Nandi Parvat

The Nandi Parvat holds a very special place in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Situated close to Mount Kailash, this mountain is believed to represent Nandi, the divine bull which is the vehicle and devoted guardian of Lord Shiva. 

Pilgrims from around the world visit this region not only to seek blessings from Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar but also to offer their prayers to Nandi Parvat.

In Hindu belief, Nandi is known as the loyal attendant and messenger of Lord Shiva. He sits outside the gates of Kailash Parvat, facing his Lord who is always ready to convey the prayers of devotees. The shape of Nandi Parvat itself is said to resemble a seated bull, symbolizing Nandi in his posture of devotion. 

At an altitude of around 5,800 meters, Nandi Parvat stands beside Mount Kailash as if guarding it. Pilgrims believe that every prayer offered here is carried by Nandi to Lord Shiva, especially since the Lord is said to be in deep meditation atop Kailash. Thus, Nandi Parvat is not just a mountain, it is seen as a spiritual messenger between the human and the god.

According to Hindu mythology, Nandi was born to Sage Shilada and was blessed by the gods for his great devotion. From a young age, Nandi spent his life in prayers and meditation, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. When Shiva appeared before him, pleased with his devotion, he granted Nandi a divine form which was half-human and half-bull and appointed him as his vehicle (vahana) and chief of all attendants (Ganas).

In another version of the story, Nandi was born to Kashyapa and Surabhi and was destined to live only a short life. Saddened by this fate, he began intense worship of Lord Shiva. Moved by his faith, Shiva blessed him with immortality. From then on, Nandi became the eternal guardian of Mount Kailash.

Even today, devotees believe that when they whisper their wishes into the ears of Nandi’s statue in temples, their prayers reach Lord Shiva. 

Nandi Parvat is part of the Inner Kora, a sacred circuit around Mount Kailash. This section is known as the most challenging part of the journey.

The Nandi Inner Kora allows devotees to see not only Nandi Parvat, but also other sites such as Ashtapada, Kuber Kund, Atmalingam, Dakshinmurti Shivalaya, and the Saptrishi Caves. 

It is said that only those who are spiritually called and physically prepared can complete this path, as it requires trekking through steep and high-altitude terrain. But those who do complete it describe the journey as life-changing.

At every step of this route, pilgrims can feel a deep connection to the mythology of Lord Shiva. 

Facts about Nandi Parvat

• The shape of Nandi Parvat is said to look exactly like a bull when viewed from a distance near Dirapuk Monastery.

• Nandi Parvat is believed to protect the northern face of Mount Kailash

• Many yogis and saints have meditated near this mountain, believing it to be a place where prayers are instantly heard.

• Devotees believe that the sound of winds blowing through this valley resembles the chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” if heard carefully.

The faith surrounding Nandi Parvat extends beyond Hinduism. Followers of Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions also view the mountain holy.

The mountain, though still and silent, seems to echo the same truth that Nandi represents: complete devotion to the divine.

To experience the divine presence of Nandi Parvat and the power of Kailash Yatra, visit www.kailashmansarovaryatra.in and discover more about this journey.