Information of Peer Kho Cave Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

The Peer Kho Cave temple is considered to be one of the ancient temples in the city of Jammu. The temple has huge crowd during Puranmashi, Amavasya and Ekadashi. The most important festivals that are held are Shivratri, Rakhsha Bandhan and Shravan Puranmashi. The presiding lord in the temple is the Swayambhu Shivlinga and the holy place is also known as Jamawant cave. The temple is situated at a distance of about 3.5 km from the main town. The temple is built near the river Tawi and is well connected with buses. The other temples which are in proximity to the Peer Kho Cave temple are the Panjbakhtar temple, the Ranbireshwar temple as well as Aap Shambhu temple.

Peer Kho Cave Temple Religious Importance

Owing to the fact that the temple is dedicated to one of the most worshipped god of destruction in Hindu, Lord Shiva, Peer Kho has gained much prominence. According to the local people of Jammu, it is believed that this temple tends to act as a gateway to many other temples as well as the caves located in India. A person visiting the temple is filled with devotional fervor as it has some ancient charms.

Peer Kho Cave Temple Mythology & History

Although, there are various legends associated with the Peer Kho Cave temple, it is difficult to depict how old the temple has been. According to some legend, it is believed that the temple is one of the oldest temples in Shivalik region. The other legend states that Jamvant, the bear God who played a crucial role in the story of Ramayana meditated in this temple for years. Therefore, the temple is also well identified as Jamawant Cave. In order to trace the history and legend of the temple, we need to believe the local legends. It is difficult to identify the reasons behind the construction of the temple. As per the legend, it is often believed that the Shiva Lingam was formed naturally within the cave itself. Consequently, people of Jammu started to worship this place with lot of veneration.

Peer Kho Cave Temple Architectural Importance

The temple has two caves which are at the depth of 20 to 30 feet from the ground of the temple. A gateway of marble steps shall take you towards the first cave. However, it is not possible to reach the cave without bending yourself. On your right side, the tunnel cave starts which is 5 feet in height. A person needs to bend down in order to cover this 15 feet long and 3 feet wide cave. Once you have reached the end of the cave tunnel, there is a big cave. The focal point to this pentagonal cave that is 12 feet in height has been the naturally created Shiva lingum. It is to be mentioned that the black stoned lingum is basically decorated with a copper snake and a silver sheet covering the Jallari. Above the lingum, there is a copper vessel from which the water or milk can be discharged by the devotees. The lower portion of the Shiva Lingum is alike to the Purmandal temple. This naturally made interior of the cave makes it possible for the devotees to offer their prayers with much reverence. The temple is surrounded by deep acacia forests and igneous rocks which makes the temple an attractive place not just for the devotees to pray offer but for many others who come to this heavenly Kashmir from across the globe.