Nestled in the serene village of Bhuvaneshwar (14 km from Gangolihat) in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a mesmerizing limestone cave believed to be as old as the earth itself. Located at an elevation of 1,350 meters above sea level, the cave extends 160 meters in length and 90 feet deep beneath the surface, creating a fascinating underground world filled with naturally formed structures and mythological significance. This article explores the mystery, spirituality, history, and natural beauty of Patal Bhuvaneshwar, offering detailed insights into this extraordinary cave system.

Mythological Significance of Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Patal Bhuvaneshwar holds an important place in Hindu mythology, believed to be the abode of 33 Koti Devi-Devta (330 million gods and goddesses). Inside the cave, visitors are greeted with natural formations that represent various deities and mythological scenes, including the holy trinity of Shiva, Parvati, and their family, along with Shesh Naag, Kal Bhairav, and replicas of the Char Dham shrines—Badrinath, Kedarnath, Amarnath, and others.

According to legend, the cave was discovered by Raja Ritupurna, a king mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. It is said that a visit to Patal Bhuvaneshwar yields a thousand times the fruit of tapasya (penance) performed at revered sites such as Kashi, Baidyanath, or Kedarnath. The Skanda Purana, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, describes the spiritual importance of visiting Patal Bhuvaneshwar, stating that the cave is a portal to the underworld and a sacred place for those seeking liberation from worldly sins.

Additionally, it is believed that this is the very place where Lord Shiva, in a fit of anger, beheaded his son Ganesha and later resurrected him by attaching an elephant’s head, bestowing him with the title Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles.

Natural Formations and the Cave’s Mystique

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just a single cave but a complex network of interconnected caves that descend deep into the earth. These caves are adorned with stunning limestone formations, sculpted over millions of years due to water flow and crystallization of minerals.

a) Structures of Deities

The cave houses a variety of naturally formed sculptures that resemble divine figures. Among the most revered are:

• Ganesha’s Human Head: A naturally formed idol representing the moment when Lord Ganesha lost his human head.
• Kali’s Tongue: A limestone formation symbolizing the fierce goddess Kali.
• Shiva’s Hair: A replica of Lord Shiva’s hair cascading down the cave’s walls.
• Shesha’s Idol: A serpent-shaped formation representing Shesh Naag, the cosmic serpent of Hindu mythology.
• Parijata Tree: A divine tree of mythological significance.
• Swayambhu Shiva Lingam: A self-manifested lingam of Lord Shiva.
• Char Dham Shrines: Natural formations that replicate the sacred pilgrimage sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Amarnath, and other holy places.

b) The Four Entrances

According to ancient beliefs, the cave has four sacred entrances: Randwar, Paapdwar, Dharamdwar, and Mokshadwar. While the Paapdwar was closed after the death of the demon king Ravana, and the Randwar after the war of Mahabharat, the remaining two—Dharamdwar and Mokshadwar—are still open to visitors. These entrances are symbolic of different paths in life, representing sin, war, righteousness, and liberation.

c) Caves within Caves

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is famous for its intricate layout of caves within caves, each of which reveals deeper secrets and hidden passages. The steps leading from one section to another are a journey through both geological and spiritual dimensions. Visitors are awestruck by the stalagmites and stalactites, which create a surreal atmosphere inside the cave. The place seems to tell the stories of Hindu mythology through natural sculptures, making the experience both spiritual and educational.

Historical and Scientific Perspective

The cave’s formation is attributed to the continuous flow of water over millions of years, cutting through rocks and creating unique structures. The process of mineral crystallization continues to shape the cave, with new formations still being developed. This ongoing geological process fascinates scientists and geologists who visit the site to study the cave’s formations.

a) Geographical Formation

The formation of limestone caves like Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a result of the chemical weathering process. The acidic water, when in contact with limestone, dissolves the rock, creating intricate passageways, halls, and chambers. The natural formations inside Patal Bhuvaneshwar, such as stalagmites (which grow from the floor) and stalactites (which hang from the ceiling), are the result of centuries of mineral deposition.

b) Unexplored Passages

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is believed to be part of a much larger network of caves, many of which remain unexplored to this day. There are countless small passageways and tunnels within the cave system that are inaccessible to visitors. This adds to the cave’s air of mystery, as many believe these tunnels could lead to unknown destinations or reveal even more astonishing secrets.

Legends and Folklore

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not only a geological wonder but also a place steeped in legends and folklore. One of the most famous legends associated with the cave is that of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. It is said that the Pandavas spent part of their time in exile (vanvas) in this cave, meditating and seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.

Another popular tale involves Lord Shiva and his cosmic dance, Tandava, which is believed to have created the various formations inside the cave. The Puranas also mention the significance of Patal Bhuvaneshwar as a place where gods reside, making it one of the holiest places on earth.

Visiting the Cave: The Journey Inside

Visitors to Patal Bhuvaneshwar must descend nearly 100 steps into the cave’s narrow entrance to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The journey inside feels like entering the center of the earth, with each step revealing something extraordinary. The air inside is cool and damp, and the passageways are dimly lit, providing just enough light to guide the way.

a) Exploring the Cave

The cave is open to visitors throughout the year, but only in batches of 20-30 people at a time due to the limited space inside. The cave system is well-lit with electric bulbs, ensuring safety and comfort for tourists. However, it is advisable to carry a torchlight for better visibility and to wear comfortable footwear due to the uneven terrain.

b) Precautions

Although the cave is generally safe for exploration, it’s important to take some basic precautions:

• Avoid visiting during the monsoon season, as the cave’s entrance can become slippery.
• Individuals with claustrophobia or respiratory issues should be cautious, as the narrow passageways can feel confining.
• Visitors should follow the guidance of local guides, who are well-versed in the cave’s history and layout.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Timings and Best Time to Visit

The cave is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter. The best time to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar is during the summer (April to June) and winter (October to February) seasons when the weather is pleasant and conducive to exploration. The monsoon season (July to September) is not ideal for visiting, as the cave entrance can become slippery and dangerous.

How to Reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible to tourists. It is located approximately 110 kilometers from Almora and 197 kilometers from Haldwani.

a) By Air

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 224 kilometers from Patal Bhuvaneshwar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach the cave.

b) By Rail

The closest railway station is Kathgodam, situated 191 kilometers from Patal Bhuvaneshwar. Taxis and cabs are readily available at the station to take you to the cave.

c) By Road

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is well-connected by motorable roads, and you can reach the cave by road from nearby towns such as Almora, Haldwani, and Pithoragarh. The final stretch requires a short walk, as vehicles cannot go directly to the cave entrance.