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Introduction
Mount Kailash is more than a mountain. It is a symbol of divine power, ancient mystery, and spiritual energy. Mount Kailash has been respected for thousands of years in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions. Its history is a mix of myth, legend, and mystery. While many sacred sites fade over time, Kailash continues to grow more powerful in faith, in silence, and in mystery.
What Is Mount Kailash?
Mount Kailash is in the remote western part of the Tibetan Plateau. It rises 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) above sea level. Despite not being the tallest mountain in the region, it is considered the most sacred peak in the world.
What makes it truly unique?
No one has ever climbed it
It is believed to be the axis mundi—the spiritual center of the universe
Four major rivers (Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali) originate near this peak
Mount Kailash in Hinduism
In Hindu belief, Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva—the god of destruction, meditation, and transformation. It is mentioned in several ancient scriptures:
Skanda Purana: Describes Kailash as the pillar of the world.
Shiva Purana: Refers to it as the eternal residence of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.
Ramayana and Mahabharata: Make symbolic references to the sacred Himalayas.
Pilgrims undertake the Mount Kailash Parikrama—a 52-km sacred circumambulation believed to erase a lifetime of sins.
Mount Kailash in Buddhism
In Tibetan Buddhism, Mount Kailash is known as Kang Rinpoche, meaning "Precious Snow Mountain."
It is believed to be the home of Demchok (Chakrasamvara)—a wrathful manifestation of Buddha.
The mountain is important in the teachings of Milarepa. He was a great Tibetan yogi who meditated in the area.
Tibetan Buddhists walk the kora (circumambulation) clockwise—a deeply spiritual journey.
Mount Kailash in Jainism and Bon Religion
In Jainism:
Mount Kailash is known as Ashtapada.
It is where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, attained Nirvana.
In Bon Religion (older than Tibetan Buddhism):
It is the seat of Shenrab Miwo, the founder of the Bon faith.
Followers perform the kora counter-clockwise, opposite of Buddhists and Hindus.
Historical Mentions and Textual Evidence
Mount Kailash has been referenced in ancient Indian scriptures for thousands of years:
Vedas (1500 BCE or earlier): Symbolic references to a sacred northern mountain
Puranas (1000 BCE–500 CE): Direct mentions of Kailash as Shiva's abode
Tibetan texts (8th century onward): Establish their role in Buddhism and Bon traditions
There is not much archaeological evidence because Kailash is remote and sacred. However, many ancient cultures share similar beliefs about it. This makes Kailash unique in religious history.
Why Has No One Climbed Mount Kailash?
This is one of the great unsolved mysteries of Mount Kailash. Despite being a "climbable" height, no verified successful ascent has ever occurred.
The reasons are:
Spiritual Prohibition: Climbing is considered a desecration
Unexplained Forces: Trekkers report strange experiences—rapid aging, disorientation
Chinese Government Restrictions: No permits are issued to submit
Even mountaineers like Reinhold Messner refused to climb, calling it a spiritual violation.
Read more: Kailash Parvat Mystery
Scientific & Geographical Theories
Scientists have tried to explore Kailash’s geology, but much remains unsolved:
Perfect pyramid-like shape with 4 symmetrical sides facing cardinal directions
Believed by some to be man-made or hollow inside
Magnetic anomalies reported near the peak
Linked with time dilation experiences during the parikrama
None of these have been proven or disproven conclusively, adding to the legend.
FAQs About Mount Kailash History
Q1. Is Mount Kailash mentioned in ancient Indian texts?
Yes, in Vedas, Puranas, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Q2. Who built Mount Kailash?
Spiritually, it is believed to be formed by divine energy, not built.
(For temple-related architecture, see our Kailash Darshan.)
Q3. Has anyone climbed Mount Kailash?
No. It remains unclimbed and protected spiritually and politically.
Q4. Why is Mount Kailash sacred to multiple religions?
Because each religion connects it to their highest deity or liberation point—Shiva, Demchok, Rishabhdev, and Shenrab Miwo.
Conclusion
Mount Kailash’s history is not written in monuments or ruins — it’s carved into the consciousness of humanity. It stands outside time, beyond politics, and above ego.
To some, it’s a peak.
To seekers, it’s a portal.
As thousands walk its path each year, one truth remains: Kailash doesn’t just show you the world… it shows you yourself.
