Patal Bhuvaneshwar Gufa Mandir is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site located in Bhuvaneshwar village, about 14 km from Gangolihat in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It is a 160 m long and 90 ft deep limestone cave located at an altitude of 1350 m above sea level. Patal Bhuvneshwar offers a unique blend of spiritual reverence and natural wonder, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper connection with India's rich mythological heritage.
History and Architecture of Patal Bhuvaneshwar Gufa Mandir
Inside the Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave you will find naturally formed structures of 33 crore deities including Shiva Parvati Parivar, Shesh Naga, Char Dham, Kaal Bhairav etc. According to legend, King Rituparna of the Surya dynasty discovered the cave during the Treta Yuga. He was guided through the cave by the serpent deity Sheshnag, where he witnessed the divine presence of various gods and goddesses. The cave remained hidden until Kali Yuga, when Adi Shankaracharya rediscovered it in 1191 AD and began its modern worship. It is believed that this cave is connected to Mount Kailash by an underground passage. Patal Bhuvaneshwar Gufa Mandir is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The entrance to the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple is a bit challenging. Visitors descend 82 steps into the cave through narrow, dimly lit passages holding iron chains. The atmosphere is serene, and occasional chanting of mantras enhances the spiritual ambiance.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar is described in the Manas section of the Skanda Purana. It is said that there are four entrances inside the Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave, namely Rann Dwar, Paap Dwar, Dharma Dwar and Moksha Dwar. The Paap Dwar was closed after the death of Ravana and Rann Dwar was closed after the war of Mahabharata. Currently only the two remaining gates are open. Many people say that visiting the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Gufa Mandir is equivalent to visiting the four Dhams of Uttarakhand. It is believed that the Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave is connected to Mount Kailash through an underground passage.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar Gufa Mandir Darshan Timings
The Patal Bhuvaneshwar mandir is open for the entire week and the darshan timings are from 8 am to 6 pm in summers and from 9 am to 5 pm in winters. Groups of 20-30 people are allowed to enter the cave at a time. The best time to visit is from March to June and the monsoon months of July and August should be avoided due to slippery paths and possible landslides.
How to reach Patal Bhuvneshwar Gufa Mandir
Patal Bhuvneshwar is located at a distance of 110 km from Almora and 197 km from Haldwani. The distance from Jageshwar to Patal Bhuvneshwar is about 115 km. It is well connected by roads to all the nearby destinations of Uttarakhand. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station which is at a distance of about 191 km.
Things to keep in mind before visiting Patal Bhuvaneshwar Gufa Mandir
❀ The descent into the cave requires traversing narrow and uneven paths; visitors should be in good health and not suffer from claustrophobia.
❀ The cave has limited lighting, carrying a small torch can help in navigating the complex structures.
❀ Maintain decorum during your visit and respect the sanctity of the temple.
Popular Name: Patal Bhuvaneshwar