Shiv Khori In Jammu

Jammu City, the famous winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is renowned for many Hindu Pilgrimages. Mata Vaishno Devi, Baba Dhansar, Siad Baba, Merhada Mata, Shiv Khori and many other old and religious temples increase Jammu's importance in the hearts of many holy people. The  Shiv Khori Mandir Jammu is the second most famous and worshipped after Vaishnodevi in Katra Jammu. Shiv Khori in Jammu is the cave in village Ransoo, of Reasi District, dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the cave's creator. Ransoo village is the base camp for Shiv Khori or Shiva's cave which is 3 kilometres in the hills. 

The Shiv Khori or Shiva's Cave is 200 meters long and one meter wide. In some places, the cave's height is so shallow that one has to crawl to enter; in some areas, it is more than 2 to 3 meters high. The cave is shaped like a Damru or Pellet drum, Lord Shiva's favourite musical instrument. While the cave's outer sanctum is quite spacious, accommodating more than 300 devotees, the inner sanctum is smaller and can accommodate fewer devotees at a time. It is said that there is a connecting passage between Shiv Khori and Amarnath Cave, but it is closed due to some Sadhus who entered the path and never came back. 

Legends Of Shiv Khori Jammu:

According to legends, once Lord Shiva gave a Blessing to Demon Bhasmasura, he could kill anyone by keeping his hand on people's heads. After receiving the blessings, he went on a killing spree of many innocent people and, in the end, decided to kill Lord Shiva as well. Since Lord Shiva has given him the blessing, he can not kill Bhasmasura, and he runs away with his wife, Parvati and pets Nandi into hiding.

To hide somewhere, Lord Shiva threw his weapon Trident (Trishul), onto a nearby mountain, creating a cave known as Shiv Khori. After Lord Shiva went into hiding, Lord Vishnu came as beautiful Lady Mohini and started dancing in front of Bhasmasura. Bhasmasura, being intrigued by Mohini's beautiful aura, also began to dance precisely like her. Just then, while fully involved in Dancing, she made a signature move of keeping her hand on her head, simultaneously making Bhasmasura do the same and killing himself.

Lord Shiva is situated in Lingam, which is 4 feet in height, along with his wife, Nandi, Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, and 33 crores of Hindu deities and constantly showered naturally dripping water from the ceiling denoting the Holy river Ganga. 

Best Time To Visit Jammu Shiv Khori Mandir:

The Shiv Khori Temple Jammu is from October to March, as the climate is pleasant and roads are open. From July to September, heavy rainfall creates hindrance in travel plans; summer from April to June can be hot but tolerable. 

Three days festival is celebrated at Shiv Khori on the occasion of Mahashivratri, which happens in February or March, witnessing the most devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. 

How To Reach Shiv Khori:

Shiv Khori is situated in Ransoo village on the Reasi- Rajouri road, which Jammu or Katra can reach in any local transport or private car. Jammu can be reached by air, road and railway from other parts of India. While Jammu Tawi and Katra are the nearest railway stations from Ransoo village, Jammu Domestic Airport is the nearest airport that receives domestic flights from other prominent cities in India. 

Shiv Khori is connected via NH144 and NH144A to Jammu and many intercity buses, cabs and private vehicles.

Places To Visit Near Shiv Khori:

Vaishnodevi Temple, Baba Bhaironath temple, Nau Devi Temple, Baba Dhansar, Chenab Bridge, Bhimgarh Fort, Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake, Jammu City, Patnitop are some of the nearby places to visit from Shiv Khori.

Ransoo:

A small village near the cave is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Sheshnag:

A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located on the banks of the Ravi River, around 15 km from Shiv Khori.

Patnitop:

A popular hill station located around 80 km from Shiv Khori, known for its picturesque views and adventure activities such as paragliding and skiing.

Vaishno Devi Temple:

One of the most popular Hindu shrines in India, located around 150 km from Shiv Khori. It is among the best places to visit in Shiv Khori.

Amarnath Cave:

A revered shrine of Lord Shiva, located in the Himalayas, around 160 km from Shiv Khori. See the speciality in Shiv Khori with Sea Water Sports.
Visiting Shiv Khori from May to September is best as the weather is pleasant, and the cave is easily accessible.