Patal Bhuvaneshwar: Underground Cave Metropolis In Kumaon
Nestled within the Himalayas, within the state of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, lies the doorway to the underground cave metropolis often called Patal Bhuvaneshwar. It’s believed that this huge underground metropolis has inside paths which result in Kailash Mansarovar, Char Dham, Kashi, and Rameshwaram.
Unfold throughout 160m and at a depth of 90m, the portal to the nether world invitations all.
Historical past of Patal Bhuvaneshwar
Within the Treta Yug, Raja Rituparana of the Suryavanshi Dynasty is alleged to have visited this cave.
He was given a tour of this cave metropolis by Sheshnag himself. In Dwapar Yuga, the cave was rediscovered by the Pandavas and Draupadi throughout their final journey throughout the Himalayas.
Later, in 1191 CE, Adi Shankaracharya too meditated on the cave premise. The priest household of the Bhandaris has been performing spiritual rites and taking care of the cave temple premise because the time of Adi Shankaracharya. Additionally they act as guides to the location. The cave has been talked about within the Manaskhanda of the Skanda Purana.
Visiting Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave
After an in a single day keep in Chaukori, I left to go to Patal Bhuvaneshwar early morning the subsequent day. From the car parking zone to the temple entrance, one has to stroll a distance of 800 m. The railings of the trail had been adorned with bells and crimson brow bands, welcoming the pilgrims to the location of divinity.
One has to purchase a ticket and deposit all baggage and digital devices in a locker. Cell phones and cameras aren’t allowed inside the cave temple premise. If required, prior permission from ASI must be taken for pictures and videography. You can even buy the photographs from retailers on the premise.
After eradicating the footwear, a bunch of 20 individuals (shut to five households) was assembled and led into the slim mouth of the cave with the assistance of Pandit Bhandari.
Whereas holding the metallic chain, crouching within the dimly lit entrance one has to climb down into a pointy 75-degree drop. Maneuvering on the slippery pathway, crawling from one tunnel to a different is certainly a survival of the fittest.
Oxygen Stage
The oxygen degree within the cave could be very low. Furthermore, the speed at which atmospheric oxygen will get replenished could be very sluggish. Therefore, pilgrims are cut up into small batches. In case you are feeling dizzy, ensure to tell Panditji (priest). They’ve just a few oxygen cylinders contained in the cave to assist pilgrims acclimatize to the cave’s environment.
On reaching the ground of the cave, it felt as if the cave was extending endlessly on all sides. The ground was chilly and one’s toes get lined in a layer of damp greyish-black soil. On reaching the bottom of the cave, the information begins the tour.
Sheshnaag
In Hindu tradition, Sheshnaag is the mighty snake that carries the Earth on its hood. It’s mentioned that from its mouth, the doorway of the nether world or Patal Lok begins.
As quickly as one reaches the ground of the cave, the limestone formation of the Sheshnaag welcomes the pilgrims. On the edges of the cave, one can clearly discover its lengthy, sharp fangs whereas its skeletal body is correct under the toes.
Vasuki and the Yagna Kund
On the partitions of the cave, the impression of the skinny lengthy snake Vasuki was seen. This snake rests on the shoulders of Lord Shiva. Proper under the wall was a yagna kund (a spot of a ritual sacrifice). In accordance with Panditji, on this yagna kund King Janmajaya performed a yagna to avenge his father’s loss of life by killing all snakes on earth and patal lok.
Adi-Ganesh (Unique type of Ganesh)
On strolling additional, one can view the limestone construction of Adi Ganesh. The construction seems to be just like the physique of a kid with out its head. On the floor, one can see 3 holes for the backbone, breath and meals respectively. Proper above is one other rock formation of a giant Brahmakamal flower from which drops of water frequently nourish the construction under.
It’s believed that that is the unique type of Lord Ganesh, proper after his head was severed. The drops of water from the Brahmakamal flower stored the physique alive till one other head was discovered to exchange it.
