Ancient Shiva Cave Resurfaces Near Tattapani After a Decade

A sacred cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva has resurfaced near Tattapani after being submerged for nearly a decade. This rediscovery has reignited local faith and interest in ancient spiritual traditions, as the cave is seen as a vital part of the region's religious heritage. Local residents view this event as a cultural revival, hoping for recognition and preservation of the site for future generations. The cave's emergence also raises awareness about submerged religious sites affected by infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 30, 2025, 15:44 IST

Rediscovery of a Sacred Site

Munish Sood
MANDI:
A historic cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva has resurfaced near Sarar village, adjacent to the famous pilgrimage town of Tattapani, nearly ten years after it was submerged due to rising water levels from the Kol Dam project on the Sutlej River.

This cave, known locally as a sacred Shiva gufa, was flooded around 2015 when the reservoir's water level rose, inundating several low-lying areas along the river. Since then, it was thought to be permanently lost, remembered only through local traditions and oral histories passed down through generations.

Prior to its submersion, the cave was of great religious importance and served as a significant center of faith for devotees from nearby regions. It was renowned for containing numerous naturally formed stone Shivlingas, which are considered sacred representations of Lord Shiva. These formations, shaped over centuries by natural processes, made the cave a unique spiritual destination for meditation and penance.

The cave was an essential part of the spiritual landscape of Tattapani, a region famous for its natural hot sulphur springs and rich Shaivite traditions. Located on the banks of the Sutlej, Tattapani has historically drawn saints, ascetics, and pilgrims seeking both physical healing and spiritual enlightenment. The Shiva cave was seen as a secluded extension of this sacred area, providing devotees with a peaceful space for prayer and reflection.

The cave's rediscovery was made by Prem Raina, a local individual with a strong spiritual inclination, who recently managed to access the cave after the water levels dropped. He described the experience as profoundly emotional and spiritually significant, noting that despite years underwater, the cave still exudes an atmosphere of silence, devotion, and meditative energy.

Local residents and devotees perceive the cave's reappearance as more than just a physical event; many view it as a spiritual and cultural revival that reconnects the current generation with an essential aspect of the region’s religious heritage. This rediscovery has rekindled faith among devotees and sparked renewed interest in the area's ancient spiritual traditions.

The emergence of the cave has also highlighted the broader issue of submerged religious and cultural sites impacted by large infrastructure and hydropower projects in the Himalayan region. Community members are hopeful that the site will now gain recognition, documentation, and protective measures to ensure its preservation for future generations.