Jatashankar, Hindu cave shrine in Pachmarhi, India

Jatashankar is a natural cave shrine north of Pachmarhi, in Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh. Its rock overhang shelters stalagmites revered as naturally formed lingams of Shiva, set above a white, block-like base on a paved floor. Two spring-fed ponds, one cold and one hot, lie nearby.

Jatashankar is a natural cave shrine north of Pachmarhi, in Narmadapuram district, not a 14th-century temple in Chhatarpur. Regional tradition holds that Shiva hid here from the demon Bhasmasura, which made the cave sacred. Its stalagmites are revered as naturally formed lingams, and the cave structure is said to resemble the hundred-headed serpent Shesha.

The name combines jata, meaning matted hair, and Shankara, a name of Shiva. Regional tradition holds that Shiva hid here from the demon Bhasmasura, which is why the stalagmites are revered as naturally formed lingams. Pilgrims bathe in the spring-fed ponds and carry the water home.

Jatashankar lies north of Pachmarhi hill station in Narmadapuram district, reached by road from Pachmarhi through forest. The shrine sits in a deep ravine with large boulders above, so the approach involves uneven rock and a paved floor at the cave mouth. Two spring-fed ponds, one cold and one hot, stand in the locality.

The cave's stalagmites are revered as naturally formed lingams, and the rock structure is said to resemble the hundred-headed serpent Shesha, Vishnu's mount. Two spring-fed ponds lie nearby, one of cold water and one of hot water.