The famous holy cave of Shiv Khori situated at the distance of 80km from Katra in district Reasi of Jammu and Kashmir. Khori means cave (Guffa) and Shiv Khori known as Shiva’s cave. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the point of attraction for millions of devotees annually from both India and abroad. It is the one of the most holy caves of Lord Shiva in this region. The holy cave shrine is located on a hillock in Ransoo village. Buses and light vehicles travel.
This cave is about 200 meters long, one meter wide and three-meter-high and contains a 4feet high naturally formed Shiv Lingam, which according to people is unending. Rest part of the holy cave is still a mystery as no one could go further due to lake of oxygen. It is belief that Some sadhu who dare to go ahead never returned back. Shiv Khori holy cave is in the shape of damroo. It is wide at two ends while very congested at the centre like damroo. The holy cave is famous for its naturally formed Lingam.
Thera are a lot to observe in holy cave. Best of them is the natural milky water dripping from the top to the Shiv lingam. It symbolizing the eternity of the holy river Ganga. The cave is full of natural impression & images of various Hindu Deities & full of divine feelings. Just above the Shiv Lingam a cow like formation is visible. Left side of the Shiv lingam Mata Parvati is sitting whose image can be identified by impression of her holy feet.
There are five headed Ganesh, Lord Ram with Mata Sita, Laxman and Hanuman are present in the first half of main cave (Gufa). In the second half of the cave Mahakali, Mahasarswati is present. Little above from the Mahakali, Panch- Pandava are present in natural rock form (Pindies). Infront of the Mahakali on other wall of cave, natural rock image of Lord Shiva lying down on floor is visible. A holy foot of Maa Kali is also visible on body of
History of Shiv Khori Shrine
The Bhasmasur Legend
A number of legends have propounded about the discovery of this holy cave. One of the most important legends among them is related to famous asur(demon) Bhasmasur. Bhasmasur was a very strong and powerful asur. He was a devotee of the Lord Shiva. He performed great penance to obtain a boon from Lord Shiva. As a result of his penance, Mahadeva become pleased and told him to ask for boon. At that time Bhasmasur obtained blessing to one should be burnt into ashes(bhasma) whose head he touched with his hand.
After obtaining it, Bhasmasur tried to destroy the lord Shiva. the Lord Shiva ran along with Maa Parwati and Nandi to the hills of Jammu. Then while running Lord Shiva threw his Trisula, which created the famous Shiv Khori cave. While running when Bhasmasur was far behind lord Shiva drilled a cave at a place near present Shiv Khori so as to seek refuge with his family. But the demon reached there and started fighting with Lord Shiva. A dreadful battle took place there. Due to this famous battle that place was named as Ransoo (Ran= battle, Soo= Ground) means battle ground. Ransoo is now base camp for Shiv Khori yatra. But, to keep dignity of his own blessings the Lord Shiva decided not to kill Bhasmasur and proceeded ahead Lord Shiva entered in this cave and gone into meditation. After this, Lord Vishnu cleverly intervened in the form of a very beautiful damsel called Mohini. She challenged him to copy her dance moves. As and when the asur bhasmasur started dancing as per the actions of Mohini, the said asur took his hand at his head and with his own power, he was himself destroyed. After destruction of bhasmasur, Lord Vishnu along with other deities entered the cave to join Shiva and Parvati with the help of Kamdhenu. As per the legend 33 crores deities exist in this cave in shape of Pindies.
The Amarkatha Legends
As per the other legend regarding discovery of this cave is that the historic Shiv Khori Holy cave is believed to be discovered by a Muslim shepherd.The shepherd came in search of his missing Goats and by chance reached inside the cave. Reaching there he was very much startled to see a number of Saints inside the cave, who were impressed by Lord divine power. The astonished shepherd also started puja there. Later on, the shepherd shared the experience of holy cave shrine of Shiv Khori, to a number of other people despite of his promise to saints not to disclose about them or this cave. It is said that the shepherd after narrating it to other people had died. According to the myths it is believed that a number of Famous Saints have been closely associated with this cave, who had spent decades inside this cave for spiritual.
How to reach there:
By air:
The nearest domestic airport is Jammu and is well connected to all major locations/ cities in the country. From this airport the Holy Cave of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine is a 3-hour drive. Transport (taxi) is available from the Airport in Jammu. The nearest international airport is Amritsar which is 300 kms from Shri Shiv Khori.
By Train
one can reach either Jammu or Katra by Train. Jammu Tawi Railway Station is approximately 107 kms from Shri Shiv Khori shrine. The Shiv-Khori Shrine is well connected to Katra. However, some trains also go to Katra and it does reduce the road distance to be covered by the pilgrims to reach Shri Shiv Khori as compared to Jammu.
Trekking
The walk from Ransoo to Shri Shiv Khori is on a steep mountainous track. Ponies are also available on rent to facilitate pilgrims on the mountainous track. You can be carried up to Shiv Khori by palki as well. Generally, the walking along the entire track takes about 2-3 hours to visit the Holy Cave and come back.
By Road:
Shiv Khori is 43 Kms from Reasi, 80 Kms from Katra,120 Kms from Udhampur, 140 Kms from Jammu and 300 Kms from Amritsar.
The Shiv-Khori Shrine is well connected to Katra / Jammu by road. The devotees can visit the place by taxi/car. Few bus services from Katra are also available. The route from Jammu to Shiv Khori is full of beautiful & picturesque mountains, waterfalls & rivers.
Some private travel operators also provide transport which run on daily that include Volvos, deluxe and sleepers connecting various destinations in Northern India. Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation as well as adjoining states (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana) run transport services on regular basis as well.
Stay at Shiv Khori
Shrine Board has created various types of facilities like water supply, sanitation, electric supply and public conveniences etc for the Pilgrims. It has also employed persons for sanitation and management of Shrine area. It is also coordinating the efforts of various departments for creating yatra facilities. With the increasing pilgrims, the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation has constructed a Tourist Reception.
Traveling tips for pilgrims:
- It is advisable to avoid peak season for a comfortable darshan. Waiting time during Shivratri and holidays seasons can go up to hours.
- Please leave luggage at Katra or Ransoo. Travel as light as you can.
- Do respect religious sentiments among other pilgrims.
- Comfortable walking shoes are must for the yatra.
- Video camera and other electronic gazettes are not allowed in the Holy Cave.
- Kindly confirm the rates of the porters, ponies and palanquins before hiring them and ensure that they carry a valid registration card.
- Devotees with high blood pressure, heart or asthmatic problem must seek clearance from their doctor before starting the journey.
- Chanting of slogan inside the cave is not allowed.
- Keep the environment clean. Throw the disposal in the dustbins only.
At last but not least for any other queries you can comment in comment box or email me at replytosarika@gmail.com
At last but not least for any other queries you can comment in comment box or email me at replytosarika@gmail.com
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