Kailas-Manasarovar. Foreword by tthe Hon'ble Shree Pandi Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India.

Calcutta: S.P. League, Ltd., 1949. First edition in English, Tall octavo. xiii, [1], 242 pp. plus numerous full page photographic illustrations and all ten maps called for at the rear of the book (loose as issued). Publisher's vivid moire-like green cloth with spine lettering in black. Photographic dust jacker with a large chip at the base of the spine and smaller ones elsewhere. A very clean and complete copy in the original dust jacket.This title is the only one not strictly Buddhist on the list. The sacredness of the Roof of the World has been with humanity from time immemorial. In the early 2oth century the area was given prominence in the West by Madame Blavatsky who claimed that the "Hidden Masters" were all Tibetans. But the area holds power for many religions of the area. Mount Kailash is the most sacred mountain in Asia. As the tallest amongst the surrounding mountains, it stands alone deep within the Himalayas of Tibet and is only accessible through treacherous roads and hikes. Its majestic qualities lay within its unique shape; its sides point out towards each cardinal direction. The mountain’s physical appearance isn’t the only thing that makes its special. Kailash is a sacred site for many religions in the area. In Buddhist and Hindu cosmology, Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mount Semeru, which is the spiritual center of the universe. Mount Kailash holds significant power, as the very tip of the mountain is the central point of the cosmos’ rotation. In the Hindu tradition, the mountain is the throne of the great god Shiva. In Buddhism, the mountain hosts the greatest tantric meditation god, Demchong, who represents supreme bliss. Before Buddhism even took root in Tibet, the native Bon religion saw Mount Kailash as being sacred. In Bon mythology, Mount Kailash is the site where their founder Shenrab came down from heaven. Therefore, followers of the Bon religion believe that the entire region surrounding Kailash is mystical and that the mountain is a nine-story swastika that is the seat of all spiritual power. For all of these religions, Mount Kailash is the source of the four rivers that are able to give life; the Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej and Karnal. These four religions all believe that to walk around the Lake is a spiritual act that brings much benefit to the pilgrim. It is likely the most ancient pilgrimage in the world: The Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and the Bon Po have been circumambulating the mountain for millennia.Swami Pranavananda, also known as Yugacharya Srimat Swami Pranavananda Ji Maharaj, (1896-1941) was a Hindu yogi and saint who founded a not-for-profit and spiritual organization known as the Bharat Sevashram Sangha. He is remembered for his pioneering efforts to bring the modern Hindu society into the new age without compromising the essential values of ancient traditions of Hindu spirituality. Swamiji was one of the greatest spiritual leaders of modern India. He is still revered very much for his message of universal love, compassion for all humanity and social reform without giving up the nationalist zeal, the love of mother land. This is his famous account of his pilgrimage around Lake Manasarovar.