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About
Shivkhori |
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Khori means cave Guffa and Shiv Khori thus denotes Shiva's
cave. Shiv Khori is a natural cave which is located in a
hillock in the Reasi Tehsil. It extends for about 1 km, the
cave is situated at a distance of 100 km from Jammu.
Consisting of a naturally formed Shivalingam, the cave is
about four feet in height. Around 100 years old, the cave was
discovered by shepherds, who resided in the nearby villages.
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 according to the people is unending. The first entrance
of the cave is so wide that 300 devotees can be accommodated
at a time.
The cave consists of two chambers, the outer chamber and the
inner chamber. The outer chamber has a capacity to accommodate
a large number of people at a time. On the other hand, the
inner chamber is small in space. This cave was a hide out
place for Lord Shiva. The river in this area is called as
Doodh Ganga as it turns white during day of Maha Shivratri.
Tourists visiting the cave can see the impressions of
Sheshnaag carved on the ceilings of the cave. In addition, a
hollow in the centre of the cave gives an effect of Lord
Shiva's "Jatta". Moreover, there are self made saligrama that
enclose the Shivalinga. It was protected by Shesh Naag of
which one can see the impression on the rocks of his huge
snake head. This is one of the temple where gods are present
in 100% natural formation.
Shiv Khori cave gains unique significance during the festival
of Mahashivratri. There is a big fair organised near this
temple during Mahashivratri. During this time, large number of
devotees throng the place so as to see the Shivalingam. The
cave divides itself into two parts: In this cave there is also
a cave which directly go to amarnathji according to a saint
who lived there named as bababa ramesgirigi. It is now closed
as some sadhus who dared to go ahead never returned. The other
cave goes to swarg.
The passage from outer to the inner chamber is small and low,
at one spot it divides itself into two parts. One of these is
believed to have led to Kashmir where Swami Amarnath cave is
located. It is now closed as some sadhus who dared to go ahead
never returned. To reach the sanctum sanctorum, one has to
stoop low, crawl or adjust his body sideward. Inside a
naturally created image of Lord Shiva which is about 4 metres
high is visible.
The cave flourishes with a number of other natural objects
having similarity with Goddess Parvati, Nandigan and Ganesha.
The cave roof is carved with snake formations, the water
trickles through these on Shiva Lingam. Pigeons are also seen
here like Swami Amar Nath cave which presents good omens for
pilgrimages.Shivkhori is a well-known cave shrine of Hindus
which is devoted to lord Shiva, situated in the Reasi district
of Jammu and Kashmir state in India. |
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Location of Shivkhori |
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Shiv Khori is located in between the hillocks about 80 km from
Katra, 120 km from Udhampur and 140 km north of Jammu. Buses and
light vehicles go up to Ransoo which is the base camp of
pilgrimage. People have to traverse about 3 km on foot on a
track recently founded by the Shiv Khori Shrine Board, Ransoo.
In Reasi district, there are various temples such as Baba
Dhansar, Mata Vaishno Devi, Siad Baba and Merhada Mata. Shiv
Khori is one of them which is located in Ransoo a village in the
Pouni block in Reasi district, which attracts lakhs of devotees
annually. |
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Legend |
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A number of legends have propounded about the discovery of this
holy cave. One of the most significant legends among them is
that a demon named Bhasmasura after a long meditation of Lord
Shiva obtained blessing to end the life of any one with that
blessing. After obtaining it, the said devil tried to end the
Lord Shiva-On seeing the evil design of the demon, the Lord
Shiva run to save himself from the power of the demon and
entered in this cave which is presently known as Shiv Khori.
