photogallery: gupteshwor cave pokhara

gupteshwor cave pokhara

Located close to Davis Falls on the other side of the World Peace Stupa the Gupteshwor Mahadev cave is Nepal's most famous cave. It's also rumored to be the longest cave in Nepal (2950 meters). The cave is said to be have been discovered in the 16th century. The main cave entrance was not constructed until 1991. The main cave contains two chambers with several shrines located throughout. The largest of these shrines is dedicated to Shiva. There is lighting in the cave that has a power back-up though bringing your own head torch is recommended.

The cave was allegedly discovered in the 16th century by some local men who stumbled upon it when clearing some grass. Within the dark cave they discovered many shrines and statues dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities. These included Mahadev and Parvati, Nageswor and Saraswati. Towards the read of the cave the men discover that a waterfall ran through it. Further inspection revealed to them that the water fall came from Patale Chhango (later known as: Davis falls).

Before you even enter into the cave itself there are things to see. After walking through the roadside archway you'll have a dozen or so souvenir stalls to peruse. Though you will probably be better off buying in Lakeside or better yet Kathmandu. Before the ticket counter is a a round concrete balcony of sorts. It gives you a close look at the cave entrance and the statues leading up to it. After you buy you ticket you will will enter down the large spiral staircase. It's here where you'll see many modern statues and plaster works depicting everything from semi-clad ladies to bearded men. There seems to be a take on some of the Kathmandu Valley's erotic carvings here as many of the sculptures are of a sensual nature