Kailash-Mansarovar: Diary of a Pilgrim

by Nilesh D Nathwani

This is a story of an unforgettable odyssey to the holy Mount Kailash and the sacred Lake Mansarovar describing mysteries connected with the land capturing the intangible air of faith and pilgrimage. For four major religions of the world, i.e. for Tibetan Buddhism, Jainism, Bompo (a religion prior to Buddhism in Tibet) and Hinduism, Mount Kailash is the spot of utmost reverence and importance.

For the Buddhists, Kailash is the centre point of the universe. For the Jains, Kailash is the Mount Ashtapada and is a place of pilgrimage. For the Bompo followers, Kailash is the nine-faced Swastika Mountain and is constantly emanating great power. For the Hindus, Kailash is the Sumeru Parvat, the spiritual centre of the world around which all the earthly powers revolve. If there are heavenly abodes on earth, Kailash-Mansarovar is to be treasured as one that is the most celestial.

This profusely illustrated travelogue booklet is a living element of gripping story of Mansarovar and Kailash. It is a tale about fancies and fears, adventures and aspirations, expectations and disillusions, escapes and retreats experienced by the adventurous pilgrimage team. This is a story of an unforgettable odyssey to the holy Mount Kailash and the sacred lake Mansarovar describing mysteries connected with the land capturing the intangible air of faith and pilgrimage. This travelogue takes us on a journey to the wild, seldom travelled northern route visiting the remote cities, towns and monasteries of Tibet. It is a tale of a group of pilgrims who aspire to see Gods living in the wilderness of the remote holy land. This is an engrossing, touching and remarkable account of a picturesque travel with nice imagery describing majestic mountains, turquoise lakes and virgin rivers of Tibet. Written in a brilliant style, it is a dramatic record that succeeds in imparting onto the reader some of the intensely experienced emotions that will remain long in memory.

About the Author:

Nilesg D. Nathwani, was born in Jinja, Uganda, at the end of the Second World War in 1945. Deeply influenced by the radicals of the Indian freedom fighters, B.G. Tilak and Sri Aurobindo, he went to live at Pondicherry where he learnt French. Since 1973, he is living in the beautiful city of Vienna.

Reviews:

"...it is an odyssey of spiritual wanderings intermingled with geography, history, tradition and an enduring sense of faith and belief...A highly recommended reading for potential travellers and even for armchair pilgrims who will be inspired by its evocatively devotional content." - Tattvaloka