Panchanan Kailas

Mount Kailas is also known as ‘Panchanan Kailas’ (5-facet). In circumambulation of Mount Kailas, it reflects the five elements of life such as prithvi, jal, agni, vayu and akash (i.e. earth, water, fire, wind, and sky). Lord Siva’s world-related chores include creation, administration and destruction etc. The earth becomes instrumental in creation, water supports life and its growth, fire destroys, wind carries everyone from one place to another, while the sky shelters us.

To perform these five acts, Lord Siva has five faces. The four faces are on four sides: east, west, north and south. The fifth face is in the middle. Similarly, there are five statues of Lord Siva. The 5-syllable mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay’ as also born out of the Omkar, a depiction of Lord Siva’s reflection. The mantra can realize one’s all desires and dreams. It also fulfills life at earth and also salvation.