:: The Bhasmasur legend
 A number of legends have propounded about the discovery of this holy cave. One of the most important legends among them is related to famous demon Bhashmasur . Bhashmasur after a long meditation of Lord Shiva obtained blessing to end the life of any one by keeping his hand on his head. After obtaining it, the said devil tried to end the Lord Shiva. On seeing the evil design of the demon, the Lord Shiva ran alongwith Maa Parwati and Nandi cow to save himself from the power of the demon. While running when Bhashmasur was far behind lord Shiva stopped at a place near present Shivkhori for rest. But the demon reached there and started fighting with lord Shiva. A dreadful battle took place ther. Due to this famous battle that place was named as Ransoo (Ran= battle, Soo= Ground) means battle ground. Ransoo is now base camp for Shivkhori yatra. But, to keep dignity of his own blessings the Lord Shiva decided not to kill Bhashmasur and proceeded ahead. Then while running Lord Shiva threw his Trishul , which created the famous Shivkhori cave. Lord Shiva entered in this cave and gone into meditation. After this, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Parvati came forward and asked the demon to dance with her according to her tune. As and when the demon started dancing as per the actions of Parvati, the said demon took his hand at his head and with his own power, he was himself destroyed. After destruction of demon lord Vishnu alongwith other deities went inside the cave with the help of Kamdhenu . As per the legend 33 crores deities exist in this cave in shape of pindies.
:: The Amarkatha Legend
 As per the other legend regarding discovery of this cave is that the historic Shiv Khori cave is believed to be discovered by a Muslim shepherded. He was infact in search of his missing goat and went by chance inside the cave to find the same. However he was very much startled to see a number of saints inside the cave, who were impressed by Lord Shiva's divine power and he too started pooja there. Later on the shepherd disclosed this to a number of other people in spite of his promise made with the saints not to disclose about them or this cave. It is said that the shepherd after narrating it to other people handled. According to the legends it is believed that a number of famous saints have been closely associated with this cave, who had spent decades inside this cave for spiritual attainment and meditation. |
