Khairagarh. Chhattisgarh state has a wealth of natural heritage. There are many dense forests, waterfalls, rivers, mountains and many caves here. But Mandeep Khol Cave, located in the dense forest of Khairagarh district, is considered to be the 6th largest (deepest and longest) cave in the world and the second largest (deepest and longest) cave in India. A unique confluence of devotion and nature can be seen in Mandeep Khol Cave. This natural cave dedicated to Lord Shiva opens only once a year. This time Mandeep Khol Cave is going to open on 13th May (Monday).
Let us tell you, Mandeep Khol is situated amidst dense forests near village Thakurtola of Chhuikhadan development block of Khairagarh district. This cave is opened for tourists every year on the first Monday after Akshaya Tritiya. In which tourists from other states also come in large numbers to see Mandeep Khol Cave.
Special preparations for cave darshan
Before opening this special cave, arrangements for security and necessary facilities are being made for the tourists. Khairagarh Collector Chandrakant Verma inspected Mandeep Khol Cave and several nearby places on Saturday. He has given instructions to ensure cleanliness, security and other arrangements before opening the cave. He instructed to sprinkle water to reduce the dust flying due to road construction. Apart from this, the Collector instructed the Forest Department officials to prepare barricades of bamboo and poles, so that the devotees can enter the cave as per the order.
Worship is done according to princely traditions
The first puja of Mandeep Khol cave is performed by the Zamindar family of Thakurtola. This is a historical cave, where worship takes place according to the princely traditions.
The water of Setganga Kud is as pure as the Ganga.
Let us tell you, the tourists coming here first worship Shivalinga inside the Mandeep Khol cave after taking bath in the pond known as Setganga. It is believed that Setganga Kud’s water is as pure as Ganga water, which never gets spoiled and there are no insects in this water.
bat cave
The Sarpanch of Thakurtola told that this is the famous cave known as Bat Cave inside Setganga Kund. In which thousands of bats live. Where it is quite dark even during the day, the torchlight on the stones appears like stars. Last year, a 5-day yagya was organized here, in which thousands of devotees participated. The villagers cooperate with each other and make arrangements for their accommodation and food.
Many parts of the cave are still untouched
Pandit Radhamohan told that this cave is the sixth largest cave in the world and the second largest cave in India. The last part of the cave is still unexplored. Along with this, when the cave goes deeper, it is said that there is a pond like pool.
