PATAL BHUVNESHWAR WHERE LIES THE DIVINITY
PATAL BHUVNESHWAR
Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a limestone cave temple 14 km from Gangolihat in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarkhand
state in India. It is located in the village Bhubneshwar. Legend and
folklore have it that this underground cave enshrines Lord Shiva and
thirty three crore Gods. The cave is 160 m long and 90 feet deep from
the point of entrance. Limestone rock formations have created various
spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures of various hues and forms.
This cave has a narrow tunnel-like opening which leads to a number of
caves. The cave is fully electrically illuminated. Built by to the flow
of water, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just one cave, rather a series of
caves within caves.
"He who wants to feel the presence of eternal power should come to
the sacred Bhuvneshwar situated near the confluence of Ramganga, Sarayu
and Gupta-Ganga."
-Manaskhanda, Skandapuran, whose 800 verses refer to Patal Bhuvaneshwar
MAP TO PATAL BHUVNESHWAR:
Enshrined in mystery and mythology, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is
the hidden pilgrimage centre, near Gangolihat the famous Shaktipeeth.
Located 91kms from Pithoragarh on the way to Berinag, this highly
revered shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The sub-terranean shrine of Lord Shiva is situated with sprawling interiors. Limestone rocks
formations have created various spectacular stalactite and stalagmite
figures. The way to the cave temple is through a long narrow tunnel.
Inside the cave, the limestone formations have taken shape of many Gods
and Goddess of Hindu pantheon. The forms of Ganesha, Shesh Nag, Garurh,
Shivling etc. are distinctly visible to the believers.
It's popularly
believed that the holiest cave is the abode of 33 crore Gods and
Goddess, amidst the absolute Himalayan isolation.
BEYOND PATAL BHUVANESHWAR
Gangolihat:
14kms from Patal Bhuvaneshwar. Gangolihat is rich in folk culture,
music and religious traditions, and had been chosen by Shankaracharya
for the installation of Mahakali Shaktipeeth.
Berinag & Chaukori:
27kms and 38 kms from Patal Bhuvaneshwar, these places offer the
breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks Nanda Devi and Panchachuli.
Gwaldam: A sleepy Himalayan town surrounded by apple orchards. The base for the trek to Roopkund.
HOW TO REACH
Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar,
Rail: Nearest rail head are Tanakpur 182kms., Kathgodam 210kms.
Road: Patal Bhuvaneshwar can be reached from Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Gangolihat or Chaukori. 14kms from Gangolihat.
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