Chardham (4 divine abodes) and Ambarnath
Just a little forward are the miniature cave buildings on the partitions and the naturally fashioned small shiv lingam beside them. They had been all positioned at completely different heights. These had been miniatures of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Ambarnath, and Ambarnath Gufa.
Cave of Rishi Markandeya
On one facet, there may be the presence of quite a few alleys of caves, one after the opposite. If one seems to be into the cave, one can observe a shadow of a rishi sitting in Padmasan. Panditji mentioned that Rishi Markandeya meditated on this cave and left a visual presence of his refined physique.
The Gates of Patal Bhuvaneshwar
At a crossroads, one can see just one door open forward whereas the remaining had been sealed naturally. Paapdwar (The gate of sin) was as soon as open in Treta Yug. After the annihilation of Ravan, this door was closed.
Ran Dwar (The gate of warfare) too closed after the mighty battle of Kurukshetra in Dwapar Yug. On the brink of Kali Yug, the Mokshdwar (The gate of liberation) of Satyug opened as soon as once more.
From the mouth of Dharmadwar (The gate of righteousness), one strikes into the Mokshdwar and continues the tour of Patal Bhuvaneshwar.
Shiv Jata (Matted hair of Lord Shiva)
Whereas transferring in direction of the deepest accessible area of the cave, one walks proper previous the icy chilly formation of Lord Shiva’s Jata (hair). The ground of the cave was slippery and chilly. The Jata was half frozen whereas the opposite half was made up of limestone.
Proper under the Jata was a naturally fashioned Shiv Lingam and 33 koti (varieties) Hindu Gods.
A small kund (pond) was additionally current. It’s mentioned that Vishwakarma (divine architect) himself created this kund. The rock formation of his hand was current proper beside the pond.
Shiva Shakti Lingam
On the deepest accessible area of Patal Bhuvaneshwar lies the Shiva Shakti Lingam. Made up of Sphatik-Mani (crystal), the lingam represents the trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
Airavat and Parijata tree
The ceiling of the cave has the formation of the footprints of the divine elephant Airavat. Surprisingly, there may be additionally a dwelling Parijata tree inside the cave premise. Within the combat between Lord Krishna and Indra, the tree stays caught between the Earth and the nether world. Though it had no leaves, the tree had fruits.
Vridh Bhuvaneshwar Temple
After visiting Patal Bhuvaneshwar, pilgrims are inspired to go to Vridh Bhuvaneshwar temple on the opposite facet of the hill. Proper beside the temple is a sculpture museum consisting of sculptures excavated in and round Patal Bhuvaneshwar.
You may discover the close by pilgrim centres Berinag and Gangolihat. Berinag, positioned at a distance of 25km, homes an historical Naag devta (Snake God) temple and picturesque tea gardens. At a distance of 13km from Patal Bhuvaneshwar is the Haat Kalika temple in Gangolihat. This temple is a Shakti Peeth established by Adi Shankaracharya greater than a thousand years in the past.
Psychological and bodily health is a necessity to discover the cave for an hour. This go to has been a surreal expertise, full of divinity that one mustn’t miss!
In case you are planning a visit to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, ensure to go to this intriguing historical rock formation.
Journey Suggestions
Lodging: There are just a few visitor homes and Dharamshala accessible within the advanced. Extra lodging choices starting from resorts to motels can be found in Chaukori, at a distance of 37km, and Berinaag, at a distance of 25km.
Finest time to Journey: It’s arduous to go to throughout the monsoon because the oxygen degree additional decreases. The very best time to go to is from the months of February to June.
Transportation: The closest railway station is 154 km away in Tanakpur. The closest airport is in Pantnagar at a distance of 244 km. Bus and Cab companies to the vacation spot can be found.
This submit is authored by Akshaya Vijay as a part of the IndiTales Internship Program.