25 June 2011

Kailasa Yatrai 3



Kailsam is a Padal Petra Sthalam. Salagramam (Muktinath) is a Divya Desam. We visited both the places between May 16 & June 4, 2011.


Kailasam


Kailasam is THE place for Saivism. Karaikal Ammayar  went to Kailasam, walking with her head and hands.


Cheraman Perumal Nayanar chanted the Aithezhuthu in his horse' ears and the horse flew to Kailasam. 


Siva sent Vellai Yanai to Sundarar, who was with Cheraman Perumal Nayanar at Thivanjaikalam , and Sundarar went to Kailasam on this Yanai. Sundarar has described what he saw as he was ascending Kailasam. Devas, Rishis, Indran and Vishnu were surprised to see a human coming to Kailasam. They asked Siva who this person was. Siva responded, as Gopu sir says, "Nanbenda!" ("Nanthamar Ooran", 9th verse). 


Avvaiyar saw Cheraman Perumal and Sundarar flying to Kailasam. She was in Thirukovilur  and sang Vinayakar Agaval. Pillayar, lifted her with His trunk and placed her in Kailasam instantly!


Thirunavukkarasar was very old when he started his Kailasa yatrai. He could not walk and was crawling. The Good Lord asked him to come to Thiruvaiyyaru for Kailasa darisanam. Appar bathed in the temple tank and got up to see the Kailasa Darisanam. This is celebrated every year during the Adi Pooram brahmotsavam at Thiruvayyaru. He sang a padhigam, describing what he saw.


Sundarar has also sung on Kailasam, but I have no idea whether he also had a darisanam of Kailasam.


In Mylapore, Kapaleeswarar proclaims "Mayilai e Kayilai" (Mylapore is Kailasam!)


Kailasam is here 


Salagramam 


Salagramam is sung  (Page 13) by Thirumangai Azhwar. Salagramam is believed to be Muktinath, as Gandaki flows and a lot of Saligamams are found here. In my opinion, he did not visit the place physically but visited in the realm of thought. He has sung "Saligramam Adai Nenje!" (O mind! Reach Salagramam!")


Lumbini
Buddhism and Jainism spread in Tamil Nadu. While Buddhism had strong presence in Andhra and Jainism in Karnataka, both were present in Tamil Nadu. Kerala was living in a time capsule due to its inaccessibility. 


UVe Swaminatha Iyer talks about Tamil Jain families in Kumbakonam clearing his doubts on Jaina concepts, helping him publish Seevaka Sinthamani, a Jaina epic. Ilango Adigal was a Buddhist monk and Silappadhikaram and Manimekalai are Buddhist epics. Semmangudi has a Jaina temple, Sengalipuram agraharam has a Jainan Am (house of Jainas). Tamil Nadu DGP, Sripal is a Tamil Jain.


Saivism opposed Buddhism strongly in Tamil Nadu. Sambandar in all his padhigams, reserved the 10 verse to condemn Buddhism and Jainism. Sample this.  They are frequently referred as Sakkiyar (Buddha being Sakya muni), Therar (Therawada Buddhism). 


However, tide turned. Buddhar was accepted as one of 10 Vishnu's avatarams. Tyagaraja (charanam 8) and Jayadeva  (charanam 9) have hailed Buddhar as an avataram. We decided to go by the judgement of Tyagaraja & Jayadeva. Buddhar has asked his followers to visit Lumbini, his place of birth, 
Gaya, the place of enlightenment, 
Saranath, place of first sermon and 
Kushinagar, place of parinirvana.


We had visited Gaya and Saranath. We included Lumbini in this trip.

18 June 2011

Kailash Yathirai Preparation

An avial taken from various websites.

Kailash Preparation

Since this pilgrimage is nothing short of an expedition, it places. Many uncommon demands and situations. Awareness to these problems is essential to complete the voyage successfully with confidence.Once the voyage commences the panoramic Himalaya and Tibet cocoon the pilgrimage in their effulgence and they drift beyond the reach of a conventional world. Deep silence and eerie expansiveness rule the atmosphere. A resourceful pilgrimage however would enjoy his every step - planning is the key. The broad guidelines appended here may help you. However each one must organize according to individual requirements and preferences.

