Tirthapuri
Tirthpuri lies about 72 km west from Mt. Kailash is another important pilgrimage site for Hindus & Buddhists. The place is situated at the Bank of Sutlej River. Ritually, pilgrims come to this place after visiting Kailash. There are several hot springs here in large area. Pilgrims pay homage to the Monastery and take bath in steamy hot springs. The earth of Tirthapuri is, red and white, looks as ashes.
There is a legend inscribed in 'Purana' which is related to this place. A demon named 'Bhasmasur' was the great devotee of Lord Shiva. He performed the great austerities to obtain the boon. Lord Shiva was pleased with him, so he appeared in front of him and asked for the boon. Bhasmasur asked for the immortality, but Lord Shiva told him that this is beyond his capacity. Bhasmasur then asked with Lord Shiva for the ability to burn the people into ashes whenever he put his hands on somebody's head. Lord Shiva granted the boon.
Just to test his power, Bhasmasur started off to put his hands on Lord Shiva's head. Lord Shiva ran away but Bhasmasur didn't give up chasing him. Lord Shiva then appealed Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu took form of a beautiful girl 'MOHINI' and went to Bhasmasur. Seeing her beauty, Bhasmasur fell in love and became completely hypnotized. He would do anything the girl would ask to do. Taking the advantage of the situation, MOHINI started dancing. Bhasmasur just followed her and started dancing with her. He did the same posture what MOHINI did while dancing. In the course of dancing, MOHINI put her hands on her head, Bhasmasur followed the same posture then turned himself into ashes.
This is the place where MOHINI and Bhasmasur performed the dances and Bhasmasur destroyed himself by putting his hands on his head. It is believed that the white earth (soil) that can be seen here, is the ashes from the body of Demon Bhasmasur.
