John Muir mentioned, quote," Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt."
This article takes it into the literal sense and the dirt paths are the tough, mesmerizing, beautiful landscapes that take you on a journey that will be one hell of an experience. Some peaks are sacred because of various regional beliefs and before you take on that arduous journey be respectful to the beliefs and treat them as you own.
Nanda Devi is the second highest peak in India, just after the staggering Kangchenjunga. It is the 23rd highest peak in the world. The Garhwal and Kumaon regions, where the mountain is, have a very religious history related to it woven around the Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu Mythology.
When the daughter of the King of Chanda Dynasty of Chamoli, princess Nanda ran away from the wily prince of Rohilla, the legend goes that she climbed the snowy peaks of the mountain and merged and became one, hence the name, NANDA DEVI. She is believed to be the avatar of Goddesses Durga and an angry avatar, so respect and beware.
The name literally means, “The Goddess which gives Bliss.”
Mount Fuji, is the most sacred mountain of Japan and is worshipped by both Shintonese and Buddhists. Mount Fuji is an active volcano and has plenty of freshwater resources which makes it scary and important at the same time.
The Shinto religion worships it because of the volcano and worships it like a Mountain Spirit or Yama no Kami: the Goddess Konohana Sakuya Hime (Princess Blossoms of the Trees).
The Buddhist religion believes that when you reach the top you will receive salvation because Amida Buddha resides on the top of the mountain.
Mount Agung is also an active volcano and according to predictions is going to erupt soon, again. There are 4 mountains and all the mountains are considered sacred.
As Hindus, Balinese people also believe that mountains are the residing place of Gods. Mount Agung is the dwelling place of Mahadewa, the supreme manifestation of Lord Shiva.
According to the other and more interesting legend, one day the gods looked down on Bali and thought that it is floating over the ocean and might be very unstable, so they placed mountains to stabilize the island and also made them active to protect the island from any foreign influence.
Mount Sinai is also known as Moutain of Moses or Mount Hareh and if not for religious context, this mountain would be insignificant otherwise. The mountain is significantly important to Judaism, Christianity and the Islamic community.
In the Jewish tradition, it is the place where God spoke to Moses and gave him the 10 commandments which can be compared to the Bhagavad Gita.
Mount Kailash is the one of mountains that have never been climbed by humans, at least the people are not alive to tell the tales. It has been a mysterious and sacred place for Hindus, Jainism and Buddhists.
According to Hindu mythology, the mountain is believed to be the throne of Lord Shiva and the center of cosmos rotation. According to Buddhism mythology the mountain hosts the great tantric meditation God, Demchong.
Some random person once said, “ Mountain climbing is long period of boredom interspersed with a few moments of sheer terror.”
Also, if you ever get a chance to visit some of these places, respect the beliefs and religions of the place and keep it clean.
