Observations placeholder
Shaivism - Concepts and symbols - Mountain
Identifier
022494
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
The imagery is very like a mandala, with the cosmic mountain. And of course there are associations with the linga and yoni. The cosmic egg and the three worlds.
A description of the experience
Alain Danielou – Gods of Love and Ecstasy: The traditions of Shiva and Dionysus
Kailasa in Tibet appears to be only a snowy peak where storms rage. For the "seeing person", however, it has a completely different aspect.
Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita, chap. 18,44
Kailisa, the mountain on which the paradise of Shiva is situated, is covered with marvellous gardens. The court of the god is composed of all kinds of animals, nymphs and spirits, as well as his faithful companions. It is a place of delight, where everything which leads to happiness is found. There lives Shiva, in the form of a naked Yogi.
Shiva Purana,, Rudra Samhita, chap. 40,22-36
Kailasa is the blessed and splendid mountain where Shiva dwells. There live also the Kinnaras (with goats 'feet), the Apsaras (nymphs), the Siddhas (the elect ), and other heavenly spirits. The mountain is of a great height, its sparkling peaks sown with many-coloured precious stones and other ores. All sorts of trees and creepers are found, hinds, fallow-deer, gazelle, and thousands of birds. The nymphs play there with their lovers in the springs and pools, in grottoes and on the peaks. The trees have silver hues. There are many animals there,. tigers and others, but they are not ferocious. There, nature is shining and inspires wonder and admiration, The Ganges, which springs from the mountain, purifies and sanctifies all things,.. Not far off lies AIaka, the city of Kubera (the guardian of the treasure), and the garden of perfumes, (Saugandhika), with every variety of tree. Their murmuring makes divine music. Around the mountain run the rivers Nanda and Alakananda, a sole glance at which effaces every fault.
The nymphs go down to drink their waters, worn out by their amorous games, they come here to refresh themselves. Further off is the Pippala, the fig-tree under which Shiva practises Yoga. There are no nests in it. It gives deep shade. It is magnificent and sacred.
Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita, chap. 39,38-42.
The moon takes the place of his [Shiva’s] crown; his third eye is the adornment of his forehead and the snakes become his jewel-encrusted earrings. The snakes encircling the other parts of his body become ornaments studded with jewels. … His beauty is indescribable. He seems to possess all riches.
