Kailasa is a mountain situated in the lofty regions to the north of the Himalaya, and celebrated in the traditions and myths of India. Mount Kailasa is said to be Lord Shiva`s paradise.
The word Kailasa in Sanskrit means `crystal`. In the Puranas Kailasa is described as a fabulous mountain to the west of Meru. This is a mountain of pure silver, brilliantly white, and the residence of Lord Shiva. Shiva resides at the peak of the Mount Kailasa. He mediates here and lives with his wife. Devi Parvati. Kubera, the god of riches use to reside near this mountain.
In earlier ages it was believed that all the mountains had wings but their flights were productive of so much mischief and danger. Lord Indra struck off their wings with his thunderbolts, and fixed them in their present position. Kailasa also had wings but was fixed ear the northern heights of the Himalayas.
Mount Kailasa in Hindu mythology is regarded as a heaven, the final end of souls and the spiritual center of the world. Some believe that this mountain is a Shiva Linga and Lake Manasarovara below is the yoni of His consort.
The Vishnu Purana refers Mount Kailasa as the center of the world. The four sides of Kailasa are made of ruby, crystal, gold, and lapis lazuli. It is the pillar of the world and is the center of the whole world. Mount Kailasa is positioned at the heart of six mountain ranges signifying a lotus. There are four rivers which streams down from the Kailasa and then flows to the four quarters of the earth and dividing it into four sections.
The Kailash Temple is the largest rock cut temple. There are many sculptures and paintings which portray stories relating to Lord Shiva and Parvati and Ravana, who tried to dislocate the god and goddess by shaking the mountain.
In tantric Buddhism, Mount Kailasa is represented as the domicile of Buddha Demchok who s personified as a god of supreme bliss. In Jainism Kailasa is referred as Mount Ashtapada. Rishabha Deva attained Moksha or Nirvana, spiritual liberation at Mount Kailasa.
