Information of Shiv Khori Cave Temple, Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir

One of the most well known temples in cave that is located in District Reasi of Jammu Kashmir is Shiv Khori. Shiv Khori is situated in Ransoo village that tends to attract numerous tourists every year. In order to reach Ransoo, one can take buses or light vehicles. The main camp of the temple area is surrounded by lush green mountains. The cave is considered to be a real wonder which must be visited by the tourists at least once. It is an unending cave and its leads to Swami Amarnath Cave. According to the estimates of the local people it has been identified that the cave is nearly half a kilometer long, however the pilgrims are permitted to move only up to 130 meters. No one is capable of moving further because of lack of oxygen. It is said that the temple possess the natural creation of the Shiva Lingum.

Shiv Khori Cave Temple Religious Importance

Near about 40 to 50 years ago, quite a few numbers of people were aware of the temple but in the present times, the temple has been quite famous after the constitution of the Shiv Khori Shrine Board. Generally three days fair is held in a year on account of Shiv Ratri and thus thousands of tourists tend to visit the temple in order to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The festival is held in the month of February or first week of March each year. Taking into consideration the increasing number of pilgrims every year, the board is considering various steps in order to develop the spot so that they can offer huge facilities to the tourists.

Shiv Khori Cave Temple Mythology & History

Similar to many other temples containing legendary stories, Shiv Khori also has its own legends. The story of Shiv Khori is linked with a demon whose name was Bhasmasura. After deep meditation of Lord Shiva, he was capable of ending up the life of anyone with that power. The devil tried to end up the life of Lord Shiva itself. After having gauged this, Shiva ran in order to save himself and thus went inside the cave that is at present well known as Shiv Khori. After that Lord Vishnu came in the appearance of Mohini and lured the demon, forcing him to dance with her. Afterwards, the demon started dancing according to the tune of Mohini. The demon put his hands over his own head and thus killed himself with his own powers. It is often believed that there are near about 33 crore deities in the form of pindis within the cave and a natural milk based water tends to fall upon them from above the cave.

According to another legend, it is also believed that Shiv Khori was discovered by a Muslim shepherd who in search of his goat went inside the cave and saw numerous saints worshipping Lord Shiva. He was impressed by the Divine power of god and started to pray there. In spite of the promise made not to reveal the secret regarding the saints and the cave, the shepherd said it to everyone. It is believed that the saint died later on because of narrating the story.

Shiv Khori Cave Temple Architectural Importance

The cave is said to be 200 metres in length, 1 metre wider and 3 metres high. It has a natural lingum. The first entrance towards the cave is said to be so wider that near about 300 people can enter inside at a time. However, the inner chamber of the cave is quite smaller. In order to reach the main sanctum, a person needs to crawl inside.