Bhim Ki Dungari - Ancient Cave Where Bhima Stayed Hidden in Disguise During Agyatvas.

 

Bhim Ki Dungari or Bheem Gatta Cave is a large cave, located in Viratnagar and is famous due to the mythological tales associated with it. People believe that after losing everything to the Kauravas, the Pandavas were forced to go to exile for 12 years and an additional one year of disguised banishment. During the 13th year (Agyatvas), the Pandavas stayed hidden in disguise in Viratnagar, the kingdom of King Virat.

 

Bhima, the strongest of the five brothers, chose to stay in this cave and hence it is named Bhim ki Dungri. From this place you get a complete view of the whole of Viratnagar. He loved cooking and eating, and hence, served as the royal cook in King Virat's palace.

 

 

There is a big cave in the hill here. This cave has a very amazing statue of Lord Shiva. Where Lord Shiva is in the form of Shivling, this Shivling is magnificent as it has 12 faces of the Lord. A statue of Nandi is also located nearby. Here both Lord Shiva's Shivling and Nandi are made of black stone.

 

This temple inside the cave has idols of other deities like Mata Rani and many other gods. There is a temple on the top of the cave in the upper part of the temple, some say that it is a temple dedicated to Bhima while some say that it is an idol of Lord Hanuman, where he is worshipped in human form.

 

 

There are some huge shapes made of mountains here, among which Bhima Gatte is said to be played with, Bhima Lat where there is a shape of a foot, it is said that Bhima gave a strong kick here, due to which this shape was formed.

 

Best time to visit: October to March when the weather is a bit cooler.

 

Best way to reach: Bhim Ki Dungari or Bheem Gatta Cave is 30 km from Alwar city and 60 km from Jaipur city.