Bada Mahadev Caves — Attraction in Madhya Pradesh

Bada Mahadev Caves. As per the legend, Lord Shiva had blessed a demon giving him the power to incinerate/burn anyone by placing his hand over their head. After getting the boon the demon came to be known as “Bhasmasur”. Bhasm means ash, so Bhasmasur means an Asur who could reduce anyone to ash. The power went to his head and he wanted to try it out on Lord Shiv. To save himself Lord Shiv had to evade him eventually he entered a cave and vanished. That cave and temple is known as Gupt Mahadev cave. Eventually, Lord Vishnu took the form of a celestial Apsara, Mohini and tricked Bhasmasur to place his hand over his own head and reduce himself to ash. The place where Bhasmasur was killed became Bada Mahadev Cave. Near Bada Mahadev Cave little further up and higher on the hill there is a smaller cave with a red vermilion-coated idol of Hanuman which can be seen from Bada Mahadev cave. This way, there is a cluster of three caves in close proximity of each other and collectively the place is called Bada Mahadev ‘caves’

From Handi Khoh we proceeded to Bada Mahadev Caves. After about 8 KMs and half, an hour or so reached the parking lot of Bada Mahadev Caves. Last few miles the road is narrow and the condition is not too good. It descends quite sharply with steep winding road and hairpin bends. Both sides of the road and the hillsides are thickly forested, from the hairpin bends one can also have a panoramic view of the hill ranges. All in all, nature lovers, as well as others, can enjoy the scenic beauty along the route. From the parking, Bada Mahadev Cave is about 500 meters or so. The approach is paved and can be negotiated very easily. As is customary, A Nandi statue is installed right at the entrance of the cave. The floor of the cave is also paved. There is constant seepage of water from the cave ceiling and the walls. The seepage of water is substantial so as to dampen the whole cave and flow along the flooring, it also fills up a water “Kund” and eventually flows out of the cave. It seems on auspicious days devotees take a bath in this Kund. The cave is 60 feet deep. It is quite dark. Lone light installed near the main idols seems to be fighting a losing battle. However, the paved flooring and the railing are of great help to negotiate the dark, damp and wet flooring of the cave. At the end is the main deity. Along with a Shiv ling, there are idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesa. Looking closely one can spot a smaller shiv ling carved out of the cave rock. I feel it must have been the original Shiv ling when the temple was established and bier more prominent shiv ling was installed much later. This of course is just a conjecture on my part. After taking darshan of Bada Mahadev others were tired and in no mood to see the other two caves. Sadly, we did not see the smaller cave nor the Gupta...

Bada Mahadev, located in the picturesque town of Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, is a revered ancient cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This natural wonder is nestled within the stunning Satpura Range and is steeped in mythological significance. According to local legend, the cave marks the spot where Lord Shiva defeated the demon Bhasmasur.

The cave itself is approximately 60 feet long and features idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha, alongside a sacred Shivalinga. Visitors can explore the cave, but be prepared for a narrow passage that only allows one person to pass through at a time . The atmosphere inside is serene, with water dripping through the walls and a pool in the center that's believed to wash away sins during Nag Panchami and Maha Shivaratri.

Best Time to Visit: October to June, avoiding the monsoon season when trails can be slippery and prone to landslides.

Getting There: Bada Mahadev is about 10 kilometers from Pachmarhi town, accessible by road, with taxis or local transport available .

Accommodation: Pachmarhi offers various stays, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts, but book in advance, especially during peak season.

Other Attractions: Explore Satpura National Park, Dhoopgarh, Bee Fall, and Pandav Caves, all within proximity to...

Bade Mahadev is one of the most famous temple at about 10-11 Km from main Pachmarhi town. The drive to the temple is through narrow hilly road. Greenery all around and you actually feel the breeze enroute the temple. Bade Mahadev is about 60 feet long cave in which deities of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Mahesh and Lord Ganesha have been enshrined. As per the mythological story, Lord Vishnu defeated the demon King Bhasmasur in this cave by taking the form of Mohini. Shiva linga is also enshrined in the cave and water constantly falls upon the Shiva lingam. In the middle of the cave, a kund is situated, which is frequented by pilgrims during Nag Panchami and Maha Shivaratri for bathing and consequently cleansing themselves of sins. There is a congregation of several thousand local people here on both these occasions. This is also the place where visitors start their journey to climb the high mountain to reach Choragarh Temple. Good Location to relax and Feel in the lap of nature near God. Must Visit place but need to be...