Jatashankar
Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Jatashankar is a natural cave and Hindu shrine located north of Pachmarhi, in Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Jatashankar is located in a deep ravine with enormous boulders perched above. The cave contains stalagmites which are revered as naturally formed lingams. The cave serves as a shrine to the deity Shiva and is a popular destination for pilgrims. Jata means matted hair and Shankara is another name of Shiva. There are two ponds fed by springs found in the locality, one of cold water and the other one of hot water. The cave structure is said to resemble the hundred-headed Shesha, the serpent-mount of Vishnu.
From the Wikipedia article Jatashankar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it is
Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh. Open in Google Maps
How to reach
- By train: nearest station Itarsi Junction railway station (ET), about 88 km by road.
- By air: Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO), about 180 km by road.
In-depth temple guides nearby
- Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (with Mamleshwar) – Mandhata (Shivpuri) island on the Narmada, Omkareshwar, Khandwa district (about 296 km)
Timings and rituals for this temple aren't in our guide yet – check locally before you travel. More temples in Madhya Pradesh