Mawjymbuin Cave, Mawsynram, Meghalaya

The famous Mawjymbuin cave in Mawsynram village in the state of Meghalaya is nestled in the East Khasi Hills in the picturesque background of lush greenery, steep slopes and stunning waterfalls. This cave holds great geological importance and is a real adventure thrill for nature lovers, historians as well as spiritualists.

The star attraction of this cave is a giant stalagmite in the form of a Shiva Linga that is near the opening of the cave. What is very interesting here is that the Shiva Linga is continuously bathed in water dripping down from the stalactite shaped like a cow’s udder exactly above it!

The stalactite is on a dome-shaped rock with a flat top called the Symper Rock. The opening of the cave is a massive wide chamber about 15 feet high and 150 feet wide. Geologists have determined that years of weathering, dripping of mineral enriched water and deposition of Calcium Carbonate have created these impressive speleothems i.e., breathtaking formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The formation of the Mawjymbuin cave is of calcareous sandstones at a staggering height of 685 feet.

Though the unusual pair of the giant stalagmite in the form of the Shiva Linga and the stalactite above it has befuddled geologists, devotees are drawn to this extraordinary natural creation that bears a strong resemblance to the Shiva Linga in Amarnath cave. This cave has now become a sacred shrine for all with pilgrims coming from across the country to pay their obeisance to Lord Shiva during the month of Sravan and as part of the Kanwar Yatra.

On the left side of the entrance is a small opening leading to a passage that will take you to the other side of the cave. This passage however is generally inaccessible and plunged in darkness but the sound of a small stream that flows under this portion is clearly heard. There are many what you call rift entrances and passages that form a part of this cave that are too narrow and difficult to enter.

This cave is seated in the midst of such exquisite natural beauty that it renders you speechless and awestruck. A deep sense of belonging, serenity and peace fills you as you offer your prayers to Lord Shiva and take in the spellbinding scenery.

Written by Lakshmi Subramanian

* Photos are only symbolic (Taken from public domain/internet and any copyright infringement is unintentional and regrettable)