Shiva Cave at Bumzu, Martand, Kashmir
Bumzu cave is one of the historic caves near present-day Martand (Mattan) Shrine. It is widely believed that Rishi Bumzu had performed penance at this cave which lived somewhere around in the middle century. The village is known as Bumzu. However, this cave is much older than the medieval times. The temple is constructed in a cave with beautiful arches and proper steps. The architrave has proper motifs and celestial figures. The cave is just opposite to river Chaka en route to Pahalgam. We found only two Shivlingam which do not have any Yoni. Possibly the same must have been removed or destroyed. The marks on the Shivlingam dominate and represent the Laukalisa school of thought which at one point was dominant in India. One of the revered saints of South Kashmir Swami Mirza Kak ji has written a lot on the Rishi Bumzu whom he refers to as Bheem Rishi. Copyright : Sunil Raina Rajanaka