Patal Bhuvaneshwar Tourism

Patal Bhuvaneshwar - About Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Small village situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is surrounded by lofty peaks of Himalayan range. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a limestone cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most enthralling destination of the Kumaon region situated at a distance of 13 km from Gangolihat. The temple is situated in the Bhubneshwar village at an altitude of 1350 m above sea level. This temple is said to be one of the most blessed temple of Lord Shiva and yields a hundred times the fruit of prayer at Kedarnath, Baidyanath or Kashi.

The length of the cave is 160 m and depth from the entrance point is 90 feet. The cave of the temple has a tapered tunnel like entrance and it leads to a number of other caves. It is said that Pandava Brothers from Dwapar era passed their life in these caves during their banishment from Hastinapur. The flow of the water cut the rocks in such a captivating way that it feels that any artist had made all the statues on the wall of the caves.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not only one cave but a city of several caves. Each cave leads to another cave having deep secrets from within. There is a motorable road to cave which ends half a kilometer away from the entyrance of the cave. Stepping into this cave gives a devastating feeling that one has come to the centre of the earth. Every rock and each stone of the cave is contained with mythological manifestation of Hindu Gods, Goddesses and other known characters.

History of Patal Bhuvaneshwar

According to faith King Rituparna of the Surya Vansha discovered the cave in 'Treta yug'. It has been explained in the 'MANAS KHAND' of 'SKAND PURAN'. Adi Shankaracharya stays this cave in 1191 AD. That was the start of the current pilgrimage history, at Patal Bhuvaneshwar. The trip inside the cave has to be carried in frail lights, holding shielding iron chains. The Stone structure of Sheshnag can be observed, holding earth, heaven the world beneath. 'Havan' is doing in a softly lit, solemn feel, under the spell of sacred chants. You will also be impressed by the to visit these parts form the celestial heights of His abode in Kailash. The cave, it is believed, is linked by an underground way to Mount Kailash. It's thought that Pandavas, the 'Mahabharat' heroes go on towards their final trip in the Himalayas after meditating here, in front of Lord Shiva. This hidden pilgrimage to be found at 1,350mts above sea level is primarily devoted to Lord Shiva. About every god that you would have heard of exists in this puzzling cave. It is also thought that you can worship at Patal Bhuvaneshwar is equal to worshipping at Char Dham of Uttarakhand.

Patal Bhuvaneshwarsince the time of the Adi Shankaracharya. More than 20 generations in the line. They are a treasure house of legends, lores, anecdotes and information about this holy place. It is also believed that this cave is internally connected to the 4 abodes /seats (Char Dham).

Places to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar

The motor able road ends half a kilometer away from the cave doorway. You have to descend almost 100 steps into this narrow cave, to reach the sanctum sanctorum, which gives an awesome feeling that you are ingoing the centre of the earth. Each stone, each stalagmite within each cave or doorway, in outstanding assembly reveals the story of Hindu pantheon in the shapes of Gods, Goddesses, saints and recognized mythological characters.

Places to Stay in Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a small place where you will frequently find budget or mid variety accommodation with all the essential facilities and amenities. A few luxury hotels are also present in the region.

Restaurants and Food in Patal Bhuvaneshwar

While one might not find numerous restaurants here, the handful of resorts and hotels that the region houses serve basic and well-liked cuisines and usually tend to be the only alternative for food here.

Best Time to Visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Time: April-June, October-February

Summers in Patal Bhuvaneshwar are warm with temperature reaching till 47 deg C. But the evenings are cool. Carry cotton clothes or light woolen for the season. If travelling throughout winters, the weather is very pleasant with cold and strong winds. Heavy woolens are suggested. But, stay away from visiting the place throughout monsoon (July-mid September), when the region is prone to heavy landslides to rainfall.

How to reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar

By Air :The nearest airport is a Pant Nagar in Nainital. Take taxi or local bus to reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar via Nainital and Almora.

By Rail :Kathgodam (90 km) is the nearest railway station for Almora. It is well connected with Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Take local or private taxis or buses to reach Almora from Kathgodam.

By Road :Almora is almost 380 km from Delhi and 466 km from Lucknow. It is connected by road with most places of Uttarakhand.

Route :Nainital-Bhowali- Almora-Barechina-Dhaulchina-Sheraghat-RaiAgar- Patal Bhuvaneshwar.