<P> Nanda Devi is a two - peaked massif, forming a 2 - kilometre - long (1.2 mi) high ridge, oriented east - west . The western summit is higher, and the eastern summit is called Sunanda Devi formerly known as Nanda Devi East is the lower one . The main summit stands guarded by a barrier ring comprising some of the highest mountains in the Indian Himalayas, twelve of which exceed 6,400 metres (21,000 ft) in height, further elevating its sacred status as the daughter of the Himalaya in Indian myth and folklore . The interior of this almost insurmountable ring is known as the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, and is protected as the Nanda Devi National Park . Sunanda Devi lies on the eastern edge of the ring (and of the Park), at the border of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts . </P> <P> Together the peaks may be referred to as the peaks of the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda . These goddesses have occurred together in ancient Sanskrit literature (Srimad Bhagvatam or Bhagavata Purana) and are worshipped together as twins in the Kumaon, Garhwal and as well as elsewhere in India . The first published reference to Nanda Devi East as Sunanda Devi appears to be in a recent novel (Malhotra 2011) that has the Kumaon region as backdrop . </P> <P> In addition to being the 23rd highest independent peak in the world, Nanda Devi is also notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain . It rises over 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) above its immediate southwestern base on the Dakkhini Nanda Devi Glacier in about 4.2 kilometres (2.6 mi), and its rise above the glaciers to the north is similar . This makes it among the steepest peaks in the world at this scale, closely comparable, for example, to the local profile of K2 . Nanda Devi is also impressive when considering terrain that is a bit further away, as it is surrounded by relatively deep valleys . For example, it rises over 6,500 metres (21,300 ft) above the valley of the Goriganga in only 50 km (30 mi). </P> <P> On the northern side of the massif lies the Uttari Nanda Devi Glacier, flowing into the Uttari Rishi Glacier . To the southwest, one finds the Dakkhini Nanda Devi Glacier, flowing into the Dakkhini Rishi Glacier . All of these glaciers are located within the Sanctuary, and drain west into the Rishiganga . To the east lies the Pachu Glacier, and to the southeast lie the Nandaghunti and Lawan Glaciers, feeding the Lawan Gad; all of these drain into the Milam Valley . To the south is the Pindari Glacier, draining into the Pindar River . Just to the south of Sunanda Devi, dividing the Lawan Gad drainage from the Dakkhini Nanda Devi Glacier, is Longstaff Col, 5,910 m (19,390 ft), one of the high passes that guard access to the Nanda Devi Sanctuary . For a list of notable peaks of the Sanctuary and its environs, see Nanda Devi National Park . </P>

Which of the following is the second highest mountain in india