Jatashankar cave Pachmarhi Madhyapradesh and trekking details are mentioned in this article. Let’s get deep into the topic—Jatashankar cave in the Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Jatashankar is a natural cave in a narrow ravine with huge boulders towering above. Stalagmites revered as naturally occurring lingams can be found in the cave. The cave is one of the most visited places in Pachmarhi and attracts many pilgrims and tourists.

At 2500 feet, Pachmarhi, also known as Satpura ki Rani (Queen of Satpura ranges), is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. General Forsyth, who was returning to the Bengal Lancers when he came across this picturesque location in 1857, is credited with discovering this colonial hill station. 

With typical cottages and colonial-style buildings, Pachmarhi quickly became the Central Province’s summer capital.

The cave is a popular pilgrimage site and houses a shrine to the god Shiva. Hair is called Jata, and Lord Shiva goes by the name Shankar.

Two ponds in the area are fed by springs, one of which has cold water and the other hot water. The cave’s structure resembles the mythical figure Sheshnag, a snake with one hundred heads.

Since no one has ever seen or reached the cave’s starting point, the water stream is known as “Gupt Ganga” in popular culture.

The water in the cave flows from an unknown point. The Jambu Dwip stream is thought to have its beginnings in this cave. In the upper part of the cave, there is a platform with Lord Shankar and Goddess Parvati idols.

Timing: 7 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: Free of cost.

Location: Jatashankar Rd, Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh 461881

Festivals: Maha shivratri

Distance from Pachmarhi Bus Stand: Approximately 1.5 KM.

Five well-known locations can be found in Pachmarhi: the Pandava Caves, Jata Shankar, Chauragarh, Mahadev, and Dhoopgarh.

One can quickly become lost in the splendor of the Satpura ranges, and there are several holy Shiva shrines inside the caves of the Pachmarhi hills.

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On the upper level of the cave, worshippers venerate statues of Shiva Linga, Goddess Parvathi, and Lord Shankar. You can also find the stones used to construct Rama Sethu in a Shree Rama temple.

This area is a treasure trove of rare herbs with exceptional medicinal value. On Maha Shivaratri, hordes of people throng this cave with holy water from the Jambu river offered for abhishekham. 

The luxuriant greenery enhances this location’s pristine beauty and tranquility, as the unspoiled waterfalls and the ancient rocks of the hills hold many secrets.

History and mythology of Jatashankar cave Pachmarhi

According to legend, Bhasmasura underwent a strict austerity regimen to please Lord Shiva. He attracted the attention of Lord Shiva, who blessed him. 

The evil Bhasmasura prayed for a miracle that would turn whoever’s head he placed his hand on into ashes. The blessing was given by Lord Shiva as promised. Bhasmasura decided to touch Lord Shiva’s head out of the blue. 

Immediately after becoming aware of Bhasmasura’s vile intentions, Lord Shiva began to flee.

Lord Shiva escaped through a tunnel through Tilak Sindur near Itarsi and finally reached the remote cave of Jata Shankar in Pachmarhi. 

Seeing the widespread branches of the banyan trees between the mountains and the rocks, Lord Shiva hit upon the idea to spread His jata and lo! Jata Shankar came into existence.

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How to reach Jatashankar cave Pachmarhi

To reach Jata Shankar Cave in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, you can follow the below steps:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Pachmarhi is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, around 195 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pachmarhi.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station to Pachmarhi is Pipariya, around 47 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pachmarhi.
3. By Bus: Pachmarhi is well-connected to major cities in Madhya Pradesh by road. You can take a bus from Bhopal, Indore, or Jabalpur to Pachmarhi.
4. By Car: You can also reach Pachmarhi by car. It is located around 210 km from Bhopal, 375 km from Indore, and 240 km from Jabalpur. You can either hire a taxi or drive yourself to reach Pachmarhi.

Once you reach Pachmarhi, you can quickly get to Jata Shankar Cave by hiring a local taxi or sharing a jeep. The cave is located in the heart of Pachmarhi town, and the distance from the Pachmarhi Bus Stand is around 1.5 km.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

There are many other tourist attractions near Jata Shankar Cave that you can visit during your trip to Pachmarhi. Some popular places are Bee Fall, Apsara Vihar, Pandav Caves, Handi Khoh, and Dhoopgarh. You can also enjoy trekking, camping, and nature walks in the surrounding hills and forests.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visitJatashankar cave Pachmarhi is from October to June, as the weather during this time is pleasant, and you can enjoy the natural beauty of Pachmarhi. However, visiting during weekdays, not weekends or public holidays, is best to avoid crowds.

Trekking details of Pachmarhi Jatashankar cave Pachmarhi

1. Starting Point: The trek to Jata Shankar Cave starts from Pachmarhi, which is well-connected by road from major cities in Madhya Pradesh.
2. Trek Difficulty: The trek to Jata Shankar Cave is moderate to complex and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The trail is rocky and steep in some places, so wearing appropriate footwear and carrying plenty of water is essential.
3. Trek Route: The trek to Jata Shankar Cave starts from Pachmarhi and follows a scenic route through dense forests and rocky terrain. The trail passes through several small waterfalls and streams, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Trek Guide: It is recommended to hire a local guide for the trek to Jata Shankar Cave, as the trail can be confusing in some places. Guides can also provide valuable information about the history and culture of the region.
5. Permits: No permit for trekking to Jata Shankar Cave is required, but visitors must pay an entry fee at the Pachmarhi entrance gate.
6. Best Time to Visit: The best time to trek to Jata Shankar Cave is during the winter, from October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
7. Other Attractions: Pachmarhi has several popular tourist attractions, including Bee Falls, Pandav Caves, and Dhoopgarh Peak. Visitors can plan their itinerary to include these attractions along with the trek to Jata Shankar Cave.

It is essential to take regular breaks and stay hydrated during the trek. Hiring a local guide can also help you navigate the trail and provide valuable information about the history and culture of the region.

Once you reach Jatashankar cave Pachmarhi, you can explore the cave and its surroundings. It is recommended to plan for 4-5 hours for the entire trek, including the time spent at the cave.

However, the exact time taken can vary depending on your pace, weather conditions, and other factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jatashankar cave Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, is a natural cave with significant importance in Hindu mythology. After finishing your journey, you feel excellent about this incredible experience and wish to experience it again and again.

Jatashankar cave Pachmarhi is named after the naturally formed Shiva lingam (Jata Shankar) inside it, and it is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists.

The cave is located in the heart of Pachmarhi town and can be easily reached by air, train, bus, or car. Finally must and should visit the place in a lifetime.

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