Shri Shiv Khori Cave Temple

History and the story of Shiv Khori Cave temple

The history of Shiv Khori cave temple near Ransoo village in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is as old as time itself. This cave temple is the most ancient of pilgrimages and the story of the cave is one from the inexhaustible store of tales and events of Sanatan Dharma. These were the days when Rishis and Munis lived in forests and secluded places totally engrossed in meditation and worship. There were also demons who terrorised both – heaven and earth. Some of these demons acquired much power by doing penance. One such demon was named Bhasmasura. He pleased Lord Shiva with countless years of severe penances and as was the norm, received a boon. The boon allowed him to kill anyone simply by placing his hand on that person’s head. Demons, being demons, the foolish Bhasmasura decided to kill Lord Shiva. He set out to look for Lord Shiva and started to move towards Kailash Parvat. When Lord Shiva heard of this He decided to flee. Along with Mata Parvati, Kartik Swami, Ganeshji and His beloved Nandi, He set off to find a safe location. They happened to rest at the place now known as Shivkhori and Bhasmasura managed to find them here.  Lord Shiva did not want to kill Bhasmasura, so He threw His trishul at the mountain and created a cave that only allowed His group to enter and pass. Bhasmasura was unable to enter the cave and decided to wait for Lord Shiva to come out. Unknown to Bhasmasura, Lord Shiva, Mata Parvati, Kartik Swamy, Ganeshji and Nandi exited the cave at the place now known as Amarnath, more than 300 km away.

Meanwhile Lord Vishnu arrived at the entrance of Shiv Khori cave and found Bhasmasur waiting there. Lord Vishnu was in the form of Mohini, a beautiful Apsara. Lord Vishnu performed an alluring dance to distract Bhasmasur. While dancing Lord Vishnu tricked Bhasmasur into placing his hand on his own head. That was the end of Bhasmasura the foolish demon. He was the cause of his own death. Lord Vishnu entered the cave and along with Him 33 crore deities made this cave their abode. Centuries passed and all these events faded from memory and the cave was not known to the common folks, but was secretly used by saints and ascetics for meditation. One day a shepherd looking for a lost goat happened to find this cave. He entered and was astonished to see a few saints busy with worship. The saints told him not to disclose this to anybody, but the shepherd told other villagers. The secret cave was no longer secret. The saints and ascetics left this cave and went elsewhere.

The villager explored the cave and found a natural Shivling. On the side of the Shivling an image of Mata Parvati could be identified from the impression of Her feet. On the walls were images that identified as Five Headed Ganeshji, Kartik Swamy and Nandi the Bull. Also seen on the wall were images of Ram Darbar including Lord Rama, Sita Mata, Lakshmanji and Hanumanji. All these were naturally formed. Various other images of Trishul, Sheshnag, Pranavas (AUM) can also be seen. Water drops fall on the Shivling from the ceiling. The word of this discovery spread like wildfire and Shivkhori became a pilgrimage attracting millions of devotees from far and wide. The main festival here is Maha Shivratri, which is celebrated for three days. Diwali is also celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Importance of Shiv Khori Cave temple

Shiv Khori Cave temple has been hidden from common knowledge for countless thousands of years. The ways of God are mysterious. Only when the time came, it became known. Before that Saints had been meditating here for centuries. The Divine and spiritual energy here can be felt the moment one steps into the cave. This is truly a blessed place.

Best time to visit Shiv Khori Cave temple

Shivkhori can be visited all through the year, but from September to April are the best months to visit.

How to reach Shiv Khori

The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi railway station which is well connected to major cities in India and is about 109 km from the temple.

The nearest airport is Jammu Airport and is about 110 km from the temple.

Puja in Shri Shiv Khori Cave Temple

Pandit Ji in Shri Shiv Khori Cave Temple

Accomodation in Shri Shiv Khori Cave Temple

• Shivkhori – Mahadev Yatri Nivas

Nearby Attractions

• Vaishno Devi Temple
  
• Raghunath Temple (Jammu)
  
• Baba Dhansar temple
• Bahu Fort

Temple Location