Shiv Khori

Katra also serves as the base camp for another noteworthy shrine. Just 78 kilometres from Katra is Shiv Khori, a holy cave where a naturally formed Shivalinga is worshipped with great devotion by people. Devotees travel from Katra to the village of Ransoo by buses or cabs, and then take a trek to the 150 metre long cave. According to the local lore, thousands of years ago, at this very site, Lord Shiva confronted a nasty demon who had secured a boon of being invincible. After killing the demon, Lord Shiva used his trident to cut the rocky mountain and paved way for himself to reach the holy shrine of Amarnath in Kashmir. The sanctum sanctorum houses a 4 feet long Shivalinga along with a few naturally formed cave impressions depicting Shiva’s family: Goddess Parvati, Kartikeya, Ganesha and Nandi. Interestingly, the inner chamber of the cave is divided into two pathways. It is believed that a few ascetics in the past dared to tread the unknown territory in their bid to reach Amarnath Shrine, but they never returned.