Shiv Khori: The Sacred Cave of Lord Shiva

Shiv Khori—literally meaning “Shiva’s Cave” is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, hidden in the tranquil hills of Ransoo village, Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir. This mystical cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva Himself and at its heart rests a naturally formed Swayambhu Shiv Lingam.

The cave is shaped like a damroo (drum), broad at both ends and narrow at the center. It stretches nearly 500 meters, though pilgrims are permitted only up to about 130 meters, as the deeper portions remain shrouded in mystery and low oxygen.

Inside, natural rock formations resemble Sheshnag, Lord Ganesha, Maa Parvati and Kartikeya. From the ceiling, drops of milky water constantly fall upon the Shiv Lingam, symbolising the eternal flow of the River Ganga.

Ancient lore tells us that when the demon Bhasmasura, blessed with the power to turn anyone into ashes, chased Goddess Parvati, she sought refuge inside this cave.

Lord Shiva appeared here to protect her, sanctifying the cave forever. Another belief suggests that a now-closed passage once connected Shiv Khori directly to the sacred Amarnath Cave in Kashmir.

With such legends woven into its very walls, Shiv Khori is not just a geographical wonder but a spiritual destination where devotees feel Lord Shiva’s eternal presence.

Our Journey Begins here like this

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. The 28^th of September 2025, when our small group set out for this sacred pilgrimage.

I, Rajender Koul, along with my wife Jyoti Zutshi and our dear family friends, Adarsh Saraf (whom we fondly call Raju Baya) and his wife Meenakshi, began our journey from Jammu at exactly 6:00 am. The distance to be covered is around 110 km from Jammu to Ransoo and there after a four km trek along the hill towards the cave.

The cheerful young Sardarji driving Innova Car, the hired vehicle, kept us in good jolly spirits as we moved along winding roads, passing through sleepy villages and serene hills. The rising sun painted the mountains golden and with each turn, it felt as though the land itself was whispering ancient prayers.

By 9:30 am, we reached Ransoo, the base camp of the pilgrimage. The small bazaar was lively but peaceful. The pilgrims walking with quiet devotion, shops selling puja offerings and the aroma of tea floating in the air. Without delay, we began the uphill trek towards the holy cave.

The climb was not very steep, but steady. Birds chirped, devotees chanted “Om Namah Shivaya,” and the distant mountains echoed back. Each step felt like preparation for the divine darshan awaiting us. It took us about an hour to reach the cave entrance.

The Sacred Entrance

At around 10:40 am, we finally stood before the Shiv Khori Cave entrance. Before entering, we deposited our mobiles and belongings in the cloakroom, as per tradition. The approach to the cave required climbing over hundred steps, Raju did count up to seventy on the first part of these stone steps. Then there we had to climb again for the second part of the steps apparently more than fifty steps. After finishing these steps we were standing at the narrow mouth of the cave, a wave of nervousness touched us all.

The entrance looked tight, airless and intimidating. The thought crossed our minds.

Would we be able to pass through?

This was the true test of faith. And yet, with every chant of “Om Namah Shivaya”, courage began to rise within us.

The Narrow Passage: A Test of Faith

Raju Baya (Adarsh) led the way. As he entered the suffocating passage, the air felt heavy, pressing against his chest. For a brief moment, he almost felt like turning back. But then came the strong, calming chant of his wife, Meenakshi.

From behind as we all were following each other in a line, with folded hands and a sober unwavering spiritual voice, she began to recite the Shiv Mantras…“Om Namah Shivaya… Shambho Bhavaya cha, Mayaskaraya cha, Shivtaraya cha, Shankaraya cha…”

Her mantras reverberated through the tight stone walls, creating an aura of strength and surrender. Hearing her devotion, Adarsh drew fresh courage and pressed ahead. Meenakshi herself, with sheer determination, stepped into the constricted path, proving that faith can overcome all fear.

My wife Jyoti followed with quiet grace. Without a hint of panic, she walked calmly through the narrowness, her heart filled with bhajans of Mahadev. Watching her courage made me swell with admiration and gratitude.

For me, the trial was hardest. My broader waist, with greater BMI and stiff bones seemed no match for the tight walls pressing against me.

At one point, I felt almost stuck, as though the cave itself had embraced me, refusing to let go. But summoning all my strength and with Mahadev’s blessings, I tactfully turned and pushed myself through.

One by one, all four of us made it inside. What had felt impossible a moment ago turned into victory of faith and will. We all were the happiest people ever and most satisfied when we went inside the holy cave.

Darshan Inside the Cave

The air inside grew cooler; the dim light danced upon the rock walls and silence spread all around. In the heart of the cave stood the Lord Swayambhu Shiv Lingam, continuously bathed by the sacred milky water dripping from the ceiling.

As we bowed, all suffocation, all fear, all struggle dissolved into pure bliss. We prayed for peace, prosperity and strength, not just for ourselves but for all.

The Pujari ji inside narrated the legends once more; of Maa Parvati’s refuge, of Shiva’s eternal abode, of Bhasmasura’s end.

He blessed us with mantras, making the darshan even more divine. In that timeless moment, it felt as though Lord Shiva Himself embraced us. We spent almost twenty minutes in the cave having Darshan of the full galaxy of nature’s carved Murtis and their Virat Saroop structures well bowed with our soulful prayers.

The Return from the Holy Cave: Food, Laughter and Scenic Joy

We collected our mobiles back from the cloak room and I purchased a heavy Kadda and some picture photo frames of the cave etc from the shop here. With our souls lightened and spirits lifted, we began the return trek downhill. The path felt easier now, every step fragrant with blessings.

We stopped by streams where we playfully splashed ourselves with icy-cold mountain water, clicked photographs and captured videos of the rivers and hills; small souvenirs of a big journey.

At Ransoo Bazaar, we treated ourselves to a hearty meal at a modest but clean dhaba, sizzling hot dal, rajma, aloo-mutter, fresh rotis and a little rice. The warmth of the food matched the warmth in our hearts. Later we walked through the Ransoo Bazaar to catch our vehicle which was parked right opposite a very big hotel.

In between Raju Baya, Jyoti enjoyed Amul ice creams that I couldn’t have due to my throat allergy, but they clearly relished them. Later, as our Innova rolled back towards Jammu, we opened our small picnic bag. We once again had the taste of ready-to-make tea. Early morning on our way to Ransoo, we had tea with the Kashmiri baker’s roti (the kandur roti) and crispy telwaroos, brought us simple joy. We also savoured sweet green pears, Nakhtung in Kashmiri, fresh from the hills.

At Bamla, a busy bazaar chowk enroute to Jammu, we relished hot paneer pakoras, crisp and delightful, adding another flavour to the day.

A Pilgrimage Etched in Memory

As the sun lowered and we neared home, the entire day replayed in our minds—the anticipation, the suffocating narrowness, the strength of chanting, the bliss of darshan, the laughter over food, the joy of water splashes.

The Shiv Khori Yatra was not just a journey to a shrine—it was an embrace of Lord Shiva’s eternal presence, a test of courage, and a celebration of devotion and togetherness.

With folded hands, we whispered:

“Om Namah Shivaya. May Lord Shiv Shambu bless all with strength, courage, and peace.”