SHIV KHORI

Shivkhori is a famous cave shrine of Hindus devoted to lord Shiva, situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir state in India.

In Reasi district, there are many shrines such as Mata Vaishno Devi, Merhada Mata, Baba Dhansar, Siad Baba. Shiv Khori is one of them located in Ransoo a village in the Pouni block in Reasi district, which attracts lakhs of devotees annually. Shiv Khori is situated in between the hillocks about 140 km north of Jammu, 120 km from Udhampur and 80 km from Katra. Buses and light vehicles go up to Ransoo, the base camp of pilgrimage. People have to traverse about 3 km on foot on a track recently constructed by the Shiv Khori Shrine Board, Ransoo duly headed by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu as Chairman and District Development Commissioner, Reasi as vice chairman .

Khori means cave (Guffa) and Shiv Khori thus denotes Shiva's cave. This natural cave is about 200 metres long, one metre wide and two to three metres high and contains a self made lingam, which according to the people is unending. The first entrance of the cave is so wide that 300 devotees can be accommodated at a time. Its cavern is spacious to accommodate large number of people. The inner chamber of the cave is smaller. The passage from outer to the inner chamber is low and small, at one spot it divides itself into two parts. One of these is believed to have led to Kashmir where Swami Amarnath cave is located. It is now closed as some sadhus who dared to go ahead never returned.[citation needed] To reach the sanctum sanctorum, one has to stoop low, crawl or adjust his body sideward. Inside a naturally created image of Lord Shiva, about 4 metres high, is visible. The cave abounds with a number of other natural objects having resemblance with Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Nandigan. The cave roof is etched with snake formations, the water trickles through these on Shiva Lingam. Pigeons are also seen here like Swami Amar Nath cave which presents good omens for pilgrimages

Situated at a distance of 42 km from Jammu city, Surinsar Lake is known for its natural bounty and some mythological importance. Surrounded by thickly wooded mountain ranges and it is a popular picnic spot. The beauty and natural splendor of Surinsar Lake can be compared with the magnificence of Dal Lake and Nagin Lake of Srinagar. Surinsar Lake and Mansar Lake are considered to be twin lakes; Mansar is located 30 km away from it. The Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled in the midst of both the lakes and supports 3 mammalian species and 15 avifauna species including crane. According to Hindu mythological legends, the origin of the lake is closely associated with the legendary warrior of Mahabharat, Arjun. It is said to believe that Arjun shot an arrow in to the Mansar and a spring gushed of the earth and now it is known as Surinsar Lake.

The Holy place of Baba Dhansar is located at Karua Jheel near village Karua, 15 km from Reasi towards Katra. As per locals, in ancient times, there was a demon who lived near Karua Jheel and commited atrocities on the people of village. The villagers sought the help of Baba Dhansar who happened to be the son of Vasudev (human form of Sheshnag). It is believed that Baba Dhansar prayed to Lord Shiva for help and Lord Shiva appeared and helped in killing the demon.

Ziarat of Baji Mian Mohammed Ismail Sahib is situated at Jandi Morh near Bharakh village in District Reasi. It is a place of great faith and worship among all sections of society, irrespective of religion. Thousands of devotees visits the Ziarat through out the year and also participated in the annual Urs to receive blessing of Baji Mian Ismail Sahib.

Dera Baba Banda Bhadhur is another place of religious importance. Baba Banda Bhadhur was a famous saint soldier of Guru Gobind Singh. A gurudwara was also build on the bank of river Chenab in his memory. The place is considered as a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Sikhs situated in Reasi. People from other parts of the state and country also come to this place for pilgrimage particularly on Baisakhi festival.

It is situated in Aghar Jitto village at a distance of approx. 5 km from Katra . Aghar Jitto is named after Baba Jitto the legendary farmer who laid his life to fight oppression by landlords. He was a great devotee of Maa Vaishno and a temple is built here dedicated to him. A three day Aghar Jitto festival is the prime attraction of this place.

Famous for its magnificent waterfall, Siarh Baba is situated about 10kms from Reasi, in village Talwara.The main attraction is nearly 400 ft. high cascading waterfall and an ancient Pragan Nag temple.

The cave is situated in the Thampal area of Salal in Reasi district. The area is tough terrain and nearly 2 hours on foot journey. The cave has a Shiv Lingam similar to Shiv Khori, stone idols of Shiva family, a statue of saint and hanuman. The cave appears to be almost equal to Shiv Khori.

It is another pilgrim stop situated on the Reasi Katra road about 8 km from Katra and 17 km from Reasi. The Shrine has naturally formed nine Pindies symbolizing nine avtars of Maha Shakti.

Kalka Mandir temple of Mata kali is located on the hill top close to Bus Stand in Reasi town. One has to traverse 200 meters distance on foot to reach the temple.

Salal Power Project is also a source of attraction for visitors. It is 20 km away from Reasi surrounded by mountains. It is constructed on river Chenab. The project has a capacity of 690MW.

This is a historical fort commanded by General Zorawar Singh, the famous Dogra General who repelled Chinese from Ladakh. The fort is build on the banks of river Anji at a hillock.

is another attraction of tourists visiting this place for taking a bath at this natural spring of hot water (Tatta Pani) due to which all skin ailments and joint pains are believed to be cured. A number of people from Jammu Kashmir and also from neighbouring states visit this spring for Holy Bath.