Shiv Khori is essentially a cave temple, which houses a Lingum, and is considered holy by Hindus, who turn up in lakhs every year to worship it. The temple of Shiv Khori is located in the village of Ransoo, which is the base for this pilgrimage.This cave which was discovered about 100 years ago by the local shepherds is more than a kilometer long but pilgrims are allowed upto 150 meters, it has two chambers, outer chamber is little large and after crossing a narrow and low passage, one enters the inner chamber which is comparably smaller, the cave is illuminated and pilgrims take help of ropes to walk and even at places one has to crawl to move ahead in the chamber, there is four feet tall natural Syambhu Shiva Lingam which bathes in a milky water dripping from the ceiling of the cave, just above the Lingam is a structure which gives impression of Kamdhenu Cow, one can even recognize the structure near the Lingam Goddess Parvati, the other deities are Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeyen, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita even one can recognize Sheshnag here, in the center there is a hollow structure giving impression of Lord Shiva's Jattas, all these are sourrounded by self made Shaligrams in the cave, pilgrims call it a Home of GODS, it is a miracle.
Shiv Khori is located approximately 75 kilometers from Katra. The religious significance of this place is second only to Vaishno Deviji.It is here that a naturally forming Shiv linga (symbol of Lord Shiva) can be seen which is 4 feet high. From the ceiling one can view milky limestone water dripping from the stalagmites and stalactites. Each year on Shivratri, there is a major fair at this place.Shiv Khori, a pilgrim spot situated 70 km from Katra has a holy cave with naturally formed Shiv Ling at the heart of its sanctum sanctorum. The length of this cave is one km. The temple of Baba Dhansar is located 15 km away from Katra on the way to Salal Dam. Here travelers can enjoy watching a huge spring emerging from the rocks in a thick grove of trees. This spring forms various side streams before ending up in the river Chenab.
The cave roof is etched with snake like formations, the water trickles through these in the cave. ' Three pronged lance ' Oum ' and ' Six Mouthed Sheshnaga ' 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). In front 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. 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. 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”.
Martin Wynn
