Om Parvat in Uttarakhand: Discovery and the Sacred Story Behind It
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The mystical Himalayas are home to countless sacred peaks, rivers, and temples, each carrying legends that intertwine faith, history, and geography. Among these wonders stands Om Parvat, a unique mountain in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, where the natural snow deposition forms a perfect pattern resembling the sacred symbol “ॐ” (Om). For Hindus and spiritual seekers, Om Parvat is not just a mountain – it is a divine manifestation of the eternal sound of the universe.
But how did Om Parvat come into the limelight? Who first discovered it, and what is the story that makes this peak so sacred? Let’s explore.
The existence of Om Parvat was not widely known to the world until the late 20th century. Locals in the Byans (Vyas) Valley of Pithoragarh were aware of its presence for centuries and considered it holy. However, recognition at a broader level came during border explorations and survey expeditions in the 1980s and 1990s.
First Recorded Sighting: Om Parvat was first brought to official attention by Indian border forces and survey teams patrolling the India–Nepal–Tibet (China) border area. The peak lies near Nabhidang, about 75 km from Dharchula, on the route to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and mountaineering surveyors are often credited with formally identifying and documenting Om Parvat.
Later, trekkers, yatris, and spiritual seekers began to flock to this region, and Om Parvat became one of the major attractions along the Adi Kailash–Om Parvat Yatra route.
Though the “discovery” is often attributed to modern surveyors, it is more accurate to say that Om Parvat was rediscovered, as locals and sages from the region had revered it for generations.
The most fascinating feature of Om Parvat is the natural snow formation on its black rock surface. The snow deposits clearly form the sacred syllable “ॐ”, visible from a distance. In Hinduism, “Om” is considered the primordial sound from which the universe was created. It symbolizes the ultimate reality, consciousness, and spiritual truth.
Seeing this eternal symbol carved by nature itself on a Himalayan peak is regarded as a divine miracle and a blessing for devotees.
Om Parvat is often compared to Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, as both mountains are believed to hold mystical powers.
Local legends say the Pandavas (from the Mahabharata) passed through this region during their journey to the Himalayas in search of liberation. Om Parvat is believed to have been one of the divine signs they encountered.
Om Parvat forms a crucial part of the Adi Kailash Yatra (Chhota Kailash Yatra). Pilgrims traveling to Adi Kailash also include Om Parvat Darshan in their journey. The view of the mountain is possible from Nabhidang, a vantage point on the route to Lipulekh Pass.
The area also has nearby spiritual sites like Parvati Sarovar, Gauri Kund, Kali Mandir at Kalapani, Ved Vyas Gufa, and Sheshnag Parvat, which add to the sacred aura of the region.
Om Parvat lies at an altitude of 6,191 meters (20,312 ft).
The best view is from Nabhidang (approx. 4,300 meters), where yatris and trekkers halt during the Adi Kailash–Om Parvat Yatra.
The mountain itself is in a restricted border zone, so climbing is not permitted. Devotees settle for darshan (viewing) from a safe distance.
It is the only mountain in the world where the natural formation of “ॐ” is visible.
Unlike man-made carvings or paintings, this symbol is formed purely by snow and remains visible throughout the year, though it appears clearest in summers and post-monsoon months.
The presence of such a divine symbol in the Himalayas strengthens the belief that this land is truly Devbhoomi – the Land of the Gods.
Om Parvat in Uttarakhand is not just a geographical wonder but also a divine symbol of faith and spirituality. Officially identified in the late 20th century by Indian border forces and survey teams, Om Parvat has since become a major pilgrimage destination. Yet, for the locals and sages, its sacredness was never in question – they always regarded it as a visible manifestation of the cosmic sound “ॐ”.
For spiritual seekers, a darshan of Om Parvat is said to be as powerful as visiting Mount Kailash itself. With the natural Om symbol etched in eternal snow, the mountain stands as a reminder of the timeless connection between nature and divinity in the Himalayas.