Manasarovar Lake, also known as Mapam Yutso, is one of the most sacred lakes in Tibet and a spiritual heartland for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and followers of Bon. Nestled on the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of 4,586 meters above sea level, this breathtaking freshwater lake covers an area of 412 square kilometers and reaches a depth of 77 meters, making it the highest freshwater lake in the world.
Located about 20 kilometers southeast of Mount Kailash and north of Namu Nonyi Peak, Mapam Yutso sits majestically among snow-capped mountains. The nearby Jiwu Monastery, perched beside the lake, offers one of the finest viewpoints to admire its serene turquoise waters and vast open horizons.
Meaning and Origin of the Name Mapam Yutso
In the Tibetan language, Mapam Yutso means “Eternal Jade Lake.” This name reflects both the lake’s shimmering color and its deep religious symbolism. Historically, the name also represents the triumph of Buddhism over the ancient Bon religion in the 11th century, marking an important spiritual transformation in western Tibet.
The lake’s beauty and sanctity have been praised for centuries. The famous Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang (600–664) described it in his classic work Records of the Western Regions as a “jade pond in the West,” highlighting its unmatched purity and spiritual presence.
Manasarovar Lake in Buddhist, Hindu, and Tibetan Beliefs
Manasarovar Lake is revered on the same level as Mount Kailash, and the two are often worshipped together. In Buddhist scriptures, Mapam Yutso is referred to as the “mother of the world’s rivers,” symbolizing life, compassion, and purification.
In Hindu mythology, the lake is believed to be the sacred bathing place of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas. This belief makes Manasarovar one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.
According to Tibetan legends, the lake is the dwelling place of Guangcanlong, a powerful local deity. These overlapping beliefs give Manasarovar Lake a rare spiritual status that transcends religions and cultures.
Main Attractions Around Manasarovar Lake
Historically, nine monasteries were built around Manasarovar Lake, forming a sacred spiritual circuit. Among them, Jiwu Monastery and Chugu Monastery are the most well-known and frequently visited by pilgrims.
The area near Chugu Monastery is especially revered as a holy bathing site. Buddhists believe that bathing in the lake’s waters can cleanse the five negative aspects of the human spirit—greed, anger, ignorance, laziness, and jealousy—while also purifying the body. Many pilgrims collect small bottles of Manasarovar water to take home for family and friends as a sacred blessing.
The Four Sacred Bathing Gates of Manasarovar Lake
Manasarovar Lake is traditionally divided into four sacred bathing gates, each associated with a specific spiritual meaning:
- Lotus Bath (East) – symbolizing purity and rebirth
- Sweat Bath (South) – representing endurance and physical cleansing
- Filth-Removing Bath (West) – associated with removing sins and impurities
- Belief Bath (North) – connected to faith and inner devotion
Pilgrims often visit these bathing points as part of their spiritual journey around the lake.
The Four Source Rivers of Mapam Yutso
Manasarovar Lake is also associated with four symbolic river sources, reinforcing its reputation as the mother of rivers:
- Horse River (East)
- Lion River (North)
- Elephant River (West)
- Peacock River (South)
These symbolic waterways reflect ancient cosmological beliefs and help explain why Mapam Yutso has been regarded as the origin of life-giving waters in the Himalayan region.
Sacred Legends from Ancient Tibetan Texts
According to the ancient Tibetan text Gangdise Records, a mystical Naga palace lies hidden beneath the waters of Manasarovar Lake. This palace is said to contain countless treasures guarded by the Naga King, a powerful serpent deity.
The text claims that pilgrims who complete a circumambulation of the lake, or who obtain small sacred objects such as a fish, stone, or bird feather, may receive blessings and gifts from the Naga King. Such stories have strengthened the lake’s reputation as a place of spiritual reward and divine presence.
Spiritual Power and Living Faith at Manasarovar Lake
Buddhist devotees believe that the waters of Manasarovar Lake can cleanse both physical impurities and spiritual defilements, purifying the body, mind, and soul. At the same time, Hindus regard the lake as an essential part of their pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, reinforcing its role as a shared sacred landscape.
This convergence of myth, scripture, and living faith has made Manasarovar Lake one of the most spiritually significant natural sites in the world, attracting pilgrims and seekers year after year.