UNMELTED SNOW CAP ON THE CROWN OF MOUNT KAILASH AND MANSAROVAR LAKE AS DIGNIFIED LAKE: BOTH ARE SACRED PLACES OF SHIVA AND PARVATI

Dr. Dhrubo Jyoti Sen*

Mount Kailash is a deeply sacred mountain in Tibet revered as a holy pilgrimage site by four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bön.

Religious Significance
 Hinduism: It is believed to be the ultimate abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, where Shiva sits in deep meditation. It is also viewed as the cosmic axis (Axis Mundi) and the center of the spiritual universe.
 Buddhism: Known as Kang Rinpoche (Precious Snow Jewel), Buddhists view it as the home of the deity Demchok, representing supreme harmony and ultimate bliss.
 Jainism: It is called Mount Ashtapada, the sacred site where Rishabhadeva, the first Jain Tirthankara (creator of their faith), attained spiritual liberation (moksha).
 Bön: The indigenous pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition regards Kailash as a seat of immense spiritual power and the place where founder Tonpa Shenrab descended from heaven. Mount Kailash is a sacred 6,638-meter peak in Tibet shrouded in spiritual mysteries, climbing prohibitions, and geographical legends.