Next time you plan your pilgrimage tour to Maa Vaishno Devi in Katra, Jammu, please add a visit to Shivkhori at Reasi. This natural cave shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts thousands of devotees and curious travellers every year.
Official Website: https://www.shivkhori.in shares more details.
Reasi is an ancient town of Jammu established by Raja Bhim Dev (8th Century) and was also once the capital of the Bhimgarh Estate. The caves are about 80 km from Jammu. As the name suggests, Khori means cave (Guffa), and Shiv Khori thus denotes Shiva’s cave.
To reach the cave, you will need to walk about 3 km on foot, extending 200 meters into the hillside. At its centre lies a naturally formed Shiva Lingam (almost 4 meters high), continuously bathed by water dripping from the cave ceiling.
The cave’s interior is adorned with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, believed by locals to represent various Hindu deities. It is said to be home to 33 crore Hindu gods and goddesses, along with their vahanas. Reaching the sanctum sanctorum requires one to stoop, crawl, or move sideways through narrow passages. Those familiar with Ardhkuwari at Maa Vaishno Devi will find the passage similarly narrow and requiring careful maneuvering.
Inside the sanctum, there is also a revered water body known as Gauri Kund. The beautiful Doodh Ganga also originates nearby and flows down the valley. You can even take a dip here, depending on the water flow.
Additionally, two secret caves once led from the inner sanctum; one to the Amarnath Cave and the other to Swarg Dwar, believed to be the gateway to moksha (liberation). However, as per local lore, no one who ventured through these paths ever returned. Due to safety concerns, these entrances have been sealed by the government.
Nearby Excursions from Shivkhori
Nau Pindian:
Located just 8 km from Katra and 19 km from Reasi is Nau Pindian. Meaning ‘nine sacred stones,’ this place is a revered spiritual site and is believed to symbolize the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga, also known as the Nau Roop. The site holds deep religious significance, as many devotees stop here on their way to Vaishno Devi to pay their respects.
Baba Dhansar:
Located in a beautiful place near Karua village, 15 km from Reasi on the Katra road, is Baba Dhansar cave. As legends go, there was a demon who troubled the villagers, and they sought help from Baba Dhansar (Son of Lord Shiva’s serpent ‘Sheshnag’). He sought Lord Shiva’s help in killing the demon and saved many lives. Since then, the devotees have been worshipping the place, and people bathe in the stream to fulfil their desires.
You can reach the Cave Shrine of Baba Dhansar via a 200-metre walk along the road and enjoy the beautiful stream that flows around the cave.
Sudh Mahadev:
The Sudh Mahadev temple is believed to be over 2800 years old and is nestled at an altitude of around 1,220 meters in the Chenani region of Udhampur district.
As legends go, Shri Sudhanta Rishi, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, meditated in this region. Goddess Parvati used to visit him. Once, a demon named Sudhant tried to disturb her, and Lord Shiva, in anger, hurled his Trishul (trident) to protect her. However, upon realizing that Sudhant was actually a devotee, Shiva granted him moksha (liberation) at this very place. It is said that the Trishul is still preserved in the temple. The temple is 37 km from Patnitop.
The Pap Nashini baowli here is considered sacred, and pilgrims can take a dip to cleanse themselves of sins before entering the temple.
Location & Distance Guide to Shivkhori
Shivkhori to Katra: 73 Km
Jammu to Shivkhori: 80 Km
Udhampur to Shivkhori: 120 Km
Akhnoor to Shivkhori: 75 Km
*All images are copyrighted by Wikipedia
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