Prayang is a small shanty town in the middle of the dessert. The best accommodation available is a dorm with around 100 beds. But we had to settle for a courtyard accommodation which had obvious limitation in terms of sanitation cleanliness etc. But after a back breaking journey through treacherous passes, sleep was the only activity on the agenda. At a height of nearly 4500 meters (a little lower than Saga), Prayang was very cold with biting thin air. To add to the misery, we were warned that air was not the only bite that we should expect. There were dogs in Prayang who looked all ready to bite flesh off the humans. The look on the faces of people was similar as they all seemed hungry enough at the start of the tourist season after a long weary winter.
We left the place a little late in the morning to ensure that the vehicles were all tested for the ride to Mansarovar. The journey from Prayang to Mansarovar was the longest (around 270 Kms.) which we covered in a single day. It was also the most scenic journey of my life. The beautiful Brahamputra flowed by our side as if guiding us to its mother. Finally we reached 'Lake Mansarovar.' According to Hindu religion, the lake was first created in the mind of the Lord Brahma. Hence, in Sanskrit it is called "Manas sarovara", which is a combination of the words manas (mind) and sarovara (lake).
The lake, in Hindu mythology, is also supposed to be the summer abode of swans. Considered as sacred birds, the swans (Sanskrit: Hansa) are an important element in the symbology of the Subcontinent, representing wisdom and beauty. It is also believed the Devas descend to bathe in the lake between 3 and 5 am the time of the day known as Brahma Muhurta. Buddhists also associate the lake to the legendary lake known as Anavatapta in Sanskrit and Anotatta in Pali, where Queen Maya is believed to have conceived Buddha. The lake has a few monasteries on its shores. The most notable of which is the ancient Chiu Gompa Monastery, which has been built right onto a steep hill. It looks as if it has been carved right out of the rock. The first site of Mansarovar would perhaps be remained etched in my mind for the rest of my life. It was truly inspiring. With Sarawati range on one side and the lonely Kailash on the other, the lake itself was like a sea of emotion; connecting humans with God.
Satyan Mishra,
M.D, Drishtee
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