Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore a hidden cave that holds a secret treasure? Well, if you are a devotee of Lord Shiva or a lover of adventure, you might want to visit Shivkhori, a mysterious cave shrine of Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Shivkhori, which means “the cave of Shiva”, is a natural cave that is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The cave is about 200 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 2 to 3 meters high. Inside the cave, there is a natural shivling, a symbol of Lord Shiva, that is constantly bathed by a milky water stream. The cave also has idols of other deities, such as Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Nandi, etc.
Shivkhori is not only a place of worship, but also a place of wonder. The cave is full of surprises, such as different rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, that resemble various shapes and figures. Some of these are said to have miraculous powers, such as curing diseases, granting wishes, and fulfilling desires.
Shivkhori is also a place of legend. According to a popular story, a demon named Bhasmasura obtained a boon from Lord Shiva that he could turn anyone into ashes by touching their head. Bhasmasura then tried to test his power on Lord Shiva himself, who ran away from him and hid in this cave. Lord Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, a beautiful woman, then tricked Bhasmasura into touching his own head and turning himself into ashes. The ashes of Bhasmasura can still be seen at the entrance of the cave.
Shivkhori is a place that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. It is one of the most revered and visited shrines of Lord Shiva in India. It is especially crowded during the festivals of Maha Shivaratri and Shiv Khori festival, when devotees flock to the cave to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
If you are planning to visit Shivkhori, here are some things you need to know:
What to Expect at Shivkhori
To reach the cave, you have to trek for about 3 km from the base camp. The trek is scenic and pleasant, with green hills, forests, and streams along the way. You can also hire a pony or a palanquin for the trek.
The cave entrance is narrow and low, so you have to bend down and crawl to enter. The cave is dark and damp, so you need to carry a torch and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The cave is also slippery and uneven, so you need to be careful and watch your step.
The main attraction of the cave is the natural shivling, which is about 4 feet high and 7.5 feet in circumference. The shivling is covered by a cloth and decorated with flowers and vermilion. The shivling is surrounded by a water pool, which is said to have healing properties. You can touch the shivling and offer prayers, but you cannot take any photographs inside the cave.
The cave also has other idols and rock formations that are worth seeing. Some of these are:
- A rock formation that resembles the head of Lord Shiva, with a snake around his neck and a crescent moon on his forehead.
- A rock formation that resembles the head of Lord Ganesha, with a trunk and ears.
- A rock formation that resembles the head of Lord Kartikeya, with six faces and twelve eyes.
- A rock formation that resembles the head of Goddess Parvati, with a crown and earrings.
- A rock formation that resembles the head of Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva, with horns and eyes.
- A rock formation that resembles the head of a lion, with a mane and teeth.
- A rock formation that resembles a cow, with udders and a tail.
- A rock formation that resembles a pigeon, with wings and a beak.
- A rock formation that resembles a lotus, with petals and a stem.
- A rock formation that resembles a conch, with a spiral and a mouth.
The cave is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person. The duration of the visit is about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the crowd and your interest.
How to Reach Shivkhori
Shivkhori is located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is about 140 km from Jammu, the nearest major city and airport.
Udhampur is the nearest town and railway station to Shivkhori. From Udhampur, you can hire a taxi, a bus, or an auto to reach Shivkhori. The road is hilly and winding, but offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys.
Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus from Jammu to Shivkhori, which takes about 4 hours and costs Rs. 200-300.
Best Time to Visit Shivkhori
Shivkhori can be visited throughout the year, as the weather is pleasant and moderate. However, the best time to visit Shivkhori is from October to March, when the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, and the sky is clear and sunny. This is also the peak season for tourism, as many festivals and events are celebrated during this time.
Some of the special occasions and festivals that are celebrated at Shivkhori are:
Maha Shivaratri: This is the most auspicious and popular festival of Lord Shiva, which falls in February or March. On this day, devotees observe a fast, perform rituals, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The cave is decorated with lights and flowers, and a grand procession is carried out from the base camp to the cave. The festival attracts lakhs of pilgrims from all over the country and abroad.
