Kinnaur Kailash
Description
The Palani hill is an offshoot of the Western Ghats. The main deity here is Lord Dandayudapaani (manifestation of Lord Muruga), whose shrine stands on top of the hill consisting of 660 steps. It is one of the Aaru padai veedu or six holy shrines associated with Lord Muruga.
Religion and Mythology
Kinnaur Kailash is considered sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist Kinnauris. The mountain is revered as a huge shivalingam, a representation of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology Kinnaur Kailash is the legendary home of Lord Shiva, who is said to retire here each winter to meditate.
Every year thousands of pilgrims perambulate this peak on religious pilgrimages known as Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama.The trek is a 44-kms route that takes about 3 to 4 days.
Ecological Attributes
The region is a cold dessert. Vegetation is sparse and consists primarily of hardy grasses.
Location: Kinnaur valley, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 6050 meters