Patal Bhuvaneshwar
One of Uttarakhand's most enigmatic and spiritual locations is Patal Bhuvaneshwar. Located at an elevation of 1350 meters above sea level, this obscure pilgrimage is primarily devoted to Lord Shiva. The limestone cave known as Patal Bhuvaneshwar is located in the Uttarakhand state's Pithoragarh district, 13 kilometres from Gangolighat.
There is a long, narrow tunnel that leads to the Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is home to several gods, including Sheshnag, Kal Bhiarav, Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. 33 crore Gods and Goddesses are thought to reside in the cave.
History of Patal Bhuvaneshwar
During his visit here in 1191 A.D., the renowned sage and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya discovered the Patal Bhuvaneshwar. The massive cave is said to have been closed for ages, or "yugas," and to have remained undiscovered. The Dehradun circle of the Archaeological Survey of India currently guards the Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave.
Mythology about Patal Bhuvaneshwar
According to Hindu mythology, King Rituparna of the Sun Dynasty made the initial discovery of the cave during the "Treta Yug." It is said that after Rituparna's friend King Nala was vanquished by his spouse Queen Damyanti, he turned to Rituparna for assistance in getting out of jail. They travelled to the Himalayan hinterland, where King Nala sought safety in the forest.
Rituparna was returning when he noticed a stunning deer; he followed it but was unable to grab hold of it. Rituparna, exhausted, rested beneath a tree's shade and dreamed that the deer was pleading with him not to pursue it and he began his climb when his sleep was disturbed, and he managed to arrive at a cave.
Upon discovering an unexpected visitor at the entrance, the cave doorman inquired about the nature of his visit. The guard nodded, satisfied with his response, and let him into the cave. Then a Sheshnag came to greet Rituparna, carrying him on its hood. The stone representations of the gods that adorned the cave mesmerized the king. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with reopening the cave after it had been closed for a very long-time following Rituparna's visit.
According to another legend, the Pandavas completed their penance in front of Shiva here before setting out on their last expedition to the Himalayas.
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