Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, Uttarakhand

Address

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Rd, Bhuvaneshwar District, Uttarakhand 262522

Diety

Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Introduction

Patal Bhubaneshwar, which means the sub-terranian shrine of Lord Shiva is a cave temple located about 91 kms from Pithoragarh and 14 kms north of Gangolihat. The way to the temple is through a tunnel which leads into a cave and through a narrow dark passage of water. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a limestone cave temple, from Gangolihat in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state in India. It is located in the village Bhubneshwar. Legend and folklore have it that this cave enshrines Lord Shiva and thirty three koti demigods [33 types of gods].The cave is 160 m long and 90 feet deep from the point of entrance. Limestone rock formations have created various spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures of various hues and forms. This cave has a narrow tunnel-like opening which leads to a number of caves. The cave is fully electrically illuminated. Built by the flow of water, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just one cave, rather a series of caves within caves.

Puranic Significance

Legend say, The first human to discover this cave was Raja Ritupurna who was a king in Surya Dynasty who was ruling Ayodhya during the Treta Yuga. The story starts with Ritupurna and King Nala. It is said that once, King Nala was defeated by his wife, Queen Damayanti. In order to escape his wife’s prison Nala requested Ritupurna to hide him. Ritupurna took him to the forests of the Himalayas and asked him to stay there. While going back home he was fascinated by a deer which ran into woods and went after it. He could not find it and took rest under a tree. He had a dream where the deer was asking Ritupurna not to chase him. His sleep broke and as he woke up and went to a cave where a guard was standing. After enquiring about the cave he was allowed to go inside. Right at the entrance, Ritupurna met Sheshnag who agreed to take him through the cave. It carried him on its hood. He saw the marvels of Gods taking place inside. He saw all the 33-koti (33 types of god) gods and goddesses including Lord Shiva himself. It is said that after his visit, the cave was closed for ages with a slight prediction in the Skandpurana that it will be reopened again in Kali Yuga. Shankarcharya in Kali Yuga, during his visit to Himalayas re-discovered this cave. Since then regular worship and offering are being done at this place. According to belief King Rituparna of the Sun dynasty (Surya Vansha) discovered the cave in Treta Yuga. Adi Shankaracharya visited this cave in 1191 AD. That was the beginning of the modern pilgrimage history, at Patal Bhuvaneshwar. The journey inside the cave has to be carried in feeble lights, holding protective iron chains. The Stone formations of Sheshnag can be seen, holding earth, heaven the world beneath. ‘Havan’ (fire sacrifice) is performed in a dimly lit, solemn atmosphere, under the spell of holy chants. You’ll also be impressed by theto visit these parts form the celestial heights of His abode in Kailash. The cave, it is believed, is connected by an underground route to Mount Kailash. it’s believed that Pandavas, the ‘Mahabharat’ heroes proceeded towards their last journey in the Himalayas after meditating here, in front of Lord Shiva. This hidden pilgrimage situated at 1,350 m above sea level is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Almost every god that you would have heard of resides in this mystifying cave. It is also believed that you can worship at Patal Bhuvaneshwar is equivalent to worshipping at Char Dham of Uttarakhand. The priest family, the Bhandaris are performing religious rites at Patal Bhuvaneshwar since the time of the Adi Shankaracharya. More than 20 generations in the line. They are a treasure house of legends, lores, anecdotes and information about this holy place. It is also believed that this cave is internally connected to the four abodes /seats (Char Dham). According to one belief, the original head of lord Ganesha which was cut down by lord Shiva, is situated here who creates obstacles for bad people to improve, popularly known as “Vighnaharta”. “This awesome cave is believed to be as old as the earth itself. It has been mentioned in detail in the 103 chapter of Manaskhand of “Skanda Purana”. The first human who entered this cave was king “Rituparna” of Suraya Dynasty during the Treta Yuga.

Beliefs

It is believed that if one prays to Bhuvaneshwar in this temple, one will get longevity and wealth. In the Patal Bhubaneswar temple, Saturn Pradosha is very special. It is said that Lord Shiva gives Shanti to the deceased ancestors if they attend Nandi worship and pray on that day. It is said that if they find peace, they will bless their descendants with joy.

Special Features

In one part of the cave there is a Shiva lingam representing the Kali Yuga. It is growing day by day. The cone on top of this is believed to end the Kali Yuga when it touches the mountain.