Shiv Khori, Vaishno Devi - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 80 km from Katra, and 140 km from Jammu, Shiv Khori is a temple situated at Sangar village in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Jammu & Kashmir, and among the best places to visit near Jammu.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shiv Khori is one of the famous Hindu cave shrines devoted to Lord Shiva. Khori means cave (Guffa) and Shiv Khori thus denotes Shiva's cave. This natural cave is about 200 meters long and only a meter in width, with a ceiling of 2 to 3 meters in height. Only one or two people can walk in a file in this cave and at the end of it, there is a 4 feet high Swayambhu Lingam, which constantly baths in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling.

The cave is a real wonder to be seen which according to the people is unending and believed to have led to Swami Amarnath Cave in Kashmir. As per the assessment of local people, it measures nearly half a kilometer in length but Yatries are allowed to go only up to 130 meters. The 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 a certain place that a person can barely crawl through whereas at places it is over a hundred feet wide and quite high too. The cave is full of natural impressions & images of various Hindu deities & full of divine feelings.

The opening of the cave is a mammoth hall that is nearly 20 feet wide and 22 feet high. It is nearly 80 feet in length. While entering into this mesmerizing hall one can see the natural depiction of a gigantic snake-like formation believes to be Sheshnag. Pigeons are also seen here like Amarnath cave. After crossing the narrow passage, yatries reach the main cave area where the sanctum sanctorum is situated. The open part of the cave has a four feet high naturally formed Shiv-lingam at the heart of the sanctum sanctorum. Just above the shiva lingam a cow-like formation is visible believe to be Kamdhenu and can be identified by her udders. The natural water dripping from the nipples of udders on the Shivlingum symbolizes the eternity of the holy river Ganga. It is believed that milk used to ooze out during the old days but turned into water in Kaliyuga.

To the left of Shivlingam, Maa Parvati is sitting whose image can be identified by the impression of her holy feet. Along with the image of the goddess, Gauri Kund is also visible which is always full of holy water. The image of Kartikeya is also seen on the left of Shivlingam. At nearly 2.5 feet above the Kartikeya, an image of five-headed Ganesha is visible. To the right side of Shivlingam, one can see Ramdarbar having images of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman. The whole cave is abounding with many other natural images which have been described as images of 33 crores Hindu deities and their vehicles. The cave roof is etched with snake-like formations, the water trickles through these in the cave. The main part of the cave roof has a round-cutting mark signifying the construction of the cave by Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu. In the second half of the main chamber, Mahakali & Maha Sarswati is present. Little above the Mahakali, Panch- Pandava are present in natural rock form (pindies). In front of the Mahakali on another wall of the cave, a natural rock image of Lord Shiva lying down on the floor is visible. A holy foot of Maa Kali is also visible on the body of Lord Shiva.

Visitors need to trek 4 km from Ransoo to reach Shiv Khori. The trekking route is so breathtakingly lovely that one will not find it hard to walk in such an atmosphere. This 4 km-long trek can be done either on foot or by hiring a pony.

A 3-day Shiv Khori mela takes place annually on Maha Shivratri and thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the state and outside visit this cave shrine to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri festival is usually held in February or during the first week of March every year.

Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM

Entry: Free