The death of mountaineer Arun Kumar Tiwari during his descent from Mount Everest has drawn attention not only because of the dangers associated with high-altitude climbing, but also because of the spiritual and cultural bond many Hindus continue to share with the Himalayas.
Tiwari, a 53-year-old IT professional and passionate mountaineer, from Hyderabad, reportedly reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 21, 2026. However, while descending near the Hillary Step, deep inside Everest’s “death zone”, he reportedly began vomiting blood and later succumbed despite assistance from Sherpa climbers accompanying him.
Another climber, Sandeep Are, also reportedly died during the descent after being brought down to Camp II by rescuers.
According to expedition organisers, recovering bodies from above 8,000 metres is extremely dangerous and logistically complex. The expedition team stated that evacuation from the death zone requires multiple Sherpas and exposes rescuers to avalanches, severe cold, low oxygen levels, and unpredictable weather conditions.
However, what stood out prominently was the response from Tiwari’s family members, who viewed his death not merely as a mountaineering tragedy but as a spiritual union with the Himalayas. Tiwari is survived by his wife and two children.
The family reportedly decided against attempting recovery of his body, saying the Himalayas were the abode of Bhagwan Shiva and that Tiwari should remain there permanently.
“Tiwari loved the Himalayas — the abode of Bhagwan Shiva, the Devabhoomi and Vaikhuntdham. He is with Bhagwan Shiva now,” his brother-in-law Sudhir Upadhyaya said.
Family members reportedly described his passing as a form of spiritual “samadhi”, while also pointing to the severe technical and physical challenges involved in body recovery operations at such extreme altitudes.
Tiwari himself was an accomplished mountaineer with more than two decades of climbing experience. He had previously summited Mt Elbrus in Russia, Mt Denali in the United States, and Mt Aconcagua in Argentina, apart from several other peaks. He had also attempted Everest earlier in 2025.
For Hindus, the emotional response of Tiwari’s family reflects a much deeper civilisational and spiritual connection with the Himalayas. The Himalayan mountain range is viewed not merely as a geographical formation from western stretches near Afghanistan to the eastern borders of India, but as an inseparable part of Bharat’s heritage, culture, and spiritual consciousness.
From ancient times, Hindu Puranas, epics, and spiritual traditions have associated the Himalayas with tapasya, moksha, and divine presence. The mountains are regarded as Devabhoomi — the land of the Devas — and as the eternal abode of Bhagwan Shiva.
Several sacred Hindu shrines, including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Amarnath, and Kailash, are located in the Himalayan region. Ancient rishis and munis are believed to have travelled deep into the mountains for tapasya and meditation.
Across centuries, countless people have journeyed to the Himalayas — some for pilgrimage, some for spiritual penance, and others for exploration and mountaineering. Many have lost their lives amid the harsh and unpredictable terrain, while others disappeared in the snow-covered ranges. Yet the spiritual and emotional bond between Bharat and the Himalayas has remained intact for generations.
The response of Arun Kumar Tiwari’s family once again highlighted how, for many Hindus, the Himalayas continue to symbolise not only natural grandeur, but also the sacred presence of Bhagwan Shiva and the spiritual soul of Bharat.
