Why are the Himalayas considered sacred? Opinion by Bhavya,9, Kolkata

There are numerous reasons to believe that the Himalayas are a holy place. The vast Himalayan range has immensely beautiful nature and innumerable amounts of natural herbs and vegetation that are unique only to those mountains. The river Ganga originates from Gomukh and the place is called Gangotri. People also travel from places all across the world to trek in these majestic mountains.

The Himalayas are considered sacred mainly in Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Many saints and ascetics meditate here in the Himalayas. It is also famously known as the abode of Lord Shiva. The Himalayan range is significant as Hindus claim it to be the dwelling of their gods and the Buddhists think of the Himalayas as the birthplace of the great Buddha.

The most holy peak in the vast mountain range is Mt Kailash as it is considered the residence of Lord Shiva. There are also many other holy places like Kedarnath,Badrinath,Amarnath cave and many more. The Himalayas are one of the big pilgrim centres in India.

There is a mountain called Om Parvat. If you look at it from the top you can see an Om. It is widely believed that this Om has been written by God.

The mountains are considered sacred because of many religious beliefs. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu have done tapasya here. Tapasya is an ancient type of meditation done to appease the gods. It is a common spot for saints and sages too. The cool climate and solitude attracts yogis to do their tapasya for long periods in these mountains.

The Himalayas have a considerable influence on the Indian subcontinent. They protect the Indian mainland from the chilly winds of the north coming from Siberia. If they had not been there, the Indian subcontinent would have been extremely cold and covered in snow throughout the year. The Himalayas are an important cause of rainfall in India. The mountain range helps in maintaining both the elements, climate, temperature and rainfall.  

The Himalayas are both spiritual and religious. The Himalayas are regarded as one of the most important, famous and religious places in the whole of India.