Welcome to my 2. Cache in India.
As
the main monk Mahant Omanand told us, this cave shall be more than
3.5 mio. years old. In old times there was a sea with the name
"Tithes". This cave was close to the sea.
The
Bhim Bhadak Cave has been named after a historial story from the
time of Mahabharat, more than 4.000 years ago. "Pandu" (5 brothers)
have been in a dangereous situation when they found safety in this
cave. One of this brothers name was "Bhim". And "Bhadhak" belongs
to an old Rajasthani language and means "cave". This is how the
name of this cave become "Bhim Bhadak".
This
temple has two caves, a lodging part for the monks and the believe
of some people there shall be a secret tunnel to a beautiful
garden. The main hall can be entered by two entrances from the
parking lot. The smaler gate is always open. But sometimes also the
big gate with the marble steps. The main cave is like a tunnel
under a giant hanging rock with lots of bird cages and nests. The
cave size is about 70x300 feet wide and long and 10+ feet high. At
the left side are white marble steps going down to a black marble
lingam. All times you can hear a prayers melody.
On
the right side, after the monks office, is a 20 m tunnel with
lights and a temple at the end. This temple is for the godness
"Vashnav Devi". From a small window you can watch the bats in the
next cave.
Outside the cave are lot of monkeys, wild boars and dogs feeded
by locals. Make a walk to the cave top and enjoy the surrounding
views. Closely is the Kayalana Lake with boating service. Further
east is Jodhpur town and Fort Mehrangarh. But best of all is the
sunset against the closely canyon wall.
Location:
Look the Waypoints. Northwest from Jodhpur is a shortcut road to
Jaisalmer passing the Kaylana Lake. A wellknown place mostly
frequented by locals who like to join a paddle boat tour. Find the
Kailana Circle and follow the Kailan Road. Cross the lake and turn
left to the radar hill. A dirty road goes up to a blue gate with a
military post. You might be asked for your ID. Photos are strictly
prohibeted in the military area but allowed inside the temple area.
Follow the tar road up the hill next 750 m. Close to the hill top
TURN RIGHT to a more dirty road and parking lot.
I
came here by motorbike.
Distance from Bhim Bharat temple to
Kayalana Lake: 2 km
Kailana Circle: 4.5 km
Mehrangarh Fort: 9
km
Sadar Market (Clock Tower): 10 km.
Thanks to the monk
Mahant Vehand Omanand for caretaking.