Kailash

Kailash is a masculine given name used in Hindi and Marathi, derived from Mount Kailash, a sacred Himalayan peak believed in Hindu tradition to be the paradise of the god Shiva.

Etymology

The name ultimately comes from Sanskrit kelāsa, meaning "crystal," perhaps alluding to the mountain's perennial snow cover. Mount Kailash, also known as Kailasa, Gang Tise, or Kangrinboqê, stands at 6,638 m in the Tibet Autonomous Region, near the sources of the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Ghaghara rivers.

Religious Significance

In Hindu mythology, Mount Kailash is the abode of Shiva and his consort Parvati. The mountain is also sacred in Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Pilgrims from across Asia undertake a ritual circumambulation (kora) of the peak, often trekking to nearby Lake Manasarovar.

Notable Bearers

Notable bearers include Kailash Kher, an Indian playback singer known for blending Sufi and folk music, and Kailash Satyarthi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and child-rights activist. Both in their respective fields have brought global recognition to the name.

• Meaning: Derived from Sanskrit "crystal"
• Origin: Sanskrit, via the sacred mountain
• Type: First name, masculine
• Usage: Hindi, Marathi