Health General
The high altitude Tibetan terrain is dry, cold and windy. Diurnal variations are large. Nights are cold and windy. Heavy snow falls; torrential rains and strong icy winds are common features - any time. Flooding rivers and landslides are frequent. The altitude averages above 3500 meters. The route covers much high altitude passes. Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude induces cer­tain illness generally not encountered over the plains (Mountain Sickness). Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness (malaise), high irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all irrespective of the age, sex and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping doses and strong anti-biotic must be avoided. Descending to lower alti­tude is the best but this may not be possible always. REST is the best alternative. Some of the symptoms indicate that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environments. Therefore the golden rule is to deliberately slow down all activities
Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude induces certain illness generally not encountered over the plains. Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness [malaise], high irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all irrespective of the age, sex and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping dose and strong anti-biotic must be avoided. Some of symptoms indicate that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environments.
The best idea is deliberately slow down all the activities and follows the following rules:
Expedition experts advise that beyond 3500 meters ascent or climbing must be restricted to 300 to 400 meters at a stretch. Most people, however they say would experience minimum symptoms, if given longer time to ascend. This must be borne in mind during Parikrama around Kailash.
Consult your DOCTOR to assess the state of your health to function safely within your limitations. Learn the DO’S and the Don't from his advice. In addition to the personal

prescriptions by your physician, a First Aid Kit is essential for the travel. Request your Doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the following:
Before Yatra
§  If you have planned the trip to Kailash Mansarovar, you need to increase your walking habits, practice climbing little mountains, start doing some exercises with the consultation from your doctor
§  If you are asthmatic or have any kind of breathing problem, you should not travel.
§  Reduce drinking alcohol &alcoholic beverages &smoking habits .
§  Consult your family doctor to assess the state of your health for functioning safely within your own limitations
§  Take advise of your doctor before undertaking this high altitude pilgrimage & always keep your usual/prescribed medicines (if any)
§  If possible, engage yourself in some fitness exercise like aerobics every morning.
§  Don't et all expect luxury on this tour however as far as possible, our Sherpa team will ensure you the best journey/stay with us in this tough terrain.
§  It is always advisable to insure yourself against personal loss, injury/accident, death and emergency evacuation. Make sure that your policy covers Emergency Evacuation by Helicopter at high altitude treks.
§  As there is no Hindu Temple at Holy Lake and Mt. Kailash as such no priest is available. If you want some spiritual activity to be performed, please make sure that your personal priest accompany you from your own country or from Nepal. Do carry essential Havan Samagri, Havan Kunds etc. if you are willing to engage yourself in some spiritual ceremony like Havan (Yagna).
§  If possible, arrange your Chinese Yuans (which you might require to buy some souvenir or to pay for pony etc.) in your own coumtry or in Nepal as on the borders, exchange rate might differ. Alternately, you can carry US$ with you which can be easily converted but Indian Currency notes are not acceptable in Tibet. Do not carry Indian Currency Notes of 500 & 1000 denominations as these are not acceptable in Nepal and can not be exchanged.
General Considerations when Packing
§  Use very strong and rough bags to pack your belongings & don't keep the fragile items in your bag which has to be carried on the Yak. A duffel bag is advisable.
§  Keep the weight and bulk down to a minimum. Baggage allowance on most international flights is 20 Kg's/44 lbs.. Most people tend to bring more clothes than they do actually need. You will only need one change of clothes for Kathmandu. On trek it is important to dress in layers. When it is hot you will only be wearing a base layer, when it gets colder you can add to this until you are wearing most of your clothes! During Kailash Parikarma, one bag per person would be carried on Yak. It is advisable to carry your stuff in a duffel bag rather than suitcase or other normal bags.
§  Make a separate pouch for the First Aid kit with a list of medicines and their appropriate usages. You may never use any of these medicines but some one in the group may require it. Protect yourself against dust and direct sunshine and Dust during the long stretches of driving. In addition to the medicines, your First Aid Kit must contain the following:

Fever
Stiffness
Cold & Cough
Stomach Cramps
Body Joint Paints
Acidity
Sore Throat
Loose Motion
Muscle Pulls
Nose blocks
Headache
Sore Eyes
Constipation
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Sneezing
Chest Congestions
Swelling
Indigestion
Dysentery
§  One should carry glucose-based items (Mints, toffees, sweets, mini chocolates bars, chocolates, glucose, candies, khakra, laddu/pinni etc. for periodical consumption at high altitude for energy).
§  Multi-vitamin and Vitamin C tablets are required for daily consumption as a routine.

A valid passport is a must. The passport must be sent to your Travel Agent at least a month in advance to obtain Chinese Visa. Normally Group Visas are granted on such trips.
It is advisable to carry extra money (in addition to the tour cost) for personal needs or exigencies. Traveler's cheques, credit cards and Indian currency (except Rs. 500 currency notes) are transactable in Nepal.
Indian citizens do not require passport visa to visit Nepal. For immigration formalities, the Indian traveler requires an ID card; Photostat copy of passport or any other document to establish identity.
Procure if possible relevant maps, literature of the area for review. Try and establish contact with Pilgrims who had been on this pilgrimage earlier to gather first hand informa­tion.

