Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a limestone cave temple 14 km from Gangolihat in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
Nestled in the Pithogarh, this mystical cave enshrines Lord Shiva and other demigods, as per legend and folklore.
With its 160 meters of length and 90 feet deep from the entrance, the cave is a marvel of nature’s artistry, featuring spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations of various hues and forms. It’s hard to believe that this wonder was built by the flow of water, but that’s just the beginning of the magic of Patal Bhuvaneshwar. It’s not just one cave, but a series of caves within caves, waiting for you to explore.
And explore you must, for as the Manaskhanda from Skanda Purana says, “He who wants to feel the presence of eternal power should come to the sacred Bhuvneshwar situated near the confluence of Ramganga, Sarayu and Gupt-Ganga.” According to belief, King Rituparna of the Sun dynasty discovered the cave in the Treta Yuga, while Adi Shankaracharya visited it in 1191 AD, marking the beginning of its modern pilgrimage history.
As you venture inside the cave, hold tight to the protective iron chains and be ready to be awed by the dimly lit, solemn atmosphere. Entering the cave is an adventure in itself, with a small crevice serving as the doorway and a 90-foot plunge down a steep decline waiting for you on the other side. But don’t worry, the thick chains lining the pathway will ensure you make it down in one piece. And once you’re inside, you’ll be mesmerized by the marvels waiting for you, from Sheshnag, the king of serpents, to the original human head of Lord Ganesha, said to be covered in limestone -with an 8-petaled lotus-like formation (Brahma-Kamala) on top.
The Havan ceremony, performed under the spell of holy chants, will transport you to the celestial heights of Shiva’s abode in Mount Kailash. It’s even believed that the cave is connected to Mount Kailash via an underground route, and that the Pandavas and Draupadi took their last journey in the Himalayas after meditating here.
And that’s just the beginning of the wonders waiting for you at Patal Bhuvaneshwar. This hidden pilgrimage, dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva, is home to almost every god you’ve ever heard of. It’s also said that worshiping here is equivalent to visiting the Chota Char Dham of Uttarakhand.
With the Bhandari priest family, who have been performing religious rites here for over 20 generations, serving as a treasure trove of legends, anecdotes, and information, you’re sure to leave with a wealth of knowledge and a sense of spiritual fulfillment.
So, are you ready to embark on this spiritual journey? Join me on a 26km drive, including a 3km trek down and up the Misty Mountain trail, to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, which is barely 11kms from the Misty Mountains. The drive itself is a feast for the eyes, with panoramic views of the Nanda Devi range, and the descent from 2100 to 1350 meters above sea level only adds to the spiritual immersion.
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