Hat Kalika Temple

Hat Kalika temple is situated amidst deodar forests, the Janhavi Naula (a covered spring) and temple complex. Twice a year in Chaitra and Ashuj on the eight day of the Navratras, a large fair is held at the Kalika temple.

Adi Guru Shankaracharya had established this temple as one of the 108 Shakti Peeths. The area gives a feeling of strength and spiritualism and thus is a favourite tourist spot. Among the Shakti Peeths, the most popular is this temple of Kalika. It is seen with a body beneath its right foot. Close ot the idol is the idol of Nandi, to its left is Ganesh and Bhairav. A Shri-Yantra established by Shankaracharaya is covered by a Sailgram, topped by a copper sheet. A ‘Trishul’ stands on top of itwhich is covered yb silver ‘Chatras’. About 50 years of age now, this temple at the time of its establishment was very small. A sage, Laxman Baba who was popularly known as Jangambaba, had renovated the temple

The temple is, however, more remarkable for the grove of noble deodars within which it stands. Close by. To the south-west are the remains of a few old temples and a masonry well bearing, an inscription apparently of some age.

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Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a tiny village in the Pithoragarh district set among the lofty peaks, of the western Himalayan Range in the Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand, India. Patal Bhuvaneshwar, one of the most fascinating places of the Kumaon region, is a limestone cave temple 14 km from Gangolihat in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state in India. It is located in the village Bhubneshwar.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave temple is at a height of 1350 meters above sea level.

It is said that the darshan at Patal Bhuvaneshwar yields a thousand times the fruit of tapasya at Kashi, Baidyanath or Kedarnath. In the Skanda Purana, Manas Kanda, Chapter 103, there is a description of the blessings to be attained in visiting Patal Bhuvaneshwar.

The cave is 160 m long and 90 feet deep from the point of entrance. Limestone rock formations have created various spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures of various hues and forms. This cave has a narrow tunnel-like opening which leads to a number of caves. The cave is fully electrically illuminated. There is a folklore that the Pandava brothers passed their time here during banishment. It is built due to the flow of water. It cut the rocks in such a fascinating way that it looks like that any artist had made those entire statues within the cave & on its wall. It has some cave opening and it is believed that these opening will be close as the centuries pass on. The scientific fact is it still being developed due to crystallization of the minerals which are dissolved in the water.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just one cave, rather a cave city. There is a 1 km long cave in Patal Bhuvneshwar. This is 90 feet below the ground level. Caves within caves, steps leading to another, each one unmasking deep secrets from within. The motorable road ends half a kilometer away from the cave entrance. You have to descends nearly 100 steps into this narrow cave, to reach the sanctum sanctorum, which gives an overwhelming feeling that you’re entering the centre of the earth. Each stone, each stalagmite within each cave or doorway, in magnificent erection revels the story of Hindu pantheon in the shapes of Gods, Goddesses, saints and known mythological characters.

History of Patal Bhuvaneshwar :-

In the heart of the village of Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a temple, dating back to the Twelth Century A.D, built by the rulers of Chand and Katyuri dynasties. 

Mythology of Patal Bhuvaneshwar :-

Legend and folklore have it that this underground cave enshrines Lord Shiva and thirty three crore (330 million) Gods. According to belief King Rituparna of the Sun dynasty (Surya Vansha) discovered the cave in ‘Treta yug’. It has been described in the ‘MANAS KHAND’ of ‘SKAND PURAN’. As per believe, some doors which are now closed were opened thousand of years back. It is yet not been fully explored. It is also believed that this cave is internally connected to the four abodes / seats (Char Dham).

Adi Shankaracharya visited this cave in 1191 AD. That was the beginning of the modern pilgrimage history, at Patal Bhuvaneshwar. The journey inside the cave has to be carried in feeble lights, holding protective iron chains. The Stone formations of Sheshnag can be seen, holding earth, heaven the world beneath. ‘Havan’ (fire sacrifice) is performed in a dimly lit, solemn atmosphere, under the spell of holy chants. You’ll also be impressed by the huge stalactites, called “jatas” of Lord Shiva, located at different location inside the cave. This is where Shiva rested when he chose to visit these parts form the celestial heights of His abode in Kailash.The cave, it is believed, is connected by an underground route to Mount Kailash. it’s believed that Pandavas, the ‘Mahabharat’ heroes proceeded towards their last journey in the Himalayas after meditating here, in front of Lord Shiva. The priest family, the Bhandaris are performing religious rites at Patal Bhuvaneshwar since 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.

