Shiv Khori, Jammu and Kashmir

Address

Shiv Khori,

Sangar Village, Reasi,

Jammu and Kashmir – 185201

Moolavar

Shivan

Introduction

Shiv Khori is a renowned cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Sangar village of Pouni, near Reasi town in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The shrine is situated approximately 140 km north of Jammu, 120 km from Udhampur, and 80 km from Katra. Visitors can travel by light vehicles up to Ransoo, the base camp for the pilgrimage, after which they must walk about 3 km on a recently constructed track by the Shiv Khori Shrine Board.

Puranic Significance

In the open part of the cave, at the heart of the sanctum sanctorum, a naturally formed Shivlingam stands about four feet high. Above the Shivlingam, a cow-like formation is visible, believed to be Kamdhenu, the divine wish-fulfilling cow. This formation can be identified by the udders, from which natural water drips onto the Shivlingam. This symbolic act is thought to represent the eternity of the holy river Ganga. According to legend, in the past, milk used to flow from the udders, but in the present Kaliyuga, it has transformed into water.

To the left of the Shivlingam, the image of Maa Parvati is visible, identified by the impression of her holy feet. Alongside her image, the Gauri Kund can also be seen, always filled with sacred water. To the left of the Shivlingam, the image of Kartikeya is visible, and approximately 2.5 feet above Kartikeya, there is a clear image of a five-headed Ganesha.

On the right side of the Shivlingam, devotees can spot the Ramdarbar, featuring the images of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman. The cave is filled with numerous other natural formations, which are believed to represent the 33 crore Hindu deities and their vahanas (vehicles). The roof of the cave is etched with snake-like formations, and water trickles through these onto the Shivlingam below.

Additionally, the roof displays a “Three-pronged lance” (Trishul), the symbol of “Om,” and the “Six-mouthed Sheshnaga” (Shakshthamukhi Sheshnag). The central portion of the cave’s roof shows a round cutting mark, believed to signify the cave’s creation by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra. In the second half of the main chamber, the natural images of Mahakali and Maha Saraswati are present. The pot of Mahakali is always filled with holy water, which devotees use to sprinkle on themselves.

A little above Mahakali, the images of the Panch Pandavas are seen in the form of natural rock formations (pindies). On the opposite wall of the cave, in front of Mahakali, a natural rock formation depicting Lord Shiva lying down on the floor is visible, with the holy foot of Maa Kali also imprinted on Lord Shiva’s body.

The entire environment within the cave is so captivating and spiritually charged that a devotee feels as if they have entered the divine abode, with the entire atmosphere seeming to transform into a place of profound spirituality.

Special Features

The name “Shiv Khori” comes from “Khori,” which means cave, thus it refers to Shiva’s cave. This natural cave stretches about 200 meters in length, is one meter wide, and stands two to three meters high. It houses a self-formed Shiva Lingam, which locals believe is eternal. The first entrance of the cave is large enough to accommodate up to 300 devotees at once. The cavern is spacious, allowing for a large number of visitors, while the inner chamber of the cave is relatively smaller.

To reach the sanctum sanctorum, visitors must pass through a low and narrow passage. At one point, the passage splits into two. To reach the inner sanctum, pilgrims need to stoop, crawl, or maneuver their bodies sideways. Inside, a naturally formed image of Lord Shiva, about 4 meters in height, can be seen. The cave also features other natural formations resembling Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Nandi. The cave’s roof is adorned with snake-like formations, and water trickles through them onto the Shiva Lingam. Pigeons, similar to those seen in the Swami Amarnath cave, are also present, which are considered auspicious signs for pilgrims.

Festivals

The shrine hosts an annual three-day Maha Shivratri mela, attracting thousands of pilgrims from various regions to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. This festival typically takes place in February or the first week of March.