Bhartrihari caves/ भर्तृहरि गुफा, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

The visit to the Bhartrihari Caves, at Ujjain, in Madhya Pradesh, was a part of “Magnificent Madhya Pradesh Yatra - Bhopal / Indore / Mandu / Maheswar / Ujjain”, from Nov 23 to Nov 29, 2025, organised by Mantra Yathra. Thanks to Mr Balaji Davey and his team of Mantra Yatra (website), for the excellent arrangement and personal care.

This ancient Hindu Bhartrihari Cave complex is on the banks of the Kshipra River. This 11th-century cave complex consists of three caves named after the famous sage “Bhartrihari Caves”. The caves are not on the hill, but on a little elevated mount above the ground level. This is one of the place in Ujjain, where tourists visits after the darshan of Shree Mahakaleshwar.   

LEGEND
As per the legend, Bhartrihari, the stepbrother of Vikramaditya and a very renowned poet, used to live and meditate for 12 years after relinquishing all the luxuries of life. Born as a king, Bhartrihari renounced his affluent lifestyle and adopted the garb of an ascetic due to his disturbing relationship with his wife. The heartbreak led him to give up all his palatial dreams and become a spiritualist.

ARCHITECTURE
A 3-tier Rajagopuram is at the entrance of the caves, built in South Indian architecture. The three caves have narrow entrances, which are difficult to access. The ceilings of the caves are supported by exquisitely carved stone pillars and have multiple rooms that house idols or images of Hindu deities, Shiva, Hanuman, Durga, rishi Bhartrihari, his Guru Gorakhnath Ji, Mahadeva's trident, and holy ash called Dhuni, Durga, Maha Kali, Shiva Linga, Munis & Yogis, Shri Matsandranath Yogi, Raja Yoga Pichand Maharaj, Shri Neelakandeshwar Mahadev, etc.

As per the historians, the present cave is the remains of a double-storied monastery of the Parmar period (10th Century CE).  This place was a famous centre for the Nath, Bhairavi, and Kapalika cult (Shiva holds a Katvanga) of worship during the 10^th – 14^th century. The sculptures and the temple components are remains of the monastery.

  

OBSERVATIONS
1. It is observed that the pillars that support the ceilings are not an integral part of the cave. Some of the pillars may belong to the 10^th to 14^th centuries.
2. Old temple components and some sculptures are fixed on the wall of the caves, both inside and outside.
3. The walls of some of the caves are built with stones.
4. The Rajagopuram was constructed in recent years.

Hence, it is presumed that the cave was reconstructed during recent years, and before that, a temple might have existed on the same spot, or the temple components might have been brought from elsewhere.

HOW TO REACH
The Bhartrihari Caves are at Bharthari Giya, a part of Ujjain, about 4.1 km from Ujjain Railway junction, 4.6 km from Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, 70.5 km from Indore, and 209 km from Bhopal.
The nearest Railway Station / Junction is Ujjain.

LOCATION OF THE CAVES: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine / Cave Temple, Katra, Reasi District, Jammu & Kashmir.

The visit to this Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine at Trikuta mountains (three peaks), Katra in Jammu & Kashmir was a part of the AMARNATH JI yatra on 05^th July 2014. This was a continuation of Yatra to Kailash and Chardham ( Yamunothri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath ), with the same Group, but with a change of Travel agency. The main itinerary in this Amarnath yatra includes Shiv Khori Cave, Shri Vaishno Devi Cave, Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Amritsar, Wagah border and Shri Raghunath Temple Jammu.

 Holy cave complex looks like a multistory building 

Presiding deity : Mata Vaishno Devi

Mata Shri Vaishno Devi is in the form of 3 heads / pindies on a natural rock about 5.5 feet tall inside the cave. The three pindies have a common base at the bottom. The three heads are called the holy pindies. The entire rock body is immersed in the water and a marble platform was constructed later. The three Pindies each are distinctively different from the other two in color and texture. The three Pindies represent Maha Kali (Right), Maha Lakshmi (Middle), and Maha Saraswathi (Left). There are no statues, Pictures, or Idols.  Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is considered to be an incarnation of the above supreme energies.

