Shiv Khori

Location:	Reasi Tehsil (approximately 100 km from Jammu)
Dedicated To:	Lord Shiva
Highlights:	Contains a naturally formed lingam of Lord Shiva
Attractions:	Fair organized at the time of Maha Shivratri

Shiv Khori is an astonishing natural cave in a hillock in the Reasi tehsil. Situated 100 km from Jammu, this wonderful cave stretches on for approximately one km. The four feet high cave contains a naturally formed lingam of Lord Shiva. The shepherds of the nearby villages discovered the Shivkhori cave about a hundred years ago. The architects of "His Majesty" carved the impressions of Sheshnaag on the ceilings of the cave. In the center of the cave is a hollow that gives an effect like that of Lord Shiva's "Jatta". Also surrounding the Shivalinga are self-made "saligrams".

Located about 4.5 miles from Bhafarkah village in Pouni Block, the Shiv Khodi cave of Kashmir, India, consists of two chambers. The spacious outer chamber can accommodate a few dozens of people at a time, while the inner chamber is quite small. The walkway leading from the outer to the inner chamber is very low and narrow. Shivkhori in Kashmir attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The cave gains special significance during the Maha Shivratri festival. During this festival a big fair is organized near the temple. Shiv devotees throng this cave at the time of the festival to catch a glimpse of the holy lingam.