Nanda Parbat, Rama Kushna and Batman

In the DC (comic) universe, Nanda Parbat is a city sequestered within the upper reaches of Tibet. Modelled on Shangri-la - from Hilton's Lost Horizon - it is presided over by a death goddess named Rama Kushna and is teeming with pseudo-Buddhist monks. While originally created in 1967 as a backdrop for the superhero Deadman, the city has been incorporated into plots for other DC superheroes including Batman.

In certain storylines, the city serves as a rehab-centre for supervillains. In others, it provides the setting for training in eastern mysticism for superheroes. Some of the techniques used by Batman which he gained after rigorous study at Nanda Parbat include Nirvikalpa Samadhi and Thögal meditation. These techniques receive prominent mention in Batman #663 and in The Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul.

Indian connection

Weak

Connotations

Neutral

Nanga Parbat - the ninth highest peak in the world - is located in a disputed part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Batman reference to Nirvikalpa Samadhi reads as in the following excerpt:

"If it's him, there has to be more. He always leaves a clue. A pattern. You know that," the Batman says, slowing his breathing to trigger Delta-wave activity before entering Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the supreme meditative state.
"Are you listening to me at all?" Gordon says. Batman nods curtly, very still and silent, scanning for the pattern he knows is there. When he finds it, the corners of his mouth twitch upwards. The Joker always plays to his theme.

Nanda Parbat, Rama Kushna and Batman

Tags