Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a small cave temple located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. The cave temple is located at an altitude of 1,350 meters above sea level and is believed to be more than 1,200 years old.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its unique geological formations and intricate carvings on the walls of the cave. It is said that the cave was discovered by a King named Rituparna in the ancient times.
The cave is approximately 160 meters long and has narrow passages, which can only be navigated on foot. The main chamber of the cave houses the shrine of Lord Shiva, along with several other deities. The cave is also home to various stalactites and stalagmites, which have been naturally formed over centuries.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the temple is that there is a stream flowing inside the cave, which is believed to be a part of the underground Saraswati River. The stream is called Gupt Ganga and is considered to be very sacred by the locals.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar is surrounded by dense forests and is located in a picturesque setting. The cave temple is a popular destination among tourists and devotees who come to witness the natural beauty of the cave and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.