Discover Pachmarhi Mahadev, Jatashankar in 3 Days Travel

Pachmarhi Mahadev or Jatashankar or Jata Shankar is a cave temple located 1.5 km from Pachmarhi Bus Station in Madhya Pradesh. This popular attraction is nestled in a deep ravine with enormous boulders above and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva hid from the demon Bhasmasur.

Pachmarhi Jatashankar Temple

The limestone cave features stalactites and stalagmites resembling Lord Shiva’s matted hair, earning it the name Jata Shankar. The ceiling has a formation that looks like the mythological hundred-headed snake Seshnag. The cave contains 108 naturally formed lingams, revered by devotees.

There are two types of ponds nearby, fed by springs, one with cold water and the other with hot water. Water flows from an unknown source within the cave, known as ‘Gupt Ganga,’ believed to be the origin of the Jambu Dwip stream. Idols of Lord Shankar and Goddess Parvati are enshrined on a platform in the upper section of the cave.

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Festival at Pachnarhi Mahadev

Maha Shivaratri, usually in February or March, is the most significant festival happens here, attracting large crowds and an annual fair in Pachmarhi Mahadev. To visit the cave temple, tourists need to walk about 1 km and descend 150 steps. Along the route, local vendors sell ayurvedic oils and Shilajit.

Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Entry: Free

How to visit Pachmarhi : Explore attractions near  Pachmarhi Mahadev or Jatashankar:

Day 1:

Morning: Begin your journey at the mystical Pandava Caves, dating back to the 1st to 10th centuries AD, nestled in the Satpura Range. Nearby, visit Jata Shankar Cave, where legend says Lord Shiva hid from the demon Bhasmasur.
Afternoon: Head to Bee Falls, a picturesque 150-foot waterfall resembling a beehive. Nearby, Rajat Prapat (Silver Falls) glistens in the sunlight.
Evening: Enjoy panoramic views from Priyadarshini Point, discovered by Captain Forsyth in 1857, revealing Pachmarhi’s colonial charm.

Day 2:

Morning: Picnic at Apsara Vihar, a 30-foot waterfall once frequented by British ladies during colonial times. Alternatively, try adventure activities with Satpura Adventure Club.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in colonial history at the Catholic and Christ Churches, showcasing unique architecture and stained glass windows.
Evening: Explore Begum Palace ruins and witness a stunning sunset at Dhoopgarh, Pachmarhi’s highest point.

Day 3:

Morning: Explore the wildlife haven of Satpura National Park, renowned for its biodiversity and prehistoric rock shelters.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the park, home to diverse wildlife including tigers and sloth bears.
Evening: Shop for local handicrafts and try regional delicacies like butter ki kees and mawa bati.

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Highlands for panoramic views or MPT Amaltas for colonial charm.

How to Reach Pachmarhi Mahadev

By Air: The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, around 222 km away. It offers daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and several major cities across India. From Bhopal, you can easily hire a taxi to reach Pachmarhi.

By Train: Pachmarhi is 54 km from Pipariya railway station, which is well-connected by direct trains to cities like Surat, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Patna, Pune, Kolkata, Agra, Delhi, Varanasi, and others.

By Road: State-owned and private buses ply regularly to Pachmarhi from nearby cities such as Bhopal, Jabalpur, Nagpur, and Indore. The road network is well-maintained, making travel convenient.

FAQ

Q. When to visit Pachmarhi?

A. From October to March is the best time to visit Panchmarhi.

Q. Distance from Nagpur to Pachmarhi?

A.   By road 260 km /  6 hr via Chhindwara Rd and Pipariya Rd

Q. How many days required to visit Pachmarhi?

A. It requires 3 days to visit Pachmarhi

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