Jatashankar Temple

Jatashankar is a natural cave, a Hindu shrine located north of Pachmarhi, in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Cave is located in deep ravine, with enormous boulders perched above. Cave contains stalagmites revered as naturally formed lingams. Cave serves as a shrine to the God Shiva and is popular destination for pilgrims. Jata means hair and Shankar is another name of Lord Shiva. There are two different types of ponds, fed by springs, found in the locality, one of cold water and the other one of hot water. Inside the cave there are naturally formed 108 Shiva lingam. Water in the cave flows from an unknown point as no one has ever seen or reached that starting point. This stream of water is popularly known as ‘Gupt Ganga’. It is believed that the Jambu Dwip stream originates from cave. Idols of Lord Shankar, Goddess Parvati and Shiva lingam are enshrined at a platform on the upper part of the cave.

Nowadays Jata Shankar is a famous destination for tourists – as it is usual in India, people appreciate the tangency of religion and natural beauties. Especially many pilgrims come here during Maha Shivratri festivity in February. Dramatic scenery around the cave is often used in Indian movies.

The legend goes that the Bhasmasur was a devotee of Shiva and wanted to get a special ability – to turn anyone in ashes by touching the head of the victim by hand. After long entreating Shiva agreed. But now the former devotee turned into the enemy – Bhasmasur wanted to test this ability on Shiva first. Shiva escaped through a tunnel from Tilak Sindur and finally reached remote cave – Jata Shankar. While running through the cave, he lost his hair.

The temple is open from 7 AM to 7 PM.