Significance of Snowy Mountain
The keyphrase Snowy Mountain encompasses a variety of geographical and cultural significances across different contexts in South Asia. Geographically, it refers to a mountainous region characterized by high peaks and a cold climate, surrounding areas like Bamiyan and Kuluta, while also influencing local climates and ecosystems. Culturally, Snowy Mountain holds significance in Tibetan Buddhism and Hindu texts, symbolizing sacred sites and spiritual growth, as well as being portrayed as locations of mythological importance, such as the descent of the Ganga River.
Synonyms: Snow-capped mountain
In Dutch: Besneeuwde berg; In Finnish: Luminen vuori
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Snowy Mountain'
Snowy Mountain in Buddhism symbolizes spiritual purity, representing the Samgha's growth, housing sacred elements like the golden lotus in Anavatapta, and serving as a significant geographical and spiritual site for sacred practices.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The Snowy Mountains (Himavat) contain the lake Anavatapta, which is significant because it is home to a special golden lotus made of seven jewels.[1] (2) Symbolizes a pure and sacred place, representative of the abundance of spiritual growth found within the Samgha.[2] (3) The Himalaya region, described as beneficial for spiritual practitioners due to its environment that helps overcome desires and delusions.[3]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The preferred location for finding a powerful white ox whose excrement is suitable for creating the sacred platform.[4]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The geographical setting within which the prophesied country lha ldan is located.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Snowy Mountain'
In Hinduism, Snowy Mountain symbolizes the source of the Ganga River, the sacred Himalayas where spiritual austerity is practiced, and is referenced in Rig-veda rituals, reflecting its significance in spirituality and atonement.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the Himalayas, described as a place where the king practiced austerities to atone for his forefathers' sins.[6] (2) The mountain from which Ganga, the daughter, descends to the earth.[7]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) An important setting in the narrative where the Muni Durvascis performs his austerities, symbolizing the theme of spiritual discipline.[8]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A phrase from a Rig-veda verse used in the offerings on the north side of the fire.[9]
The concept of Snowy Mountain in local and regional sources
Snowy Mountain encompasses various geographical features impacting the climate and landscape of surrounding regions, including the Po-mi-lo valley and the kingdom of Bamiyan, noted for its high peaks, snow coverage, and perilous terrain.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The great mountain range located to the south of the T'sung-ling mountains.[10] (2) A geographical feature of the country, indicating a mountainous region covered in snow.[11] (3) Mountains referenced in relation to the rest-houses established by the householder.[12] (4) The mountains backing Lan-po on the north.[13] (5) A range of mountains located to the south of the Thousand Springs region.[14]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Mountains that are covered with snow in both summer and winter.[15]