lake manasarovar
"General Information on
Lake Manasarovar"
Lake Manasarovar takes position as the highest fresh water lake in the World. The lake situated at an altitude of 4556 m. between two holy mountains, Mount Gurlamandhata and Mount Kailash. The depth of this lake is 90 m. and its circumference is 88 kilometers. The lake covers an area of 320 square kilometers (120 square miles).
The Lake Manasarovar holds a significance place in Hindu mythology. Hindu mythology indicates that the Lake was first created in the Manas of Lord Brahma (the creator). Therefore, it is called Manasarovar. In Sanskrit language, 'Manasa' means mind and 'Sarovar' means ' lake. Hindu followers consider the Lake as one of the most auspicious pilgrimage sites. They also believe that once they dip in the lake, all the sins, (known or unknown), they have committed in their hundred life-time will be washed away and their soul will depart to the Abode of Lard Shiva after the death.
According to the Hindu mythology, this lake is the summer abode of Swans. Swans are considered as intelligence and sacred birds in Hindu religion. Also, Swan is the vehicle of Goddess Saraswati. There is a deep belief that 'Devas' descend to this Lake to make bathe in between 3 am and 5 am; in Hindu religion, this time is known as 'Brahma Muhurta'.
Another interesting legend that indicated in Hindu mythology (Shakti Grantha) is that hands of dead Sati Devi were fallen in this particular place, so the lake was created. So, Manasarovar is considered as one of the fifty-one shaktipeeth.
The legend of Lake Manasarovar is connected with Buddhist religion too. Legendary says, the lake Manasarovar is known as 'ANAVATAPTA' in Buddhist religion. It is believed that Queen Maya Devi was carried here by gods and washed prior to having Lord Buddha in her womb. She envisioned the lord Buddha in this lake (Anavatapta).
Tibetan people called Manasarovar as 'Mapham Tso', that means the 'Unconquerable Lake'. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage-sites for Tibetans too.
