Nirmand Dev Dhank Shiva Cave , Himachal Pradesh

Address

Nirmand Dev Dhank Shiva Cave , Nirmand Rd, Bael, Himachal Pradesh 172001

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Dev Dhank cave, also known as Dhar Deo Dhank cave, is located at Nirmand, around 19 km from Rampur, in Himachal Pradesh. A lord shiva temple, builds inside a small rock-cut cave. A narrow gorge leads one to the temple complex. About 3 kms south of Nirmand, is this large cave which has a naturally formed Shivling, miraculously bathed by water from the cave roof. There is absolutely no trace of water on the rock in the hill. The cave is quite deep and about 6 feet in height.

Puranic Significance

A legend tells how a local Brahmin was puzzled by the disappearance of his prized goat until Shiva came to him in a dream and revealed that the goat had wandered into a cave, where it was giving its milk to a Shivling. Sure enough, the Brahmin found his goat and spent the rest of his life in service of Shiva. Another legend has it that Bhasmasur, a demon meditated for hundreds of years to please Shiva. Bhole blessed him with the boon of Bhasma Kangan giving him the power to turn anyone into the ashes, including the Devas or demigods, by placing his hand on their heads.The demon Bhasmasur decided to try the boon on Shiva. Shiva, however, escaped to Kailash using the secret passage in the Dhar Deo Dhank cave. Outside the cave there is grove of trees which shade various deities, and even the cave entrance is believed to resemble Ganesha. It is believed that there is a secret route which directly reaches Shrikhand Mahadev.

Special Features

There is a bunch of revered trees outside the cave under which idols of other divinities are kept. The entrance to the cave is shaped in the form of Lord Ganesha. The local people consider it an exceedingly hallowed shrine. It is said by the Pandavas that the small little cave is connected to Shrikhand Kailash through narrow cave inside the mountain. There is a narrow cave inside the mountain which is an entry and exits of this cave.

Festivals

Mahashivrathri

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Nirmand

Nearest Railway Station

Rampur

Nearest Airport

Pantnagar (PGH)

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