Kailasha Mountain

Lord Shiva and Kailasha Mountain: (कैलाश)

• Lord Shiva has his abode in the Kailasha Mountain. Lake Manasarovara is located nearby.

• Shiva Purana (Sacrifice of Daksha) describes Kailasha Mountain as follows:

After the destruction of the yagna of Daksha, the defeated devas went to Lord Brahma and told their tale of sufferings. Lord Brahma feeling pained at heart went to Lord Vishnu with the devas and took his refuge. Lord Vishnu suggested that all of them go to Lord Shiva, ask his forgiveness and eulogize him. Thereafter Brahma, Vishnu and the devas went to the Himalayas (Kailasha). The place was beautiful with snow-clad mountains, mountain caves and several springs. It was decorated with several types of trees. Kinnaras, apsaras, yogis and siddhas visited that place. The tigers and other creatures shed their natural enmity and lived there. The auspicious river Ganga, originating from the holy abode of Sati, flowed there. Looking at the Kailasha mountain which was dear to Lord Shiva, the gods and sages felt surprised. There was also the divine city called Alaka, the abode of Kubera, close by. There was also a forest of lotus flowers around which birds were chirping. Two rivers Nanda and Alakananda were flowing around it. After passing through the city of Alaka, they came to a huge Banyan tree. It was the place where Lord Shiva is engaged in Yoga. It was the abode of the Mumukshus (persons desirous of Moksha). Lord Shiva was meditating under that Banyan tree. Sanaka, Sanandana and other great Yogis were there. Lord Shiva was in the form of a Yogi with ashes applied all over his body. He was seated on Kusha grass. His left foot was placed over his right thigh. Rudraksha beads were hanging from his forearam. He was displaying the Tarka Mudra. Lord Vishnu and the devas offered their salutations. Lord Shiva welcomed them. They started eulogizing Lord Shiva and prayed him to heal the wounded devas and complete the sacrifice of Daksha. Sage Vasishtha will officiate the sacrifice and the share of Lord Rudra will be kept there.
(Shiva Purana - Rudra Samhita - Sati Khanda - 40)