Harvalem Shiva Caves, Goa

Address

Harvalem Shiva Caves, Rudreshwar Colony, Sanquelim, Goa 403505

Diety

Shiva

Introduction

Harvalem Shiva caves are located near Bicholim Taluka near the Arvalem falls, and can easily be reached by road. These caves are believed to have been carved in the 6th century.

Puranic Significance

Another legend states that the five chambers of the caves were once occupied by the five Pandava brothers, Yuddhistir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev during their exile. Many believe that the caves were in fact carved by travelling Buddhist monks out of a single laterite rock probably because their architecture resembles that of similar caves known to have been carved by the monks, i.e. rock cut caves with the sanctuary at the northern end and the vihara at the southern end. This lends credence to the Buddhist origin theory. However, the presence of four shivalings in the caves leads one to believe that they were of Brahmin origin or were converted into Shiva caves. These lingas (phalluses) are carved and inscribed in Sanskrit and the style of these carvings is attributed to the Bhoja period. The Shivlings show carvings which are similar to those seen at the Ellora and Elephanta caves. The one in the middle compartments is known as the Lingam. The Ling in the second cave is dedicated to the sun.