The Shiva mystery: Mount Kailash - Lord Shiva's abode Santha No human has managed to scale Mount Kailash. lord Shiva's home yet it has never been climbed by modern man, located in Tibet (ruled by Chinese govt.) 1. It’s Unclimbable Even though it’s shorter than Mt. Everest (which thousands have scaled), No one has reached its summit so far. Many claim this to be the bidding of supernatural forces, while scientists are left baffled. Many attempts have been made to get to the peak, but almost all of them were thwarted by extreme weather conditions the moment they set foot on the mountain, almost like the mountains didn’t want people climbing it. Several others claim that once on the mountain, navigation becomes impossible as directions become confusing, some even going as far to say that the mountain and it’s supernatural forces twist and turn directions. 2. Lord Shiva’s Abode According to Hindu Mythology, it is said that Lord Shiva along with this family reside in this mountain of black rock. This is among many reasons why Mt. Kailash is a holy pilgrimage for many. Devotees of Shiva come here for salvation, and feel many supernatural forces when they do so. Some even claim to have seen Lord Shiva himself, in his form as Neelkanth. 3. Known As Astapada By Jains This mountain isn’t just sacred to one religion, as it revered as the site at which their first prophet received enlightenment. Jains have a different name for this peak, Astapada, and they believe that the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, Rishaba, achieved liberation. 4. Also Known As Tise Along with Hindu and Jain mysticism regarding this mountain, an ancient religion, even before Buddhism came into play, has roots in this mountain. Adherents of Bon, an ancient shamanistic religion, call the mountain Tise, believing it to be the Goddess Sipaimen’s seat. A TO Z INDIA ● FEBRUARY 2022 ● PAGE 10