Places to visit in Patal Bhuvaneshwar :-

Patal Bhuvaneshwar having a wonderful climate and a beautiful location. In Patal Bhuvaneshwar thick Forests of oak and deodar & rhododendron are interspersed with cornfields and orchards. Patal Bhuvaneshwar also offers a magnificent view of the Panchchuli peaks and has few rivals for spectacular Himalayan sunrises and sunsets.

Temples Near Patal Bhuvaneshwar :-

Gangolihat, 35 km away, is an important religious centre with the Haat - Kalika Temple, the temple was chosen by Sankaracharya for installation of Mahakali Shaktipeeth. It is believed that the Original Goddes Kalika Mata, which supposed to be in West Bengal, shifted her place form Bengal to Gangolihat.. Also in the general area are the following temples :-

* Mahakali Temple of Gangolihat
* Patal Bhuvaneshwar
* Mostamanu temple
* Nagmandir of Berinag
* Ghunsera Devi Temple
* Kedar temple
* Nakuleshwar Temple
* Kamaksha Temple
* Kapileshwar Mahadev cave temple
* Ulkadevi Temple
* Jayanti Temple Dhwaj
* Arjuneshwar Shiva temple
* Kot Gari Devi

EXCURSIONS IN Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Gangolihat :- An important religious center housing the famous Hat-Kalika temple, which is a popular venue for local fairs.

Berinaag :- Offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the tea gardens here, yield high quality tea.

Dharamghar :- Situated 9 km from Patal Bhuvaneshwar, this is where Sarla Behn, the disciple of Gandhiji, spent her last days. One can enjoy a spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks from her abode called as Himdarshan Kutir.

Best time to Visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar :-

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a picturesque destination affording enchanting views throughout the year. The best time to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar is from April to June and from Mid September to October end.

Summers in Patal Bhuvaneshwar :- The weather of Patal Bhuvaneshwar remains salubrious during summers and you can see unobstructed views of the Himalayas. Patal Bhuvaneshwar remains pleasant during summers and light woollens are required. It is probably the best time to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar.

Transport To Patal Bhuvaneshwar :-

How To Reach

The motorable road ends half a kilometer away from the cave entrance. You have to descend nearly 100 steps into this narrow cave, to reach the sanctum sanctorum, which gives an overwhelming feeling that you are entering into the center of the earth.

Air: 

The nearest airport is Naini Saini at Pithoragarh (91 kms). No regular flights are available at present

 

Rail: 

The nearest Railhead is Kathgodam, 198 kms.

 

 Road: 

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is connected through metalled hill roads with all the major towns in the area. 

Situated about 37 km from Chaukori and 14 km from Gangolihat in Pithorgarh district in Uttaranchal.

Please Note :- Photography is totally prohibited inside Patal Bhubaneshwar in ANY form.

 

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Dhwaj Temple, Pithoragarh

This highly revered temple situated, at an elevation of 2100 mts. above the sea level, at a distance of 15 Kms. including a journey of 4.5 Kms. on foot. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti. The picturesque view of Himalayan peaks can be seen from the temple.

Climate | When to Visit

The months of March to June and mid-September to October are ideal for visiting Pithoragarh, while July to early September is the rainy season. Light woolens and rain protection is needed in summer, while heavy woolens are called for in winter.

Visit during: March to June

Directions | How to Reach

By Air The nearest airport is Nani Saini, 5 km awayBy Rail - The nearest railhead is at Tankapur, at a distance of 151 km south.By Road - Various centers of Pithoragarh are connected with good metallic roads and regular transport service. There are buses to Almora, Nainital, Haldwani, Delhi and Tankapur. However, to reach some far-flung areas, one has to still use horses, ponies, mules, yak and sheep!

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