Shiv Khori Temple is a well-known Hindu cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sangar village, Pouni, near Reasi town in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Shri Shiv Khori cave is located nearly 4.0 kilometres from Ransoo, the shrine’s base camp in District Reasi. The cave’s defining feature is a 4-foot high naturally formed ‘Lord Shiva Maharaj Lingam’. Inside the cave, there are also natural deities inscribed on the stones.

These deities represent the Hindu Pantheon’s 33 koti deities. Khori means cave (Guffa) and Shiv Khori thus denotes Shiva’s cave. This natural cave is about 200 meters long, one meter wide, and two to three meters high, and it contains a self-made lingam, which the people say is infinite. The cave’s first entrance is so large that 300 devotees can fit inside simultaneously.

Story Behind Shiv Khori Temple

According to legend, once Lord Shiva blessed Demon Bhasmasura, he could kill anyone by keeping his hand on their heads. After receiving the blessings, he went on a killing spree, killing many innocent people before deciding to kill Lord Shiva as well. Because Lord Shiva has blessed him, he is unable to kill Bhasmasura and flees into hiding with his wife, Parvati, and pet Nandi.

Lord Shiva threw his weapon, the Trident (Trishul), onto a nearby mountain, creating the Shiv Khori cave. Lord Vishnu appeared as the beautiful Lady Mohini after Lord Shiva went into hiding and began dancing in front of Bhasmasura. Mohini’s beautiful aura drew Bhasmasura in, and he began to dance exactly like her. Just then, while fully immersed in Dancing, she performed her signature move of keeping her hand on her head, forcing Bhasmasura to do the same and killing himself.

Lord Shiva, along with his wife, Nandi, Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, and 33 crores of Hindu deities, is seated in Lingam, which stands 4 feet tall and is constantly showered with naturally dripping water from the ceiling, symbolising the Holy River Ganga.

History related to Shiv Khori Temple

Nobody knew about the cave when lord shiva with his family lived here. The cave was only used for meditation by Rishis and Sadhus. A shepherd discovered this cave thousands of years later. They discovered a natural Shivling inside, as well as various images on the walls. The news quickly spread, and the cave became known as Shiv Khori. It quickly became one of the most important pilgrimages.

Only a few people knew about the Shiv Khori shrine 40 to 50 years ago, but it has grown in popularity in recent decades. Previously, the number of devotees was only in the thousands, but since the establishment of the Shiv Khori Shrine Board in December 2003, the number of devotees has surpassed previous records, with the number of devotees crossing 300,000 in 2005.

Architecture of Shiv Khori Temple

Khori means cave (Guffa) and Shiv Khori thus denotes Shiva’s cave. This natural cave is about 200 metres long, one metre wide, and two to three metres high, and it contains a self-made lingam, which the people say is infinite. The cave’s first entrance is so large that 300 devotees can fit inside simultaneously. Its cavern is large enough to hold a large group of people. The cave’s inner chamber is smaller.

The passage from the outer to the inner chamber is low and narrow, and it splits in two at one point. One of these is thought to have led to the Swami Amarnath cave in Kashmir. It is now closed because some sadhus who dared to venture forth never returned. To get to the sanctum sanctorum, one must stoop low, crawl, or move his body sideways.

A 4-metre-high naturally created image of Lord Shiva can be seen inside. The cave is brimming with natural objects that resemble Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, and Nandigan. The cave roof is etched with snake formations, through which water trickles on Shiva Lingam. Pigeons are also seen here, just like Swami Amar Nath cave, which represents good omens for pilgrimages.

Mahakali and Maha Saraswati can be found in the second half of the main chamber. Panch-Pandava are present in natural rock form (pindies) a little above the Mahakali. A natural rock image of Lord Shiva lying down on the floor is visible in front of the Mahakali on another wall of the cave. Maa Kali’s holy foot is also visible on Lord Shiva’s body.

Facts about Shiv Khori Temple

• Shiv Khori Temple, a cave dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the Reasi district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Khori means cave (Guffa) and Shiv Khori thus denotes Shiva’s cave.
• The holy cave shrine is located on a hillock in the base camp of Ransoo Village. Devotees must walk three kilometres.
• Shiv Khori Temple is about 140 kilometres north of Jammu, 120 kilometres from Udhampur, and 80 kilometres from Katra. It is one of the most revered Lord Shiva Holy Cave Shrines in the region.
• A four-foot-tall naturally formed lingam is worshipped in the cave and is thought to be swayambhu, or self-manifested.
• The journey to the cave is a little difficult, requiring a 3-kilometre trek through scenic mountains and lush landscapes.
• According to locals, Shiv Khori gufa is nearly half a kilometre long, but Yatries are only permitted to go up to 130 metres.
• Some Sadhus who dared to go ahead are said to have never returned. Shiv Khori gufa is shaped like Shiva’s Damroo, with two wide ends and a narrow centre.
• The natural milky water dripping from the top to the Shiv-Ling symbolising the eternity of the holy river Ganga is the best thing to see in the Holy Cave.
• Shiv Khori Temple is filled with natural impressions and images of various Hindu Deities, as well as divine feelings.
• Shiv Khori Cave’s opening is very wide, and one can see a natural depiction of a gigantic snake-like formation believed to be Sheshnag.
• Shiv Khori Temple Cave is divided into two parts: There is also a cave in this cave that leads directly to Amarnath cave.
• The cave roof is also imprinted with Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra. Lord Rama, his consort Devi Sita, his brother Lakshmana, and Lord Hanuman are also depicted.

Best Time To Visit Shiv Khori Temple

This temple’s journey can be taken at any time of year. All of the time, the weather is warm and hospitable. But the months of October and May is the ideal time to visit the Bineshwar Mahadev temple.

Famous Festivals In Shiv Khori Temple

Millions of people visit this temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in Ashwin (Sep-Oct).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Shravan Month – This month is considered the holiest month for lord Shiva devotees.
• MahaShivratri – Mahashivratri, “The Great Night of Shiva” is the most significant event in the Indian Hindu calendar. Shiv Khori’s cave temple is packed with activity during its three-day Mela (festival) held during Maha Shivratri (February-March). Thousands of Lord’s devotees attend the festival.

How To reach Shiv Khori Temple

Shiv Khori is a famous cave shrine, situated in Reasi tehsil of Udhampur District.

By Air: The closest airport to the Shiv Khori temple is Jammu City Airport., which is 114 kilometres from the temple. Shared taxis and cabs are also available, and they can drop you off at the temple for a lower fee.

By Railway: People travelling from outside Jammu & Kashmir should take the train to Jammu Railway Station, which is well connected to the rest of India via Indian Railways.

From Jammu, taxis and buses are available to take you to Ransoo. Another option is to take the train to Udhampur and then take the road from Udhampur to Ransoo.

By Roadways: Ransoo is on the Reasi-Rajouri Road and is well-connected to Katra, Jammu, and other Jammu and Kashmir cities. The nearest tourist destination is Katra, which is known for the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Katra and Jammu have regular bus services from all major cities in Northern India.

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