Documents
Keep your documents updated for the travel. Passport - Photostat copies, original passport shall be given at Nepal-on-arrival.
§  Identity Card
§  Visiting Card
§  Dairy: Addresses, telephone numbers, contacts.
§  Waist Pouch.
§  Ball Pens (spare refills)
§  Maps / Charts / Books of the area.
§  Traveler's cheques, credit cards & currency.
§  Airline / Railway tickets / vouchers.
§  Any other documents for personal use.

Equipments
Vaseline
Dettol /Listerine (antiseptic)
Cologne
Chapstick
Eye Masks
Small Plastic Bags
Facial Tissues

Cotton
Dust Cover (Surgeon’s Mask)
Rubber Bands
Dark Sunglasses
Vicks
Body Lotion / Mustard Oil
Sanitizer gel
Mouth Fresheners
Toilet kit
Torch (waterproof & powerful) spare cells
Cough Drops
Woolen Gloves
Ear Muffs
Leak proof plastics water bottles (for water from Manasarovar and Gauri Kund
Air Freshner
Monkey Cap
Scissors
Conventional spectacles - Contact lens not advisable.

Nose Inhalers
Binoculars
Sun Hat
bags( a few of each size strong)
Nail Clipper
Money pouch/belts
Band Aid
 Note book , Pen , Pencils
Toilet Papers
Cigarette lighter
Buttons
Water bottles- unbreakable ( Min 2 ltrs capacity) can be purchased in Kathmandu
Pocket knife
Camera - Film rolls
towel
Rain Gear-Your raincoat should be roomy and have a water proof hood.
Sewing kit,
Bandage Roll
dustmasks
Water purification tablets
strong sun cream
Candle & Lighter
Binoculars
Walking stick- Can be purchased in kathmandu
Moisturizers
Video camera
Whistle.

Swiss knife (multipurpose).

Plastic mug


Pocket cassette recorder with earphones to listen to music, prayers etc. during travel and also to record daily events
Personal jewellery must be kept to minimum


Clothing
Light weight suit case / travel bag (take care to keep your baggage simpler and lighter as an emergency may arise where you might have to carry your own baggage against all odds).
Clothings for both extremes of climate and temperature. While driving to Kailash, it will be warm inside the vehicle and light clothing will be required, but as soon as you step out of the vehicle, warm clothing will be required to keep off the cold winds of the Tibetan Plateau. Evening will be generally cold and warm clothing will be required We recommend that you bring along the following clothings and accessories with you:
§  Down Jacket - one ( Available on Rent )
§  Warm windproof jacket - One
§  Rain coat with hood/ Poncho (should be roomy) - One
§  Warm thick pullover - One
§  Warm thin pullover - One
§  Cotton full sleeve T-Shirts - Four
§  Light loose cotton pants - Two
§  Warm pants - Two
§  Thermal under pants/long - Two
§  Thermal vest / warm full T-Shirts - Two
§  Warm woolen socks-Six
§  Large cotton or silk scarf-One
§  Soft paper tissue and handkerchiefs - Plenty
§  Cap (Sun / snow / rain protection).
§  Monkey cap and Sun heat - one each
§  Warm gloves.
§  Towels (one big, one small)
§  Washing kit.
§  Hot water bottle.
§  Keds / Boots very light, skid proof, water resistant, ankle protection and soft interior - 2 pairs. Break in earlier for comfortable use.
§  Light trek bag (Cameras etc.)
§  "Broken - in" pair of ankle high walking boots & one extra shoe laces.
§  Light tennis shoes & light rubber sandal.
Ladies should select suitable and comfortable clothing accordingly.


§  Upon arrival at immigration desk at Tribhuan International Airport, please request the immigration officer to put an entry stamp in your passport otherwise you'll have to unnecessarily pay INR 500-1000 at Tibet immigration.
Prior to Parikarma
§  Start taking DIAMOX atleast 2 days before starting your journey - once every morning after the breakfast. It should be taken for 3-6 days. This is to minimize altitude sickness.
§  Drink at least 3 litres of mineral water everyday till you complete the Holy Yatra.
§  Avoid riding Yak during Kailash Parikarma. A pony is preferred over Yak.
§  Advise your requirements for Pony Hiring (available at an additional cost) to your tour guide at least a day before the beginning of Parikarma.

