Yana Caves, Gokarna (Timings, Entry Fee, History, Location, Images)
Located immediately above the Sahyadri mountain range, the Yana cave complex is made up of two enormous, black hills that resemble ants and are called Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. Black karst limestone naturally forms both shikaras, or hills.
Water continuously drips over the sculpture at the Lord Shiva cave temple, which is located at the entrance to Bhairaveshwara Shikhara. The sculptures of Lord Shiva at the temple are thought to have developed naturally, and many come to the Yana shrine to witness this wonder.
#Trivia: Maha Shivaratri is the perfect time to come to learn about local culture. The temple organizes yearly celebrations for ten days. Thousands of devotees go from Gokarna to do the Maha Mastaka Abhisheka.
History of Yana Caves
Legend has it that the Yana caves were built by a demon king called Bhasmasura, who could turn anything into ashes with his hands. He received this power directly from Lord Shiva. Bhasmasura’s destruction after gaining this power led the rishis to turn to Lord Vishnu for help.
Lord Vishnu decided to change himself into the beautiful woman Mohini in order to save the people.
Mohini was beautiful in addition to being an amazing dancer. When Mohini challenged Bhasmasura to dance like her, he politely accepted. Mohini skillfully performed a dancing move during the dare in which she put her palm on her head, and Bhasmasura did the same, oblivious to the potentially lethal consequences of her actions. Bhasmasur was ultimately destroyed by his fire, which turned him into ashes.
It is believed that the rocky area’s loose black soil and flames are the demon Bhasmasura’s remains.
View from the top
As you get at the summit, you can reward yourself with some light food and refreshing beverages. A line of worshippers waits to offer prayers to the naturally formed sculpture of Lord Shiva at the Shiv temple, which is constructed on the premises in all its splendor. There are a few stairs on the approach near the temple that take visitors straight to the Bhairaveshwara caves.
Avoid touching any black filth particles on the cave walls. Visitors are required to take off their shoes before to entering the cave. You can go from one rock to another in just a few minutes despite the cave’s length and roof outlet. Because of the humidity and moisture created inside the cave, the air inside is colder than the air outside. It has a musty, earthy, and wet odour.
Why should you visit Yana Caves?
The enormous and huge geological formations known as the Bhairaveshwara and Mohini hills, which are relatively high in elevation, are what attract trekkers to Yana Cave.
Cave temples: a Shiva temple is reported to arise on its own immediately beneath Bhairaveshwara hill. It is currently a well-liked tourist destination as a result.
Enjoy the coolness of the Vibhooti waterfalls and watch the flying beauties, often known as beautiful birds, in action.
Entry Fee and Timings of Yana Caves
The Yana caverns require a Rs. 5 admission fee and a Rs. 40 parking fee. It is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Best time to visit the Yana Caves in Gokarna
The greatest time to visit Yana is during the monsoon season if you want to see the forests in their most beautiful state. If you don’t mind the monsoon, you can take advantage of this wonderful location by visiting the Yana caverns in the winter. The best time to visit Gokarna’s other tourist attractions is during the winter. Summertime is the worst time to explore Yana Caves because it may get hot and muggy, making the hike and visit quite taxing.
#Trivia: The locals believe Yana ought to be preserved under the Biodiversity Preservation Act of 2002 and designated as a National Natural Heritage Site.
