Uttaranchal pilgrims off to Shiva's abode

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Monday July 21 2003 00:00 IST

 

Uttaranchal pilgrims off to Shiva's abode

newindiapress.com

ANI

 

MANAS: A batch of pilgrims left Uttaranchal on Saturday for the cave

shrine in the Himalayan mountains in neighbouring China, Mansarovar,

the abode of Lord Shiva.

 

Mansarovar Lake and the flanking Mount Kailash which is the highest

mountain in Tibet at 22,022 feet, are revered by Hindu devotees.

 

The batch comprising 24 pilgrims is the second one to leave Manas

after the first batch of 16 left on July 8.

 

The pilgrims said they were undaunted by the arduous journey

ahead. "There is great enthusiasm. Everyone is looking forward to go

across and fulfill their dreams," said, Anshuman Kumar Sahay, a

pilgrim.

 

"It is a spiritual mission, it is my Dharma that drives me forward. I

am feeling great here. Where else can you see so much nature and

beauty?" asked, Patel Somavai Ravavai, a 67-year-old pilgrim.

 

The pilgrimage route is prone to earthquakes and landslides. In 1998

about 300 people died due to landslides in Malpa region of the

Garhwal Hills. Officials said that the pilgrimage would be closely

monitored to ensure safety.

 

"With every batch of pilgrims there are two officials accompanying

with proper handsets (for wireless communication). They are

constantly informing us about the pilgrims' wellbeing. Otherwise

there is not much security threat as the entire pilgrimage is through

interior areas which are quite peaceful," said, Abhijeet

Bhattacharya, an official accompanying the group.

 

After the Malpa tragedy, the government reduced the number of people

in a batch by half to 25. At least ten batches are scheduled to

undertake the pilgrimage which concludes on September 25.

 

The Kailash-Mansarovar route has been an ancient trade route between

India and China. Each pilgrim is required to pay $220 to the Indian

organiser, Kumaon Division Development Corporation and $600 to the

Chinese authorities.