“Hidden God” because the shrine which is a limestone cave surrounded by a dense forest of Sal trees and is far away from the materialistic world. ‪

Gupteshwar cave, divine abode of Lord Shiva, which is about 55 kms from the nearest town Jeypore in Odisha. While driving through serpentine roads and hamlets passing by, one gets drawn by the divine force. Gupteshwar means “Hidden God”. This is because the shrine which is a limestone cave surrounded by a dense forest of Sal trees and is far away from the materialistic world. ‪The Kolab river flows nearby adding to the natural beauty. The 2 metre high Shivalingam made up of stone Stalagmite stands in the cave which is said to be increasing in size. Inside the second cave there is a large stalactite formation which resembles the udder of the cow. People worship it as the udder of God Kamadhenu, the divine cow and some believe it to the Kapila cow. Devotees wait with their palms under the formation for few drops of water which is considered to be the milk of the Divine cow. Gupteshwar has its association with Ramayana. Lord Rama was the first to discover the Shivalinga during his exile of 14 years and he was the first to find this hidden Shivalingam. He was the first to worship it. Probably this could be the reason why the nearby hill is called “Ramagiri”. People from all parts of India reach here on Shivaratri to bow their heads and receive divine blessings from lord Shiva, the mighty supreme!!
Jai Shiva Shankar ~ Om Namah Shivaya!!