PC. website

ARCHITECTURE

All along the trek and at Bhawan there are many Photographs explaining the nature of darshan inside the holy cave are displayed. The inlet and outlet to the caves are constructed with marble. Two additional tunnels are created, to enable the devotee's quick darshan. The entrance to the cave is 98 feet.  There are about 6 Q complexes with priority for darshans.

There is a Shiva shrine in a cave, a level below Shri Mata Vaishno Devi’s Cave. Ram, Lakshman, and Sita temple with Sri Anjaneya in front was constructed at a later stage.

Looking from the trek path we could see the temple complex like a multi-storey building.

 Footpath is covered for shade

PC Website

HISTORY

The cave was discovered about 700 years ago by Pandit Shridhar. One day, Mata Vaishno Devi came in Sridhar’s dream and told him, where she was on the hill. Sridhar followed her instructions and identified her. Mata Vaishno Devi gave darshan to her 4 sons and blessed them. Even today, his descendants take care of Mata Vaishno Devi.

The temple activities are being maintained by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board ( SMSVDB ), established in 1986.

A Rope car way to reach 5200 feet altitude, a 12 km stretch from Katra was established at a cost of 55.77 lakhs, and started functioning on 24^th, December  2018, for the benefit of pilgrims ( Rs 100 was charged initially ). The ropeway will transport 1000 Devotees per hour. This will cover the Bhairon Mandir also.

A stampede occurred on January 1^st, 2022, resulting in 12 people lost their lives and 16 others injured. This was due to a scuffle between the two groups. It was said that suffocation was the main reason for the death.

LEGENDS

It is believed that unless Mata Shri Vaishno Devi calls, we cannot have the Darshan at this Holy cave. This is the place where Mata’s skull was fallen, hence it is believed that this is one of the Sakthi Peedams.

It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine existed before the epic Mahabharat period. As per the legend, Krishna advised Arjuna to worship Devi before going to the Kurukshetra war.  Devi appeared before him in the form of Mata Vaishno Devi and blessed him. Arjuna praised Mata Vaishno Devi as the highest Yogin, immortal, mother of all Vedas, the science of Vedandhas, the Giver of Victory, and this place as Jambhu. It is believed that the name Jambhu has been corrupted to the present name of Jammu. It is believed that Pancha Pandavas constructed temples for Vaishno Devi opposite to the hill and 5 rocks opposite to the cave are believed to be of Pancha Pandavas.

In another legend, The tantric Bhairon Natha happened to the Young Vaishno Devi, who fell in love and chased her. Mata Vaishno Devi assumed the form of Durga and cut off the head of Bhairon Nath, in this cave. In another version of the same legend, Mata Vaishno Devi, asked Sridhar to arrange a feast for the Locals near Bhumika stream. In that, Bhairon Nath also joined and demanded meat and liquor. Mata Vaishno Devi told him that the feast was for the Brahmins and only vegetarian food would be served. On seeing young Mata Vaishno Devi, Bhairon Nath lusted on her and chased her. To escape from him, Mata Vaishno Devi, came to this cave after stopping at Banganaga, Charan Paduka, Ardh Kunwari, and finally Bhawan in the Trikuta hills. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi stayed for about 9 months in this cave and finally killed Bhairon Nath by cutting off his head. Bhairon Nath prayed to Mata to pardon him. Mata Vaishno Devi granted him salvation and a temple was constructed midway to this Cave for him. It is believed that the Vaishno Devi yatra will be fulfilled only after the darshan of Bhairon Nath.       

DARSHAN PROCEDURES AND FACILITIES

Dharshan, poojan, accommodation, and Helicopter travel from the base of the Hill have to be reserved through the official website of the Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board ( SMVDSB ). The final stretch of 3 KM from the helipad to Holy Cave, has to be walked or a dolly is available. A Ropeway was established in 2021 from the base of the Hill to transport 1000 devotees per hour.