During Parikarma
§  Rest.
§  Relax - Do not exert; Do not be excited.
§  Reduce talking.
§  Walk slowly - adopt one third of your normal speed & space.
§  Keep your load light.
§  Walk 15 minutes and rest for five minutes.
§  Light weight warm clothing's and boots / ked would help reducing strain and burden.
§  Never let yourself into boredom - boredom inducts fatigue, mental abrasions and exhaustion. Chant a prayer or visualize everything around to suit your pleasant thoughts. Or put on the earphones and listen to your favorite music, bhajans, chanting etc. Scan the scenario with binoculars. Resort to photography.
§  Do not exercise.
§  Breathe slowly (never fast).
§  Whenever you feel uncomfortable, just stop: rest and relax.
§  Ignore the sudden outbursts of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments.
§  Observe silence with a smile.
§  Remember - never go too high too fast.
§  Avoid smoking and alcohol - drugs or intoxicants.
§  Consume plenty of liquids; never proceed with an empty stomach.
§  Never rush into things.
§  Walk slowly and firmly.
§  Guard yourself from slipping or falling to prevent fractures, sprains and muscle pulls.
§  The uneven ground, steep slopes and slushy banks are full of potholes.
§  Do not combine walking and sight seeing together. Inspect your track in front and trek slowly.
§  Listen to your guide or the one with experience.
§  Never leave the Group. Be in the Group. Do not leave anyone behind unless escorted.
§  Be careful not to catch a cold.
§  It is better to be over clothed than under protected.
§  En-route avoids taking bath or drinking water from Lake Streams or rivers, as your system is not conditioned for this.
§  Protect yourself against dust and direct sunshine during the long stretches of driving.
§  The uneven ground, steep slope and slushy banks are full of potholes. Do not combine walking and sight seeing together.
§  Always listen to your guide or the one with experience. Never leave the group.
§   Since the dry cold wind tends to make the nose dry (bleeding sometime) keep your nose smooth by applying Vaseline.
§  Keep your feet dry - never let it get wet.
§  Keep your boots / ked inside tents to keep them dry.
§  Wearing cotton and wool socks in combination would be the best. Face, feet and hands must be well protected.
§  Walk gradually, don't compete with any one and never loose your temper as this is going to be the toughest journey you could have ever made so far.
§  Incase you feel any kind of breathlessness during parikarma, immediately inform our tour guide or sherpa staff & follow their advise.
§  On the second day of parikarma, you come across the maximum height at Dolmala Pass where Oxygen level is very low as such don't stop/wait there for more than 5 minutes.
§  During parikarma, you'll come across rivers and streams, you must wash your face occasionally with cold water. Avoid drinking water from streams or rivers en route.
§  As far as possible, try to walk. But, if you are riding a pony during parikarma, make sure that you hold it properly.
§  On the second day of parikarma, you will see several clothes lying on the rocks, please do't touch the same.
§  Guard yourself from slipping or falling to prevent fractures, sprains and muscle pulls.
§  Do not combine walking and sightseeing together. Inspect your track in front and trek slowly.
§  Travel in the group and do not leave any one behind unless escorted.
§  It is preferable to avoid shaving as any cut or bruisemay not heal quickly and may irritate with nagging discomfort.
§  If you smoke or consume alcohol, avoid it throughout the journey.
§  Eat as much as you could but avoid overeating.
§  Satellite phone being provided by us on use and pay basis is primarily to facilitate you during any emergency as such avoid making calls to your well wishers because charging facilities for satellite batteries are very limited and in case of excess usage, the satellite phone might be useless at the time of any emergency.
§  While in tents, make sure that it is properly zipped and your luggage (which is kept inside the tent) is not touching the tent's outer surface otherwise in case of rain you might find water inside your tent.
§  Try to be in your own tents while its too windy or sunny.
§  While staying in the guest house, avoid using public toilets as these are very dirty. It is advisable to use open area or our own toilet tents for toilet purpose.
§  Travel with the TEAM SPIRIT and help your group members in case of any need or emergency.
§  Please do not expect excellent vehicles in Tibet. The terrain being rough, vehicles are bound to break down but do not panic, the drivers are expert enough to repair it. Repaid may take few minutes to a couple of hours but please maintain patience as we can not leave group members behind.
§  As tents and other camping equipments move in trucks, it will take about 2 hours for our sherpa team to pitch-in tents once they reach camp site. Please have patience as truck speed can not be matched with your land cruiser's speed.
While on the Holy Lake
§  Don't take a Holy dip in Holy Mansarovar Lake while it is windy.
§  Never take a dip in Rakshas Tal (Lake) as its not auspicious.
§  If you face altitude sickness, do not proceed for parikarma because once you leave Mansarovar or Darchen and wish to come back from Parikarma due to any reason, there are no facilities available like stretcher etc. Even for Helicopter evacuation, it may take minimum 10 hrs. to a couple of days depending upon weather conditions.
§  Don't forget to collect some stones from The Holy Lake as each stone is treated as "Shivlinga".


§  If you have a STRONG WILL POWER and belief in LORD SHIVA, no one can stop you in completing you this HOLY YATRA.