A natural wonder

The natural patterns have formed over hundreds of years due to rain water percolating through small crevices in the rocks. While a pattern on the roof may resemble the eyes of goddess Durga another on the wall may look like an elephant's trunk or a peacock's feathers. As you move ahead, small water pockets are inhabited by a unique species of fish and frogs which according to the locals are genetically blind, breeding in the dark depth as not even a single ray of sun penetrates inside. There are several chambers inside the caves in all directions and in 2011 a new chamber believed to be 410 metres deep was discovered. However, the guided tour passes through one main cave and venturing into the other chambers is prohibited. Access to the main cave too is limited to a point owing to lack of oxygen. At the very end of the main cave lies the naturally formed Shiva ling and every year on Maha Shivratri hordes of locals climb down to offer prayers. According to local folklore, the caves were first discovered in 1951 by tribals who were hunting a porcupine and followed it inside the caves. However, as per the official version, the caves were discovered around 1958 by geographer Shankar Prasad Tiwari.

Source: Rahul Vaishnavi, IANS

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