By Swami Harshananda
Kailāsa has been revealed as the abode or world of Śiva in the Rāmāyana, the Mahābhārata and some Purānas. It is one of the northern peaks of the Himalayas. It is also called as Rajatādri which means the silver mountain. Devotees of Śiva who get liberation are believed to go to this world. The modern Kailāsa mountain is about 40 km(25 miles) from the famous Mānasarovara in Tibet. There is a Kailāsanatha temple at Kāñcīpuram also.
Historical Events at Kailāsa[edit]
- The Pāṇḍavas had visited this place during their pilgrimage while living in exile in the forest.
- According to the Śivapurāna, Kṛṣṇa is said to have performed austerities here to please Śiva.
- Alakāpurī, the capital of Kubera was also situated in this peak.
- Rāvaṇa had once tried to uproot it with his twenty hands but was severely punished by Śiva who just pressed his big toe and got him trapped.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore