Most crystal users are aware of the special quality of Himalayan crystals in spiritual and healing work. Few are aware of similar experience with crystals from the Deccan basalt plateau and Sahyadri mountain ranges in Maharashtra State, of which Mumbai is the capital. Most of our crystals are sourced from this region.

As legends go, the Sahyadris were once the tallest mountain range in the world. At the time of Shiva's marriage with Parvati in the Himalayas, the whole world turned up North as guest. The earth was in danger of turning turtle under their combined weight, so Shiva sent the great Sage Agastya southwards, to singularly correct the balance. Sahyadri prostrated itself in honour of the approaching Rishi, remaining thus ever since, which accounts for its diminished height as compared to the Himalayas!

In geological terms, the Sahyadri range is of greater antiquity than the Himalayas. It is a beautiful rocky and forested region full of ancient power spots, in its cool wilderness sanctuaries fed by perennial streams, pools and subterranean water channels. The Deccan basalt plateau is a part of the region of the Sahyadris, ringed by its many cliffs and canyons. Its mountains are among the highest rainfall regions in India, and its deep forest cover nurtures an incredible range of biodiversity. Its animals range from tigers, leopards, wild bison, bear, many deer species, wild boar, the ubiquitous monkeys and so on, while its birds and reptiles are of an equally impressive range and multitude! The Western Ghats (analogous to the Sahyadris) are an ever increasing magnet for amateur mountaineers, hang gliders and trekkers, the latter especially in the rainy season lasting from June to September every year.

So also, legion are the hermitages of sadhus and gurus all over the place in this region, including its most remote and inaccessible terrain, which make for a strong sense of peace, serenity and healing. The entire region resonates with the guru presence, its many legends intertwined with the archetypal teacher in the form of Guru Dattatreya (see Guru Purnima). Maharashtra is known all over India as the land of saints and gurus. It is a tradition that is well-preserved to this day, drawing inspiration and illumination from the pristine power spots located in its natural environs.

The vibrations of the goddesses of abundance and protection also strongly imbue the region and the consciousness of its people. These goddess or Earth energies are known to manifest strongly in its forests and wooded areas, in its water bodies and especially atop the many mountain peaks.

Maharashtra, and the Sahyadris in particular, are also known as the haunts of the legendary immortal adepts, the ascetic men of power, the Navnaths (Siddhas). There is hardly any village in this region left untouched by tales of the Navnaths, and one frequently encounters here, groups that identify with these ancient spiritual traditions. Many people vouch for the presence of forest and cave-dwelling immortal yogis here, who are engaged in rigorous spiritual practices for universal well-being.

The experience of the panchamahabhuta, or the five primordial elements that permeate the cosmos with life force and sentience, is close at hand on these energised planes. It explains the frequent encounter with swayambhu – shaped by no hand – stones and crystals that manifest forms and symbols of divine iconography. This imparts a special quality to the rocks and minerals mined in this region. The rest is for us to explore, experiment and understand.

[en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Ghats; http://www.geocities.com/drchengalva/;
sahyadri.himadventures.net; www5.brinkster.com/sahyadri;
www.gagangiri.org/pub_images.htm;
www.trekshitiz.com/Photos/Default.asp?PagePosition= ]