Gorakhnath Cave | Gorkha

Information

Landmark: Gorakhnath Cave
City: Gorkha
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Gorakhnath Cave, Gorkha, Nepal, Asia

Gorakhnath Cave (Gorakh Nath Gufa) is a sacred rock-cut hermitage located approximately 10 meters below the Gorkha-durbar_gorkha" class="underline">Gorkha Durbar palace complex in Nepal. It is one of the most significant spiritual sites for the Nath tradition and the Shah dynasty.

Visual Characteristics

The cave is a natural rock shelter situated on the precipitous southern face of the Gorkha ridge. The entrance is marked by traditional Newari wood carvings and stone inscriptions. Inside, the space is narrow and dimly lit, housing a small shrine dedicated to the sage Gorakhnath. Outside the cave entrance, there is a stone platform and a "Dhuni" (sacred fire) area where logs are kept burning continuously.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located within the Gorkha Durbar complex, 140 km west of Kathmandu.

Access: After climbing the ~1,500 stone steps to the main palace, visitors must follow a narrow, descending path located near the western gate of the Durbar.

Requirements: Visitors must remove leather items (belts, wallets, shoes) before entering the sacred perimeter of the cave and the adjacent temples.

Historical & Spiritual Origin

The cave is named after Guru Gorakhnath, an 11th-century mahasiddha and the founder of the Kanphata Yogi order. He is considered the guardian deity of the Gorkha Kingdom. Historically, the Shah kings sought the blessings of the resident ascetics at this cave before undertaking military campaigns or administrative changes. The site represents the synthesis of Vedic and tantric practices in the Himalayas.

Key Highlights & Activities

Gorakhnath Footprints: Inside the cave, pilgrims venerate stone impressions believed to be the "Paduka" (footprints) of the sage.

Sacred Fire (Dhuni): A central feature where ash (vibhuti) is collected and given to devotees as a blessing for protection and health.

Daily Rituals: Brahmins and Nath yogis perform morning and evening "Aarti" (light offerings) involving bells, incense, and chanting.

Pilgrimage: It is a major stop for devotees of the Nath sect traveling between Pashupatinath and western Nepal.

Infrastructure & Amenities

As a rugged spiritual site, amenities are basic. The path to the cave is steep and can be slippery during the monsoon. There are no facilities inside the cave itself, but public water taps and resting platforms are available at the palace level above. 5G/4G signals are intermittent due to the rock overhang and thick stone walls.

Best Time to Visit

The cave is accessible year-round, but October to March offers the most comfortable weather for the climb. The site is particularly active during the Chaite Dashain and Bada Dashain festivals, as well as on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered auspicious for the deity.

Facts & Legends

According to local legend, Guru Gorakhnath appeared to King Prithvi Narayan Shah in this cave while the king was a young prince. The sage is said to have vomited curd and asked the prince to eat it; when the prince hesitated and the curd fell on his feet, the sage predicted that the prince would conquer any land his feet touched, eventually leading to the unification of Nepal.