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:: PATAL BHUWNESHWAR :: |
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Patal Bhuvaneshwar |
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Located
91 kms from Pithoragarh on the way to Berinag, at an
elevation of about 1350 m, this highly revered shrine
is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sub-terranean shrine
of Lord Shiva is situated with sprawling interiors.
Limestone rock formations have created various
spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures. The way
to the cave temple is through a long, narrow tunnel.
Inside the cave, the limestone formations have taken
shape of many Gods and Goddesses of Hindu pantheon.
The forms of Ganesha, Sheshnag, Garurh, Shivling etc
are distinctly visible to the believers. Its popularly
believed that the holiest cave is the abode of 33
crore Gods and Goddesses, amidst the absolute
Himalayan isolation
Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just one cave, rather a cave
city. Caves within caves, steps leading to another,
each one unmasking deep secrets from within. The motor
able road ends half a kilometer away from the cave
entrance. You h ave to descend nearly 100 steps into
this narrow cave, to reach the sanctum sanctorum,
which gives an overwhelming feeling that you are
entering into the center of the earth |
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Each stone,
each stalagmite within each cave or doorway in magnificent
erection revels the story of Hindu pantheon in the shapes of
Gods, Goddesses, saints and known mythological characters. |
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According to
the belief Kind Rituparna of the Sun dynasty (Surya Vansha)
discovered the cave in Treta Yug. It has been described in the
Manas Khand of Skand Puran. Adi Guru Shankaracharya visited
this cave in 1191 AD. That was the beginning of the modern
pilgrimage history at Patal Bhuvaneshwar. |
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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 workd beneath. Havan is
performed in a dimly lit solemn atmosphere, under the spell of
holy chants. You will also be impressed by the huge
stalactites called Jatas of Lord Shiva, located at the
different locations inside the cave. |
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It is believed that Pandavans, the
Mahabharata’s heroes proceeded towards their last journey in
the Himalayas after meditating here, in front of Lord Shiva |
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The priest families, the Bhandaris are
performing religious rites at Patal Bhuvaneshwar since the
time of the Adi Guru Shankaracharya. More than 20 generations
in the line! They are a treasure house of legends, lores,
anecdotes and information about this holy place. |
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Patal Bhuvneshwar
Reservation
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