A locker facility is available to lock the valuables on showing the Id card free of charge. Camera and Mobile are not allowed inside the Holy cave. Each person is checked for security before entering the holy cave. Even the prasad is being distributed by the security personnel.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular daily poojas, special poojas are conducted during Navratri days ( September – October ), Deepavali,  etc. On all Navratri nights, all leading artists from our country will perform at Vaishno Devi Darbar.  Devotees used to offer traditional mangal materials like Chunri ( red color drape), Sarees, Dry fruits, Silver and Gold ornaments, Cholas, and flowers.

CONTACT DETAILS

Official Web site: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/index.aspx

Phone number 01991 234 053

HOW TO REACH

Mata Vaishno Devi Cave is about 13 KM from Katra Town.

The nearest Railway station is Katra and the nearest airport is Jammu (63 km).

LOCATION OF THE CAVE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Helipad at the top of the hill - from here 3.5 KM to holy cave 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Kundrakudi Rockcut Cave Temple / ThennaRRu Nayanar Temple / Masilicchuram / Mayil Malai Eswaran Koil, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Kundrakudi Rock Cut Cave Temple at Kundrakudi near Karaikudi was a part of the structural and Rock Cut cave, Shiva, and Vishnu temples visit in Tiruchirappalli, Pudukottai, and Sivaganga Districts, on 21^st November 2021. This Rock Cut Cave is one of the 41 Rock Cut Caves excavated in Pandya country.

A Chandikeswarar bas-relief is carved before the cave. He is sitting in padmasana posture, keeping both hands on his thigh. The right palm is open and facing up, seems that he is holding something.  He wears padra kundala, Rudraksha, and Yagnopaveetham.

The Cave Nos 2 and 3 are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Cave is with sanctum sanctorum and Ardha mandapam. The ardha mandapam is supported by 2 square pillars and 2 pilasters. The steps leading to the sanctum are of Ardha Chakra shape/Sobanam. In the sanctum sanctorum, Shiva Lingas are excavated from the mother rock. Shiva Lings are on a square avudayar. Rishaba is in front of the middle Cave.  Dwarapalakas are on the side of the front ardha mandapam. The Dwarapalakas are in three bangha standing posture keeping one hand on the thandam and a snake coiled around it. The other hand is in Kadi hastam. A makuta is shown on their head, wearing Padra Kundala, Sarapalli, Tholvalai, Uthra bandham, and yagnopaveetha. A Sword holder is shown on his hip.

In the next panel, Mahavishnu with 4 hands is shown along with Garuda. Maha Vishnu is not in the usual posture. While the upper hand holds Changu / conch and Chakra, Maha Vishnu rests his left hand on Garuda and holds something in the right hand. He wears Kundala, Sarapalli, Tholvalai, bangles, and Yagnopaveetham. Garudan is in folding hands which is an unusual posture.

Bhairavar, Raishabam, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar are in front of the Cave. There is a Vinayagar Sculpture carved on the right side of the rock. Out of 41 Rock Cut caves in Pandya country, 18 Caves have Vinayagar sculptures and this is one of the caves.

The First cave with panels of Murugan, Dwarapalaka, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Sankara Narayanan, and Natarajar in Chathura Nadanam with 4 hands and two Shiva ganas playing musical instruments to Natarajar’s dance,  Kotravai with 8 hands holding various weapons. Two Navakanda and Arikanda sculptures are shown below. All the original sculptures are finished with lime motor and colorful painting was done. Some of the Pictures are downloaded from the website and FB. My sincere thanks to Saravanamaniyan P A and the unknown Photographers.