Shiv Khori festival: This is a three-day festival that is organized by the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board every year in July or August. The festival showcases the cultural and religious diversity of Jammu and Kashmir, with various cultural programs, exhibitions, competitions, and stalls. The festival also provides a platform for local artists, craftsmen, and traders to showcase their talent and products. The festival draws thousands of tourists and locals to Shivkhori.
Guru Purnima: This is a festival that is celebrated to honor the spiritual and academic teachers, which falls in July or August. On this day, devotees pay homage to their gurus and seek their blessings. The cave is illuminated with lamps and candles, and a special puja is performed at the shivling.
Some of the tips and suggestions for visiting Shivkhori during different seasons and events are:
- If you are visiting Shivkhori during the winter season, make sure to carry warm clothes, as the temperature can drop to 5°C at night.
- If you are visiting Shivkhori during the rainy season, make sure to carry an umbrella or a raincoat, as the rainfall can be heavy and unpredictable.
- If you are visiting Shivkhori during the festival season, make sure to book your accommodation and transport in advance, as the demand and prices can be high.
- If you are visiting Shivkhori during the off-season, make sure to check the availability and timings of the transport and facilities, as some of them may be closed or reduced.
Tips for Visiting Shivkhori
Here are some useful and practical tips for visiting Shivkhori:
The timings of the cave are from 6 am to 6 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person. The duration of the visit is about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the crowd and your interest.
- The trek to the cave is about 3 km from the base camp. The trek is scenic and pleasant, but can be tiring and challenging for some people. You can also hire a pony or a palanquin for the trek, which costs Rs. 300-500 per person.
- The cave entrance is narrow and low, so you have to bend down and crawl to enter. The cave is dark and damp, so you need to carry a torch and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. The cave is also slippery and uneven, so you need to be careful and watch your step.
- The main attraction of the cave is the natural shivling, which is constantly bathed by a milky water stream. You can touch the shivling and offer prayers, but you cannot take any photographs inside the cave.
There are many facilities and amenities available at Shivkhori, such as parking, food, accommodation, etc. You can find a large parking area near the base camp, where you can park your vehicle for a nominal fee. You can also find a variety of food stalls and restaurants near the base camp, where you can enjoy local and regional cuisines, such as rajma chawal, kachori, kulcha, etc. You can also find a number of hotels and guest houses near the base camp, where you can stay for a reasonable price. Some of the popular hotels and guest houses are:
Shiv Khori Guest House: This is a budget-friendly guest house that offers basic facilities and services, such as clean rooms, attached bathrooms, hot water, etc. The guest house is located near the base camp, and charges Rs. 500-1000 per night.
Hotel Devika: This is a mid-range hotel that offers comfortable facilities and services, such as spacious rooms, air conditioning, television, etc. The hotel is located near the base camp, and charges Rs. 1000-2000 per night.
Hotel Jai Maa Inn: This is a luxury hotel that offers premium facilities and services, such as elegant rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant, etc. The hotel is located near the base camp, and charges Rs. 2000-4000 per night.
Nearby Places
Shivkhori is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to many other attractions and places of interest in Jammu and Kashmir. You can visit some of these places during your trip to Shivkhori, such as:
Vaishno Devi: This is one of the most famous and sacred shrines of Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The shrine is located in a cave on the Trikuta mountain, about 60 km from Shivkhori. You have to trek for about 14 km from the base camp at Katra to reach the cave. The shrine is visited by millions of pilgrims every year, who seek the blessings of the Goddess.
Patnitop: This is a popular hill station and tourist spot, located about 80 km from Shivkhori. Patnitop offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and the green valleys. You can enjoy various activities and attractions at Patnitop, such as skiing, paragliding, trekking, camping, etc.
Sanasar: This is a scenic and serene place, located about 20 km from Patnitop. Sanasar is known for its lush meadows, pine forests, and lakes. You can relax and rejuvenate at Sanasar, or indulge in some adventure sports, such as golfing, boating, etc.
Conclusion
Shivkhori is a place that will leave you spellbound and mesmerized by its beauty and mystery. It is a place that will make you feel closer to Lord Shiva and nature. It is a place that will enrich your soul and mind. It is a place that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. 😊.
