Shiv Khori

Shiv Khori, meaning Shiva's cave, is a Hindu cave shrine near Sangar village in Pouni, Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. It lies about 140 km north of Jammu and 80 km from Katra. Vehicles go as far as Ransoo, the base camp, and pilgrims then walk about 3 km on a track built by the Shiv Khori Shrine Board.

The natural cave runs for about 200 m. Its outer chamber can hold some 300 people, while the passage to the inner chamber is low and narrow, so pilgrims stoop or crawl. Inside is a naturally formed image of Shiva about 4 m high, with water trickling onto the lingam through snake-like shapes in the roof, and other formations likened to Parvati, Ganesha and Nandi. One branch of the passage is believed to lead to the Amarnath cave and is now closed. Little known some decades ago, the shrine now draws many pilgrims.