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Shivkhori is a famous cave shrine of Hindus devoted to lord Shiva, situated in district Udhampur of Jammu and Kashmir state in India. In Udhampur district, there are many shrines such as
Mata Vaishno Devi, Sudhmahadev, Pingla Mata, Mahamaya Chountra Mata, Merhada Mata, Baba Dhandar, Siad Baba.
Shiv Khori is one of them located in village Ransoo of Pouni block in tehsil Reasi of the Udhampur district, which attracts lakhs of devotees in a year. Shiv Khori is situated in between the hillocks about 140 km north of Jammu, 120 km from Udhampur and 80 km from Katra.
Buses and light vehicles go up to Ransoo, the base camp of pilgrimage surrounded by lush green mountains. People have to traverse about 3 km track on foot which is recently being constructed by the
Shiv Khori Shrine Board, Ransoo duly headed by the District Development Commissioner,
Udhampur as chairman and Sub Divisional Magistrate, Reasi as Member Secretary.
About Cave
Khori means cave ( Guffa ) and thus
Shiv Khori denotes Shiva's cave. The cave is a real wonder to be seen which according
to the people is unending and believed to have led to Swami Amar Nath cave in Kashmir. As per assessment of local people, it measures nearly half a kilometer in length but Yatries are allowed to go only upto 130 meters. Rest part of the cave is still a mystery as no one could go further due to lack of oxygen.
It is believed that some Sadhus who dared to go ahead never returned. The cave is in the shape of Lord Shiva's Damroo i.e. wide at the two ends while very congested at the center. The width of the cave is so less at certain place that a person can barely crawl through whereas at places it over a hundred feet wide and quite high too.
There are many features, which can be observed in the cave; however, the best of them is the natural water dripping from the top to the Shivlingum.
The opening of cave is a mammonth hall of nearly 20 feet wide and 22 feet hight. It is nearly 80 feet in
length. While entering into this mesmerizing hall one can see the natural depiction of gigantic snake like formation believe to be Sheshnag. Pigeons are also seen here like Amarnath cave. After crossing the narrow passage, yatry reaches in the main cave area where sanctum sanctorum is situated.
The open part of cave has a four feet high naturally formed Shiv-lingam at the heart of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Just above the shivlingam a cow like formation is visible believe to be Kamdhenu and can be identified by her udders. The natural water dripping from nipples of udders on
the Shivlingum symbolizes the eternity of the holy river Ganga. It is believed that milk used to ooze out during old days but turned into water in Kaliyuga.
To the left of Shivlingam Maa Parwati is sitting whose image can be identified by impression of her
holy feet. Along the image of Maa Parwati, Gauri kund is also visible which is always full of holy water. Image of Kartikeya is also seen in left of Shivlingam. At nearly 2.5 feet above the Kartikeya , image of five headed Ganesha is clearly visible. To the right side of Shivlingam one can see Ramdarbar
having images of Lord Ram, Lakhshman, Sita and Hanuman. The whole cave is abounds with a number of other natural images which have been described as images of 33 crores hindu deities and their vahanaas. The cave roof is etched with snake like formations, the
water trickles through these in the cave. ' Three pronged lance ' ( Trishul ) ' Oum ' and ' Six Mouthed Sheshnaga ' ( Shkshthamukhi Sheshnag ) are seen on the roof of the cave.
The main part of cave roof has round cutting mark
signifying construction of cave by Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu. In the second half of the main chamber Mahakali & Maha Sarswati is present. The potsherd of Mahakali is always full of holy water, which devotees use to sprinkle on themselves. Little above from the Mahakali, Panch -
Pandava are present in natural rock form (pindies). Infront of the Mahakali on other wall of cave, natural rock image of Lord Shiva lieing down on floor is visible. A holy foot of Maa Kali is also visible on body of lord shiva. The whole environment inside the cave is so mesmerizing that a devotee feel himself
in abode of god's place and whole nature appears turned spiritual.
Around Shiv Khori:
Dera Baha Banda Behadur
This place is a shrine of Baba Banda Bahadur, a famous Commander of Shri
Guru Govind Singh. It is situated on the bank of river Chenab near about 20 km away from Reasi. Thousands of devotees all over the State and neighboring States visits this holy Shrine Dera Baba Banda Bahadur throughout the year and especially on the
occassion of Baishakhi, when a three day mela is also held here during the month of April. Number of Buses and other light vehicles are available from Reasi and Katra for this place.
Aqhar Jitto
The Aghar Jitto is situated on Reasi Katra road about 6 kms from Katra and is a religious place where thousands of devotees irrespective of caste and creed or colour visits throughout the year. A 3 day fair is also held here during the month of June on
the occasion of Jeshta Pvmitaa in the memory of Great revolutionary farmer Baba Jitto and his daughter Bua Kouri. Buses and other light vehicles can be haired from Katra and Reasi to reach this place.
Nau Pindian
Nau Pindia ia another pingrim stop
situated quite on the Reasi Katra road about 8 kms away from Katra and 19 kms from Reasi. The Shrine is a naturally formed Nine Pindies symbolised the Nine Avtar of MahaShakti. Thousands of devetees especially the pilgrims of
Shiv Khori visit this place throughout the year.
Buses and other vehicles are available from Katra to reach this place.
Dhansar Baba
This historic place is also situated on the Reasi-Katra about 10 kms from Katra and 17 kms from Reasi:, From the Main road one has to cover
abovt 1 km distance by foot to reach this place. Thousands of devotees especially The shivKhoii devotees hailing from various parts of the country visit this place throughout the year. There is natural Shiv Lingam existing and droplets of water are automatically trapping on it. Buses and light vehicles can be had from Kata and Reasi to visit this place.
.jpg "Peaks during winter season")
