Gorakhnath Cave Guide
Gorakhnath Cave: A Spiritual Sanctuary and the Seat of Royal Blessings Guide
The Gorakhnath Cave, located near the Gorkha Durbar, is a sacred site dedicated to the revered saint Gorakhnath. This cave holds immense religious significance and is considered the spiritual guardian of the Gorkha kingdom and the Shah dynasty. It is a place of pilgrimage and a source of blessings for the royal family and the people of Nepal. The cave's history is deeply intertwined with the legend of Gorakhnath, a prominent figure in the Nath tradition of Hinduism. It is believed that Gorakhnath meditated in this cave, and his blessings are said to have empowered Prithvi Narayan Shah in his unification efforts. The cave is a simple, natural formation, reflecting the ascetic nature of the saint. Visitors can explore the cave and offer prayers to Gorakhnath. The atmosphere is serene and conducive to meditation and reflection. The cave is often visited by pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual guidance. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with the cave, offerings of food are sometimes made to the saint.
Transportation
The Gorakhnath Cave is located near the Gorkha Durbar. Therefore, the transportation to reach it is similar to that of Gorkha Durbar. Buses are the most common mode of transport from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Gorkha town. From Kathmandu, take a bus heading towards Gorkha. The journey takes approximately 5-7 hours. From Pokhara, the bus ride is shorter, around 4-5 hours. Once in Gorkha town, you'll need to hike uphill for about 1-2 hours to reach the Durbar and the Gorakhnath Cave. Porters are available in Gorkha town to assist with luggage.