To the people of the region the massive peaks of the Himalayan Mountains are the dwelling places of the gods. It's understandable that theior massive presence should convey a sense of the eternal.
To the Hidus the Himalayas are central to their cosmology. They regard the peaks as the Petals of the Golden Lotus, that the god Vishnu created in the intial formation of the universe. They belive that the god Shiva lives on Mt Kailas, where he meditates, to provide spiritual force that sustains the cosmos.
The Tibetans believe that the Himalayas are the sacred places for mystical powers. The highest peak, Mt Everest, is called Chomolungma by the Tibetans, meaning Goddess Mother of the Earth. Annapurna means Giver of Life. Prominent among Tibetan mythology is Mt Kangchenjunga. Its five peaks are the residence of the God of Wealth, whose in safe keeping are the five treasures of gold, silver, copper, corn and sacred books.