The Adi Kailash Yatra has officially begun, with 49 pilgrims arriving at the Dharchula base camp. This group includes 32 men and 17 women from various parts of India. They are heading towards the Shiv-Parvati temple near a lake at 18,500 ft in Jolingkong, which offers a view of the sacred Adi Kailash peak.

Opening Ceremony at the Temple

Over 200 devotees attended the temple's opening ceremony this year. The chief priest, Gopal Singh Kutiyal, highlighted the temple's significance. Jolingkong gained attention last October when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited and paid homage at the lakeside temple.

Seven-Day Pilgrimage Journey

The Adi Kailash pilgrimage takes seven days to complete. Pilgrims will stay at camps in Pithoragarh, Dharchula, Gunji, Bundi, Chaukori, and Bhimtal. They will return to New Delhi on the eighth day. So far, over 500 pilgrims have registered for this year's yatra.

Yatra Schedule and Helicopter Services

The current phase of the Adi Kailash Yatra will run through May and June, pause during the monsoon months of July and August, and resume from September to November. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has also launched India's first helicopter yatra for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat, making it easier for more devotees to participate.

Historical and Mythological Significance

Mount Kailash: A Sacred Peak

Mount Kailash is sacred to Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, as well as seekers of peace and adventure. Rising to 19,500 ft in the remote Himalayan ranges, it is considered one of the world's most spiritually significant peaks. Known as the Axis Mundi, it is believed to be the center of the Earth and the stairway to Heaven.

Hindu Tradition

In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is a place of immense spiritual significance, where many deities are believed to reside.

Jain Tradition

In Jainism, the mountain is called Ashtapad. It is revered as the birthplace of Jainism and the place where Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, attained enlightenment.

The Ritual of Circumambulation

The circumambulation, or parikrama, of Mount Kailash is a sacred ritual believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul. Devotees from various faiths undertake this 52-kilometer journey around the mountain in a clockwise direction.