Shiva Khori is a famous cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir and is considered one of the major pilgrimage sites of Hinduism. The story of Shiva Khodi is associated with Lord Shiva and a self -proclaimed Shivling sits here.
Story of Shiva Khori
There is a belief about Shiva Khodi cave that this is the place where Lord Shiva narrated the mystery of immortality to Goddess Parvati. There is a natural Shivling in this cave, on top of which droplets of water keep dripping, which is considered to be the Jalabhishek of Shiva.
According to a legend, once Lord Shiva decided to narrate the immortal story to Goddess Parvati. He chose a secret place for this, which is today known as Shiva Khodi. When Shivji was narrating the story, a Shuk (Parrot) also heard this story. Enraged by this, Shiva cursed Shuk to become a stone. At the request of Mata Parvati, later Shivji gave a boon to Shuk that she would be worshiped in Kalyug. Even today, Shuk (Parrot) is seated as a stone in the cave, by which the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled.
Features of Shiva Khori Cave
The cave has a naturally built Shivalinga, on which water always flows.
The shapes of Mata Parvati, Ganeshji, Nandi and Karthikeya are also visible inside the cave.
The length of the cave is about 150 meters and devotees have to bow down to enter it, which is considered a symbol of surrender in Shiva Bhakti.
It is believed that all the wishes of the devotees who come here are fulfilled.
Importance
Shiva Khodi is also called “Chhoti Amarnath Cave”, because the story here is similar to the Amarnath cave. Every year on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, a huge fair is held here, in which thousands of devotees come to visit.
Devotees traveling to this holy cave receive the blessings of Shiva and their sins are destroyed.
