Bhawan...
The
Original Cave & the New Tunnel
While
on the way to the Sanctum Sanctorum, one crosses a small
patio type of structure on the right hand side of which
is a Cave opening. This is the original Cave leading to
the Holy Pindies. In the olden days, the yatries used to
reach the Sanctum Sanctorum through this cave only. Nowadays,
this cave is kept closed for a large part of the year. Since
this cave is quite narrow, it takes several minutes for
a single person to cross it and reach the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Considering the rush that the Holy Shrine normally witnesses,
it is not possible to keep the original cave open except
when the yatra is less than 8000 pilgrims per day.
Therefore, two new tunnels have been utilised to facilitate
a larger number of pilgrims to have Darshans. One tunnel
is used for the entrance and leads directly to the Sanctum
Sanctorum. The other tunnel is used for exit. The original
cave is opened during the lean periods or on traditional
festivals or for ritualistic occasions. Obtaining Darshans
through this Cave is a different experience altogether and
pilgrims desirous of enjoying this Divine Bliss are well
advised to plan their trip during the lean periods only.
When one crosses the portion where the original Cave is
located, one walks further through a corridor on which numerous
bells stand suspended from the ceiling. After walking a
few yards, one reaches a broad platform where statues of
the Lions, the mount of the Mother Goddess and a life size
statue of the Mother Goddess are enshrined. This is the
entrance of the new tunnel.
Upon
entering the tunnel, one should observe silence and carefully
move in the queue. This tunnel is only 200 mtrs long. At
the end of the tunnel is a raised marble platform on which
the Divine Mother has revealed Herself in a natural rock
form known as the Holy Pindies. Pilgrims should refrain
from shouting slogans of praises inside the tunnel and around
the Sanctum Sanctorum. This disturbs other pilgrims who
may be interested in concentrating on the Darshans and on
the description given by the priests.
The priest sitting on the platform, informs the pilgrims
about these Pindies, however since the time for Darshans
is limited, one only gets a glimpse of the Holy Pindies
and has to move further in order to keep the queue moving.
It is reiterated that Darshans inside the Holy Cave are
in the form of natural rock formations called Pindies. There
are no statues, pictures or idols inside. All along the
track and at the Bhawan, there are many photographs explaining
the nature of Darshans inside the Holy Cave. Yatries should
observe these carefully since these are meant to guide them
towards the final Darshans in the Holy Cave.
For details of Darshans
Click Here
