Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: Your Guide to Pokhara's Underground Temple - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is a blend of spiritual significance and geological wonder, drawing both Hindu pilgrims and curious travelers into its dark, echoing chambers.

Origin of the name Gupteshwor Mahadev

The name Gupteshwor Mahadev translates to ‘Hidden Lord Shiva’. According to local belief, a sacred Shiva lingam (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) was discovered here in ancient times. The cave was kept secret for years, hence the name ‘Gupteshwor’, meaning ‘hidden god’.
Today, it is considered a holy site, especially popular during Maha Shivaratri, when devotees flock to pay homage to Lord Shiva deep within the cave’s inner sanctum.

History of Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

According to local legends, the cave was discovered in the 16th century by residents clearing overgrown vegetation. Upon exploration, they found various shrines and statues dedicated to Hindu deities, including Lord Shiva, Parvati, Nageshwor, and Saraswati.
The cave remained relatively unknown to the broader public until 1991, when the main entrance was constructed, making it accessible to visitors and pilgrims.

What to see at Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave

Visitors descend through a winding and gorgeously decorated staircase with lots of statues, and enter through a small stairway that descends into the limestone cavern, where damp walls glisten, and stalactites and stalagmites were sculpted over millennia.

The main chamber of the cave houses the revered Shiva lingam, protected behind metal bars but visible to all who come. As you move deeper inside, the cave opens up to reveal dramatic rock formations and, eventually, at the end of the cave you will come to a viewpoint that offers a view of the roaring waters from Devi's Falls plunging into the cave’s lower levels.

At one point during your exploration of the cave, you have the option to step into a smaller chamber that features a statue of Kamdhenu, also known as Kamadhenu, which is a mythical, divine cow from Hindu mythology. Revered as the ‘wish-fulfilling cow’, Kamdhenu’s name derives from the Sanskrit words kamadugha or kamadhenu, meaning ‘the cow of plenty’.
In this chamber, it is common to find a local attendant who, in exchange for a small offering, activates the cow’s udder, releasing a stream of water onto your hands. Though symbolic, this act is meant to represent milk and is believed to bring good luck and blessings to those who participate.

Be advised that much of the cave is fairly dark but relatively easily navigable. But there are some areas where taller people need to duck and there are very narrow passageways where only one person can pass through in one direction at a time. Some of these areas are slippery, too. During busier times, it is possible that there will be long waiting times to pass through these bottlenecks.

Admission

Admission to the cave is Rs200 per foreigner at the time of writing.
Opening times are daily from 6:00am to 6:30pm, at the time of writing.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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