Shiv Khori is an astonishing natural cave in a
hillock in the Reasi tehsil. Situated 100 km from Jammu, this wonderful
cave stretches on for approximately one km. The four feet high cave
contains a naturally formed lingam of Lord Shiva. The shepherds of the
nearby villages discovered the Shivkhori cave about a hundred years ago.
The architects of "His Majesty" carved the impressions of
Sheshnaag on the ceilings of the cave. In the center of the cave is a
hollow that gives an effect like that of Lord Shiva's "Jatta".
Also surrounding the Shivalinga are self-made "saligrams".
Located about 4.5 miles from Bhafarkah village in Pouni Block, the Shiv
Khodi cave of Kashmir, India, consists of two chambers. The spacious
outer chamber can accommodate a few dozens of people at a time, while
the inner chamber is quite small. The walkway leading from the outer to
the inner chamber is very low and narrow. Shivkhori in Kashmir attracts
lakhs of devotees every year. The cave gains special significance during
the Maha Shivratri festival. During this festival a big fair is
organized near the temple. Shiv devotees throng this cave at the time of
the festival to catch a glimpse of the holy lingam.
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