Shivkhori (also called shiv khori / shivkhodi / shiv khodi) is also called “home of Gods” a holy cave of Lord Shiva in Ransoo village, Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir. People come here for peace, for blessings, and to see a self-made(Swayambhu) Shivling inside the natural cave. The Shivkhori is special for devotees. It feels calm. It feels powerful. Many families visit all year. We can speak a lot about Shiv Khori, as this place is so special.
From Ransoo (base camp) you walk on a safe hill track to reach the cave. The track is about 3–4 km. It has railings and rest spots in many places. You can go at your own speed. Elders can use pony/palki/pithoo for Shivkhodi yatra from official counters. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside the cave, so you have to keep them in the cloak room before darshan. This helps to keep the holy cave quiet and clean.
Shivkhori has a big three-day mela every year for Maha Shivratri. On these days, devotees comes from many towns and villages to pray, sing bhajans, and take darshan. This “Mela” usually happens in February or early March. The local board and district team make extra arrangements so that the Shivkhodi yatra is smooth.
The “Shivkhodi” is managed by the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB). The Board was formed in 2003, and later in 2008 the J&K Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Act was passed to manage the shrine better. This makes a system for rules, safety, and services . For pilgrims, it means the Shivkhodi yatra is more organised and respectful.
Shivkhori is also easy to combine with Vaishno Devi (Katra). Many people plan a Katra + Shivkhori trip. Katra to Ransoo distance is about 80 km if you travel by road, and Jammu to Ransoo is around 129 km via Katra or around 112 km via Akhnoor–Bhambla route. Actual time depends on traffic and route.
Khori means cave (Guffa) and thus Shiv Khori denotes Shiva’s cave. The cave is a real wonder to be seen which according to the people is unending and believed to have led to Swami Amar Nath cave in Kashmir. As per assessment of local people, it measures nearly half a kilometer in length but Yatries are allowed to go only upto 130 meters. Rest part of the cave is still a mystery as no one could go further due to lack of oxygen. It is believed that some Sadhus who dared to go ahead never returned. The cave is in the shape of Lord Shiva’s Damroo i.e. wide at the two ends while very congested at the center. The width of the cave is so less at certain place that a person can barely crawl through whereas at places it over a hundred feet wide and quite high too. There are many features, which can be observed in the cave; however, the best of them is the natural water dripping from the top to the Shivlingum.
The opening of cave is a mammonth hall of nearly 20 feet wide and 22 feet hight. It is nearly 80 feet in length. While entering into this mesmerizing hall one can see the natural depiction of gigantic snake like formation believe to be Sheshnag. Pigeons are also seen here like Amarnath cave. After crossing the narrow passage, yatry reaches in the main cave area where sanctum sanctorum is situated. The open part of cave has a four feet high naturally formed Shiv-lingam at the heart of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Just above the shivlingam a cow like formation is visible believe to be Kamdhenu and can be identified by her udders. The natural water dripping from nipples of udders on the Shivlingum symbolizes the eternity of the holy river Ganga. It is believed that milk used to ooze out during old days but turned into water in Kaliyuga.
To the left of Shivlingam Maa Parwati is sitting whose image can be identified by impression of her holy feet. Along the image of Maa Parwati, Gauri kund is also visible which is always full of holy water. Image of Kartikeya is also seen in left of Shivlingam. At nearly 2.5 feet above the Kartikeya, image of five headed Ganesha is clearly visible. To the right side of Shivlingam one can see Ramdarbar having images of Lord Ram, Lakhshman, Sita and Hanuman. The whole cave is abounds with a number of other natural images which have been described as images of 33 crores hindu deities and their vahanaas. The cave roof is etched with snake like formations, the water trickles through these in the cave. ‘Three pronged lance‘ (Trishul) ‘Oum‘ and ‘Six Mouthed Sheshnaga‘ (Shkshthamukhi Sheshnag) are seen on the roof of the cave. The main part of cave roof has round cutting mark signifying construction of cave by Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu. In the second half of the main chamber Mahakali & Maha Sarswati is present. The potsherd of Mahakali is always full of holy water, which devotees use to sprinkle on themselves. Little above from the Mahakali, Panch– Pandava are present in natural rock form (pindies). Infront of the Mahakali on other wall of cave, natural rock image of Lord Shiva lieing down on floor is visible. A holy foot of Maa Kali is also visible on body of lord shiva. The whole environment inside the cave is so mesmerizing that a devotee feel himself in abode of god’s place and whole nature appears turned spiritual.
Where is Shivkhodi? It is near the Ransoo village in Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir. Ransoo is the base camp. Details about Shivkhori include the 3–4 km yatra track from the base camp to the cave. The track has tiles and railings at many points to help devotees. Local help desks are also around the market. Here we will tell you about Shivkhori.
By road (official distances):
You can take bus or taxi up to Ransoo. From there, you walk to the cave.
By train: Jammu Tawi and Katra are the main nearby stations used by pilgrims to visit Shivkhodi. From these stations, you get buses and taxis towards Ransoo (Reasi side). Katra is a popular place because many devotees go for Vaishno Devi and “katra” is a miain spot.
By air: Jammu Airport is the nearest airport to reach Shiv khori. District information lists Jammu Airport as the air entry for Shivkhori. From the airport you travel by road to Ransoo. Time depends on traffic and which route you choose (Katra side or Akhnoor side).
On the yatra track: You will see tea stalls, water, and rest places. If someone in your family needs support, you can hire pony/palki/pithoo at prepaid counters (fixed-rate system).
The shrine is marked as Shivkhori (Shivkhodi) near Ransoo, Reasi. Many travellers club Katra (Vaishno Devi), Baba Dhansar, Siar/Siyad Baba Waterfall, Bhim Garh Fort and other local spots with Shivkhori in one trip. This is common and easy because roads connect these places well.
The story about Shivkhori connects to Lord Shiva and legends of Bhasmasur.According to the most important myth, the Shiv Khori cave is believed to be discovered by a Muslim Shepherd, who in search of his missing Goats and by chance reached inside the cave. After reaching there he was very much startled to see a number of Saints inside the cave, who were impressed by Lord Shivas divine power. The astonished shepherd also started Pooja there. Later on, after coming out from the cave, the shepherd disclosed this to a number of other people despite of his promise to saints not to disclose about them or this cave. It is said that the shepherd after narrating it to other people had died.
Another famous story is about Bhasmasur, a demon. To save devotees, Mahadev came here and hid in this cave. Because of this, the area is holy and the cave is respected as Shiv ji’s own place. Locals also say the name “Ransoo” links to “battlefield,” connected to this legend. These are faith stories—told by people for many years.
“Khori” means cave. So Shiv Khori means Shiva’s Cave. Inside, you see many natural shapes—Parvati, Ganesh, Nandi—formed by rock and water over time. The cave has a main hall and then narrow parts. Some very old beliefs say one path inside the cave links towards Amarnath.
Shrine management : In 2003, the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB) was set up to manage the shrine and services. In 2008, the J&K Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Act was passed to give a clear legal system for the Shivkhodi Yatra. Since then, the Board and the district have added lighting, air systems, water points, shelters, railings, guest facilities, and an exit tunnel to help the growing number of pilgrims. This is why the yatra feels more orderly now.