After this, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini came forward and
asked the demon to dance with her according to her tune. As and
when the demon started dancing as per the actions of Mohini, the
said demon took his hand at his head and with his own power, he
was himself destroyed. According to the legend, 33 crores
deities exist in this cave in shape of pindis and natural milky
water is falling on them from the top of the cave. In this cave
there is also a cave which directly go to amarnathji according
to a saint who lived there named as bababa ramesgirigi
As per the other legend concerning discovery of this cave is
that the historic Shiv Khori cave is considered to be discovered
by a Muslim shepherd. He was in fact in search of his missing
goat and went by chance inside the cave to find the same.
However he was very much anxious to see a number of saints
inside the cave, who were impressed by Lord Shiva's celestial
power and he too started pooja there. Later on the shepherd
revealed this to a number of other people in spite of his
promise made with the 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 legends it is considered that
a number of famous saints have been closely linked with this
cave, who had spent decades inside this cave for spiritual
attainment and meditation. |
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Mythological History of Shivkhori |
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Shiva Khori was accidently founded by Shepard when they
came around for looking their lost sheep and they
discovered this cave. Shiva Khori was basically the Lord
Shiva’s Hideout. He granted a wish to one of the demon
King Bhasmasura, that whatever he touches will turn into
ashes. The demon king was happy with the wish and he
started killing all gods one after the other.
Afraid of his deeds, one of gods provoked him to kill Lord
Shiva himself and when Lord Siva came to know about this
it ran from him and took a hide in these mountains.Shiv
khori cave was made by Lord Shiva from his Trishul. |
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Tourist Attractions in Shivkhori |
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Sulla Park
Sulla Park is located near Reasi on the bank of
River Anji. The tourist visits this place mainly during summer
season to enjoy the marvelous beauty of the place and their
vacations. A beautiful park and a Shiv Kund are also situated in
the park.
Dera Baha Banda Behadur
It is located on the bank of River
Chenab which is about 20 Kms from Reasi. Dera Baha Banda Behadur
is a Gurudwara which is founded on the place of the Samadhi of
the renowned Commander of Shri Guru Govind Singh, Baba Banda
Bahadur. During the month of April on the occasion of Baisakhi,
a three day mela is organized at the Gurudwara and is attended
by thousands of devotees.
Aqhar Jitto
It is located on Reasi Katra road which is about 6
kms from Katra, Aqhar Jitto is a sacred place which remains
gathered by thousands of devotees irrespective of caste, or
colour all over the year. During the month of June, a three day
fair is celebrated here on the event of Jeshta Pvmitaa in the
honor of great farmer, Baba Jitto and his daughter Bua Kouri.
Dhansar Baba
Dhansar Baba is located on the Reasi-Katra at
about 10 Kms from Katra. It is a very famous historical place in
the region. It is visited by thousands of devotees mainly the
Shivkhori devotees from several parts of the country during the
whole year.
Kalka Mandir
Kalka Mandir is located on a small hill which is
200 meters from bus stand of Reasi and is devoted to Goddess
Kali. Thousands of devotees visit this temple to seek blessings
of Kalka Mata throughout the year. |
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How To Reach Shivkhori |
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In order to visit the Holy Shrine of Shivkhori one has to reach
village Ransoo. The village Ransoo is connected by Road with
Jammu, the winter capital of the State Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu
city is well connected with the rest of Country by Rail, Road
and Air.
By Rail
One can also reach either Jammu or Udhampur by Train. Jammu is
connected to other parts of country through railways. A number
of trains all over India are available from Jammu. Railway also
runs special Trains during summer and other holidays for comfort
of yatries.
By Road
The village Ransoo is located on the Reasi-Rajouri Road and is
linked with Katra and other cities of Jammu & Kashmir State.
Katra is the Nearest Tourist Hub and is well-known for the Holy
Shrine of Shr Mata Vaishno Devi. Regular Bus Services from all
major cities of Northen India are available for Katra and Jammu.
Many Volvos buses and other deluxe buses of J&K SRTC as well as
other private are available from various parts of Northern
India.
By Air
The nearest Airport to reach Shivkhori is located at a distance
of 140 kms in Jammu City, the winter capital of the Jammu and
Kashmir. |
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