Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kailash Mansarovar
Why in the News?
- India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.
- The pilgrimage has been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and non-renewal of arrangements by China.
India-China Talks on Border Management:
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About Kailash Mansarovar:
- Kailash Mansarovar is a sacred religious site located in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, near the borders of India, Nepal, and Tibet.
- It consists of Mount Kailash, a peak considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism, and Mansarovar Lake, a high-altitude freshwater lake revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions.
- Geographical Location:
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- Mount Kailash stands at an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), making it one of the most difficult and revered peaks to approach.
- The Mansarovar Lake is located at an altitude of 4,556 meters (14,950 feet) and spans approximately 88 square kilometers.
- The region lies in the Tibetan Plateau.
Religious Significance:
- Hinduism:
- Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Pilgrims believe that a pilgrimage to Kailash is essential for liberation and salvation (Moksha).
- Mansarovar Lake is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma. Bathing in its holy waters is believed to cleanse sins and grant spiritual merit.
- Buddhism:
- The region is sacred as it is believed to be the home of Buddha Demchok, who represents supreme bliss.
- The lake is also linked to the Jambhala, the god of wealth in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Jainism:
- Jain tradition holds that Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, attained Nirvana at the peak of Mount Kailash.
- Bon Religion:
- For practitioners of Bon, an ancient religion indigenous to Tibet, Kailash is regarded as the sacred center of the universe.
Route and Access:
- India to Kailash Mansarovar: The pilgrimage is generally undertaken through the Lipulekh Pass, a high-altitude pass that connects Uttarakhand (India) with Tibet.
- Pilgrims usually travel through Nepal, and the journey is conducted via Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- Travel to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is restricted, and permits are required from the Chinese government.
- Pilgrims from India are primarily facilitated through the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra organized by the Government of India and other authorized agencies.
PYQ:[2016] Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. |
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