash. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva resides with his consort, Parvati. The area is considered a highly spiritual destination.
Yama Dwar: Yama Dwar is a gateway on the way to Mount Kailash. It is believed that passing through this gate absolves a person of their sins, and pilgrims often perform rituals and prayers here.
Darchen: Darchen is the base town for those embarking on the Kailash Parikrama. It’s a small town with facilities for travelers, including guesthouses, restaurants, and shops.
Chiu Monastery: Located near Manasarovar Lake, Chiu Monastery offers breathtaking views of both the lake and Mount Kailash. It’s a peaceful place for meditation and reflection.
Zanda Clay Forest: While not exactly next to Manasarovar, the Zanda Clay Forest is a unique geological formation worth visiting if you have extra time. It’s about a day’s drive from the lake and consists of fascinating clay formations that look like natural sculptures.
Taklakot (Burang): This is a town near the Nepal-China border and serves as an entry and exit point for travelers heading to Manasarovar Lake. It’s a good place to get acclimatized to the altitude before proceeding further.
FAQ:
What is Manasa Shakti Peeth?
Manasa Shakti Peeth is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are sacred sites associated with the goddess Shakti. The Manasa Shakti Peeth is located in the Mansarovar Lake in the Kailash Mansarovar region of Tibet.
What is the legend of Manasa Shakti Peeth?
According to Hindu mythology, the right hand of Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva, fell at this place after she immolated herself in the Yagna fire. It is said that the goddess Mansa, the goddess of snakes, manifested herself at this spot. The temple was built to commemorate this event.
What are the benefits of visiting Manasa Shakti Peeth?
Devotees believe that visiting Manasa Shakti Peeth can bestow a number of benefits, including:
- Protection from snakebite
- Health and longevity
- Spiritual enlightenment and liberation
- Removal of obstacles and challenges
- Protection from harm and negativity
How to reach Manasa Shakti Peeth?
The Manasa Shakti Peeth is located in a remote area of Tibet, and it is difficult to reach. The nearest airport is at Simikot, Nepal, which is about 100 km from the temple. From Simikot, you can take a jeep or a helicopter to the temple.
What are the important features of Manasa Shakti Peeth?
The Manasa Shakti Peeth is a small temple located on the banks of the Mansarovar Lake. The main deity of the temple is Mansa Devi, who is depicted as a four-armed goddess with a snake as her mount. The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to other deities, including Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Is Manasa Shakti Peeth open to all visitors?
Yes, Manasa Shakti Peeth is open to all visitors, regardless of their religion or beliefs. However, it is important to note that the temple is located in a remote area of Tibet, and it is difficult to reach.
How to reach Manasa Shakti Peeth:
The easiest way to reach Manasa Shakti Peeth is by taking a tour from India. There are a number of tour operators that offer trips to Manasa Shakti Peeth. These tours typically include transportation, accommodation, and guide services.
If you are planning to travel to Manasa Shakti Peeth on your own, you will need to obtain a permit from the Chinese government. You can apply for a permit through a travel agency or directly through the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Once you have a permit, you can fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. From Lhasa, you can take a bus or taxi to Manasa Shakti Peeth. The journey takes about two days.
Here are the steps on how to reach Manasa Shakti Peeth:
- Obtain a permit from the Chinese government.
- Fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
- Take a bus or taxi to Manasa Shakti Peeth.
By Air
The nearest airport is Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (LXA), which is about 70 km from Lhasa. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Lhasa.
By Train
Lhasa Railway Station (LHC) is the nearest railway station, which is about 2 km from the city center. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or bus to Lhasa.
By Road
Lhasa is well-connected by road to other parts of Tibet. You can take a bus or taxi from Lhasa to Manasa Shakti Peeth. The journey takes about two days.