The rock cut Cave was extended with a structural mandapam, in which two shrines were also during the Vijayanagara Nayakas period.  Part of Saptamatrikas and Jyeshtadevi / Thavvai/ Mootha Devi  Sculptures are kept in front of a shrine.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This rock-cut cave was excavated during the early 8th-century Pandya period. Pandya period Tamil Vattezhuthu inscriptions are found on the pillars. Later maintained and extended during Chozhas and Vijayanagara’s period. One of the Pandya period Vattezhuthu inscriptions mentions the name of  this rock-cut cave as “Masilicchuram” which means “Mayil Malai Eswaran Koil”

The Chozha period inscriptions recorded from this Rock Cut Cave Temple belong to Rajraja-I and Kulothunga Chozha-I. Kulothunga Chozha-I, defeated Pancha Pandya Kings ( 5 Pandya Kings ) and Pandya Country was brought under the fold of Chozhas. Out of 5 to 6 Titles, the title starts with “‘புகழ்மாது விளங்க’… is very much popular. As per his inscription the Pandya, Country was called “Rajraja Pandya Mandalam”.  This place was called “ThennaRu” ( ..?) and Lord Shiva was called “ThennaRRu Nayakar” ( .. ?), “ThirukkunRakkudi Thirumalai Udaya Mahadevar”. The inscription reads as …  ( Thanks to Pon Karthikeyan )

1. ஸ்வஸ்தி ஶ்ரீ புகழ்மாது விளங்
2. க ஜயமாது விரும்ப நிலமகள் நி
3. லவ மலர்மகள் புணர உரி
4. மையிற் சிறந்த மணிமுடி சூடி மீநவ
5. ர் நிலை கெட வில்லவர் குலை தர விக்க
6. லன் சிங்கணன் மேல் கடல் பாய திக்
7. கனைத்துந் தன் சக்கர நடாத்தி விஜய
8. (ப)பிஷேகம் பண்ணி வீர ஸிம்ஹாஸ
9. நத்து அவநி முழுதுடையாளோடு
10. ம் வீற்றிருந்தருளிய த்ரிபுவன சக்கரவத்திகள்
11. ஶ்ரீ கொலோத்துங்க சோழ தேவ
12. ற்கு யாண்டு நாற்பதாவது இராஜரா
13. ஜ பாண்டி நாட்டு இராஜேந்த்ர சோ
14. ழ வளநாட்டு தெநாற்றுப் போக்குத் தி
15. ருக்குந்றக்குடித் திருமலை உடைய ம
16. ஹா தேவற்கு நாட்டாந் வீரசேகரநாந
17. விருதராஜ பயங்கர அதலையூர் நாடா
18. ழ்வாநேந் தெநாற்றுப் போக்கில்
19. எந் ஜீவிதமாய்யுள்ள ஊர்கள் திருக்கு
20. ந்றக்குடியிலும் வேழவூர்ரிலும் படை
21. காணியிலும் வெட்டங்குடியிலும் மகா
22. ஞ்சிரங்குடியிலும் சாழியிலும் பாதிரி
23. க்குடியிலும் பாரிவயர மங்கலதும்
24. மேற் கண்ண மங்கலத்தும் இத்தே
25. வர் தேவதாநமாய்யுள்ள நிலங்களெ
26. ல்லாம் இவ்வாண்டு முதல் எற்றைக்கு
27. ம் இறைய் தவிர்த்துக் குடுத்துக் குடுத்
28. தமைக்குக் கல்வெட்டிக் குடுத்தேந்
29. விருதராஜ ப(பு) யங்கர அதலையூர் நா
30. டாழ்வாநேந் திருக்குந்றக்குடித் திருமலை
31. உடைய மகாதேவக்கு இது பந்
32. மஹேஸ்வர ரக்ஷை”

HOW TO REACH

This rock-cut cave is on the west side of the hill, Kundrakudi Murugan Temple.

Kundrakudi is 14 KM from Karaikudi, 40 KM from Pudukkottai, 47 KM from Sivagangai, 88 KM from Tiruchirappalli, and 414 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Karaikudi.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---