Sakshat Shiva sits here
Rayasi district is located some distance from Jammu in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Shiva Khodi cave, which is called the house of Lord Shiva, is located in this district. It is one of the major venerable sites of Lord Shiva. It is said about this cave that Lord Shiva is seated in this cave and the other end of this cave opens in the Amarnath cave.
Cave length
The length of the holy cave Shiva Khodi is said to be 150 meters. Inside this cave is the 4 feet high Shivling of Lord Shiva Shankar. The stream of holy water naturally falls on this Shivling. Along with Shivling, the bodies are enthroned in this cave. These bodies are worshiped as Shiva, Mata Parvati, Lord Kartikeya and Ganapati.
Shivji made this cave
There is faith that Shiva, including the Virajit family in the cave, fulfills all the desires of his devotees on darshan. There is a religious story that this cave was made by Lord Shankar himself. The reason for making this cave was to teach Bhasmasura a lesson.
The demon went to consume Shiva
According to the legend, Bhasmasura pleased Lord Shiva by meditating. He asked Shiva that anyone who put his hand on his head, he should be consumed. As soon as Shivji gave him a boon, he ran to consume the demon Shivji.
Hence Ransu region formed
Lord Shiva had to hide
Lord Shiva started looking for a place where Bhasmasura could not find him to get rid of Bhasmasura. Then Shiva built a cave between the mountains and hid it. The cave that Shivji himself built is called Shiva Khodi Cave.
Vishnu took out Shivji out
Seeing Lord Shiva hidden in the cave, Lord Vishnu drew the form of Mohini and reached near Bhasmasura to woo her. Seeing the form of Mohini, Bhasmasura forgot everything and lovingly started dancing with Mohini. During the dance, he laid his hand on his head and was consumed as he laid his hand. Bhagavan Shiva came out of the cave after Bhasmasura consumed himself.
The last end is not visible
The last end of this cave built by Shiva is not visible. It is believed that whoever visits the Shivling and bodies located in this cave moves forward in the cave, he never comes back. It is said that by going inside, this cave is divided into two parts, one end opens in the Amarnath cave and there is no information about the last end of the other. It is believed that Shiva himself is enthroned inside the cave.
The way to reach Shiv Khodi
To go to Shiva Khodi, you can take route from both Jammu or Katra. The distance from Jammu to Ransu is about 140 kilometers and 80 kilometers from Katra. Then one has to climb about 3 to 4 kilometers to go to Shiva Khodi cave from Ransu. People who have difficulty in walking can take mules.
