Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev

Tripoto

Hidden temple in a cave formed by a heap of boulders: Gupteshwar Mahadev

Hello,

Are you interested in geology?

or Are you a believer in Indian Mythology?

or Do you want to brush up on your exploratory skills?

Photo of Richhiya Mahadev, Sura Sultanpura, Gujarat, India by kajal shah

Today's place is the perfect mixture of all these and much more!

We went to Richhiya Village, at Gupteshwar Mahadev also known as Richhiya Mahadev temple. It is a small temple in the cave formed by rocks. Multiple huge boulders are arranged so perfectly in so much harmony that amazed us.

Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah
Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah

The temple has stairs but we wanted to try bouldering so we went just near the top climbing the rocks, peeping in the gaps in between. Kids ask us how these enormous rocks are stacked so precisely... how can we answer.. we ourselves were mesmerized.

Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah
Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah

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This is the beauty of nature and her creation. The creator is a perfect architect and an amazing sculptor. This is the beauty of geology. And not only this hill, but this region also has multiple similar hills with heaps of boulders, few are just beside this Gupteshwar Mahadev and a few are in nearby village Chelavada.

Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah
Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah

After coming down, we went up again through stairs, and here starts our mythological journey.

Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah
Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah

The cave was used by Pandavas during their exile years, most probably in Virat Parva. The way to the temple is a very narrow passage. You might think that by no means you will be able to pass through that passage but no matter how fat or how tall you are will be able to go through it easily...

Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah
Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah

According to some sources, only Bheem visited this place, but all Pandavas with Draupadi stayed here according to the temple priest. We were been taken to amazing rocks which had footprints of them...Difficult to imagine but captivating to hear what the priest had to elaborate to keep us engaged.

Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah

There was a huge rock and when you stroke on it, you will listen to the sounds of drums and conch. Such amazing miracles are happening all around us, we just need to keep our eyes and ears open and embrace mother nature with wide open arms...she will never disappoint us...

Photo of Hidden temple in a cave formed by heap of boulders : Gupteshwar Mahadev by kajal shah

So this is it.... a short yet mesmerising trip to Gupteshwar Mahadev caves...So many hidden gems in our country and so little time to explore them...

And ending with my weekly dose of poetry-

Hidden corners

Hidden corners

Of this world

When we find them

They amaze us

Mesmerising mountain peaks

To stunning ocean floors

Thrilling rainforest canopy

Or blazing desert beauty

So many corners

Yet to explore

But still, we are at peace

Because one corner is our home

Hidden corners

Of my home

That little book nook

To tiny closet space

Empty closed bathroom

Or swing in the backyard

The most comfortable

Place where one can ever be

And calm the racing mind

Hidden corners

Of my mind

Sometimes soothing with a calm voice

Sometimes shouting at silly mistakes

Those little memories

Those tiny possibilities

If you would have done this

If I can do that

Always arguing with the heart

And finally

Hidden corners

Of my heart

Those last benches of school class

And Small innocent giggles

Those collage canteens’

Gossiping with friends

Or lengthy heavy arguments

All emotions and all sentiments

All these corners get wet,

Soaked with emotions

From time to time

Keep me awake at night

Staring at my ceiling

I want to keep all corners with me

Stay alive in all of them

Is it possible?

Let me know

If you find an answer to that...

                                       - Kajal

Distance from Vadodara- 58 km- 1 hour 10 min

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/76Vt3VP88vVF1EPo9location: