Peer Kho Cave Temple

Peer Kho Cave Temple is one of the oldest and most sacred Shiva temples in Jammu, located on the banks of the Tawi River. The temple is built inside a natural cave, which is also known as the “Jamvant Cave”, associated with the legendary character Jamvant from Hindu mythology.

ॐ नमः शिवाय
महामृत्युंजय मंत्र:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥

― Peer Kho Cave Temple

The temple enshrines a self-manifested (swayambhu) Shivling.

Mythological Significance & History

The origins of Peer Kho Temple trace back to the epic era of the Mahabharata. It is believed that Jamvant, the wise bear from the Ramayana, meditated in this cave. Over time, the cave became a place of deep spiritual significance.
The temple was later developed and renovated during the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh (1834–1856 AD), the founder of the Dogra dynasty. Since then, it has been a major center of devotion and pilgrimage, especially during Shivratri and the month of Sawan.

Significance of the Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is an important pilgrimage site in Jammu.
“Peer Kho” means “Cave of the Saint” (Peer = saint, Kho = cave).
The Shivling inside the cave is considered self-manifested (Swayambhu).
Devotees from across India visit the temple, especially during festivals like Shivratri, Amavasya, and Shravan month.
It is also counted among the 5 important Shiva temples of Jammu.