Hinduism: Details about 'Lake Manasarovar'
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Lake Manasarovar (also known as Lake Manasarowar or "Lake Mansarovar" or Mapam Yumco Lake) is a lake on the Tibetan Plateau near Mount Kailash and Lake Rakshastal. It is considered to be the highest freshwater lake in the world (4585m). The Sutlej River, the Brahmaputra River (the Tsangpo), the Indus River, and the Karnali River all trace their sources to its close vicinity. Manasarovar is very holy to Hindus in India and some make the pilgrimage every year to visit this lake (in China). According to Hindu mythology, the lake was first created in the mind of the Lord Brahma. Hence, in Sanskrit it is called "Manasarovar", which is a combination of the words Manas (mind) and Sarovar (lake). More details about this mythology can be found at this external link: . The Lake, in Hindu mythology, is also supposed to be the summer abode of swans, who are considered as very wise and sacred birds. Lake Manasarowar is relatively round in shape, and has a few monastaries on its shores. The most notable of which is the ancient Chew Monastary, which has been built right onto a steep hill. It looks as if it has been carved right out of the rock. Mapam Yumco |
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