Saturday, January 13, 2018

Yana Rocks and Caves

Date: 24th Dec 2017

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: Rs 30 for car parking.

Timing:  Sunrise to Sunset.

Distance: 465 Kms one way.

Parking: Available.

Food: Small snacks available.

Photography: Allowed.

Other attractions nearby: Shri Venkataramana Temple, Manjuguni

Yana is located in the sahyadri mountain ranges in western ghats. The famous rock and caves are located in middle of the forest. The main tourist attraction here are the two massive rocks formed of karst limestone. The two rocks are named Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. The swayambhu linga formed below the Bhairaveshwara rock is an important pilgrimage site. According to ancient belief the demon king Bhasmasura performed severe penance towards Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva pleased by his penance gave him the boon that he wished for. Any one will burn and turn into ashes when the demon places his hands on the persons head. Bhasmasura wanted to test his new power and chose none other than Lord Shiva as his subject of test. Lord Shiva approaches Lord Vishnu and asks for help. Lord Vishnu takes the form of a Mohini and challenges Bhasmasura for a dance competition. The demon king agrees and during the competition the Mohini places her hand on head. Forgetting his power the demon also places his hand on head and burn to ashes. It is believed that the ashes found around the rocks are the proof of the story.

Few pics from the visit.

The base of the rock is around 3 Kms from the car parking. Though the distance was less the climb was bit difficult. The beautiful trees and the cool breeze kept us going.

We rested few times and then finally managed to reach the top. Like in Shri Marikamba Temple, Sirsi here too schools had got kids for picnic.

The sanctum was closed and we were exhausted. We decided to skip entering the cave. Another reason is the cave path goes around the temple it needs to be walked barefoot.

We sat in the temple for a while and left.

Though road towards the rocks was beautifully covered with trees on both side it was narrow in few sections.

The place can be visited if one has time and happened to be in that part of the state. 

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