Patal Bhuvaneshwar, enshrined in mystery and mythology

New Delhi: In one of the caves in the Himalayas there is one six inch small Shivling, which is growing taller every day. It is a belief that when this Shivling will grow that tall that it touches the ceiling, the world will end. Enshrined in mystery and mythology, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is the hidden pilgrimage centre, near Gangolihat the famous Shaktipeeth. Located 91 kms from Pithoragarh on the way to Berinag, this highly revered shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per old beliefs, this Shivling is the symbol of Kalyug. After it reaches the ceiling, the earth will be destroyed and the Satyug will begin again. It's popularly believed that the holiest cave is the abode of 33 crore Gods and Goddess, amidst the absolute Himalayan isolation. This cave has a narrow tunnel-like opening which leads to a number of caves. The cave is fully electrically illuminated. Built by to the flow of water, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just one cave, rather a series of caves within caves. "He who wants to feel the presence of eternal power should come to the sacred Bhuvneshwar situated near the confluence of Ramganga, Sarayu and Gupt-Ganga."-Manaskhanda, Skandapuran, whose 800 verses refer to Patal Bhuvaneshwar. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just one cave, rather a cave city. 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 descend 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. According to belief King Rituparna of the Sun dynasty discovered the cave in ‘Treta yug'. It has been described in the ‘Manas Khand' of ‘Skand Puran'. 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' is performed in a dimly lit, solemn atmosphere, under the spell of holy chants. It's believed that Pandavas, the ‘Mahabharat' heroes proceeded towards their last journey in the Himalayas after meditating here, in front of Lord Shiva. This place has many other temples including Mahakali temple, Chamunda temple, but the most famous is the mysterious cave.