Image Source - www.shivkhori.in
Shri Shiv Khori in Jammu & Kashmir is a famous Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. Shivkhori is located between the hillocks in Ransoo village in Pouni block in Reasi district. The cave temple enshrines a 4 feet high Swayambhu Shiv Linga (naturally formed Shivling). An interesting feature of Shiv Khori is that the cave in the shape of Shiva’s Damaru. That is wide at the two ends and very congested in the middle. An image of Goddess Parvati can be seen on the left of Shiva Linga. Images of five headed Ganesha and Karthikeya can also be seen. A cow like formation, denoting Kamadenu, can be seen above the Shivlinga. Natural water dripping on the Shivling symbolizes the presence of holy Ganga river. Other Hindu gods images in Shiva Khori include Ramdarbar having images of Lord Ram, Lakhshman, Sita and Hanuman. The whole cave is abounds with a number of other natural images which have been described as images of 33 crores Hindu deities and their Vahanas. Goddess Mahakali and Saraswati images are in the second half chamber of the cave.
Festivals Celebrated In Shiv Khori Temple
The annual Maha Shivratri is the most important festival celebrated at the temple in the month of Phalguna (February or March). During the festival a 3 day Shiv Khori Mela is organised by Shri Shiv Khori Srine Board, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu Kashmir Government organizes a fair cum exhibition during the festival.
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