Robin Koul
The hidden treasure of religious significance, unknown to the many eyes that frequently commute through the ill-famed Khooni Nalla of Panthyal, is the natural formation of a number of Shivlings inside a divine cave. Its name “Shivdhara” stands true, which combines “Shiva” and “Dhara” (flow or stream in Sanskrit), symbolizing a collective or continuous stream of Shiva’s sacred presence.
Location: A direct steep descent of around hundred meters through stairs will challenge any healthy person while going down as well as coming upwards. Hidden under the large rock with a natural boundary made by the strong current of Bishlidi River, it seems that the river itself is the incarnation of mother Ganga who flows through by touching the feet of the Mahadev and later immersing herself into the Chanderbhaga.
While coming from Ramban, adjacent to the tunnel of Khooni Nala one can connect to the old road while keeping left to reach the temple gate on the same road. And through the entrance gate of the temple one has to descend through the steep stairs down to the base of the cliff to the river flowing at the bottom to reach the holy cave of Shivadhara Mahadev.
The water seeping down through the mountain face at the mouth of the cave makes a natural water curtain in the front. The face of the cliff seems lively with the green fern and spongy moss. With a small sandy beach in front of the cave, the Bishlidi River is hidden by an enormous boulder.
The natural egression of the Shivlings is the geological process of formation of Stalactites and Stalagmites. A number of Shivlings big and small had emerged on the base and side lines of the cave giving an aura of divine presence of Lord Shiva himself in the number of forms. One can easily experience the presence of Mahadeva along with his whole family, Mata Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikay and his vehicle Nandi Ji Maharaj. Wherever you see inside the cave you will find Mahadeva everywhere, in one form or the other offering a divine darshan and giving peace to the aatma (soul). Earlier one had to crawl inside the cave but now the stairs have been made from one end to have a darshan.
Legends: It is said once a Sadhu who was on the way for pilgrimage to Amarnath Yatra slept on the road and had a dream of the cave. Then he searched walking on the banks of Bishlidi River and discovered the cave. Every year on the day of Rakshabandan a bandara (mass feast) is organised by the people of the nearby villages.
The place is considered cursed by few people because of the drowning incidents of young boys in the Bishlidi River. Nowadays many people avoid visiting the place.
Speaking to the pujari Rajive Giri Ji who has come from Meerut Uttarpradesh to do seva of Shivdhara Mahadev, said that he needs local and administrative support to maintain and promote the divine place. He also informed us about the recent discovery of natural caves in Neera Ramban and Chenani too.
Concluding: The natural cave of Shivadhara Mahadev has a religious significance and its beautiful setting in the natural atmosphere deserves attention. It can be an attraction for the number of tourists and the Amarnath Yatris commuting through NH44 facilitating district Ramban to thrive in a number of means. Jai Shivadhara Mahadev! Jai Ramban!
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