THE ABODE OF THE GODS

Nestled in the cradle of the highest mountains on earth, it is not surprising that Nepal has come to be known as the kingdom where deities mingle with mortals. Here are the Himalaya, the "Abode of the Gods." Here, too, is Mount Everest, the world's greatest peak, known as Sagarmatha ("The Brow of the Oceans") by Nepalese.

Sherpa artists picture the peak as the god Chomolungma riding a snow lion through clouds of many hues. Ancient sages sought the highest climes for meditative seclusion, amongst gods who bestowed love or sudden anger on a worshipful people. Here are Gauri Shankar, home of Shiva and his consort, Parvati, Ganesh Himal, 'named for the elephant-headed god, Ganesh; and Annapurna, the goddess of plenty. The devotion of ages past remains among Nepalis today: whether Hindu, Buddhist or animist, the people of Nepal live close to their gods. Truth, no less colorful than fiction, has made Nepal one of the world's most incredible countries, a geographical wonder, an ethnological conundrum