Parshuram Mahadev Cave Temple, Kumbhalgarh
Shiva (Mahadev) in a natural cave; associated with Parshuram temple · Kumbhalgarh (Sadri side), Rajsamand (Kund Dham in Pali district), Rajasthan, India
Parshuram Mahadev Temple is a cave temple of Shiva on the border of Pali and Rajsamand districts in Rajasthan. Wikipedia says the main cave lies in Rajsamand district, while Kund Dham is in Desuri tehsil of Pali district. It is about 10 km from Kumbhalgarh fort, 14 km from Sadri and 100 km from Pali.
The Pali district website describes it as set on a hill of the Aravalis, with a natural cavern where a natural Shivling draws devotees.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Parshuram Mahadev Cave Temple, Kumbhalgarh
Tradition links the cave with Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Wikipedia says it is believed that he made the cave with his axe and worshipped Shiva here in the Aravali foothills. The Pali district site says the ascetic Parshuram is believed to have performed penance in the cavern.
Wikipedia adds that the cave contains naturally formed figures of Ganesha and Shiva and nine kunds (pools) said never to go dry, and that the place is also called the 'Amarnath of Rajasthan'. It also says water is believed to drip continuously onto the Shivling from a natural formation above it. These descriptions are traditional and are not independently verified here.
Heritage
History of Parshuram Mahadev Cave Temple, Kumbhalgarh
The sources give no dated history; the account is a tradition of Parshuram's penance at this spot. Wikipedia says that according to belief, Parshuram received his bow and other divine gifts from Shiva after austerities here, and that he taught Karna at this place. The article also mentions Mathrakundia, a few miles away, where Parshuram is said to have been freed from his sin, and says his father Jamadagni's penance place is about 100 km away. All of this should be read as legend.
Architecture and sacred features
The temple is a natural cave rather than a built structure. Wikipedia gives the elevation as about 3,995 feet in one place and 3,600 feet in another, so the figure is inconsistent and is not relied on. It says there are about 500 stairs to reach the cave from the Sadri side, and that access from Kumbhalgarh, Rajsamand, Nathdwara or Udaipur involves a descent on foot from a designated parking area.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Wikipedia says fairs are held twice a year, with a large one on Shravan Shukla Shashthi and Saptami (usually August or September), and that the temple holds no special programme on Parshuram Jayanti. It cites an estimate of about 900,000 visitors annually. Expect steps and slippery paths, wear sturdy footwear, and check conditions before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Location
How to Reach Parshuram Mahadev Cave Temple, Kumbhalgarh
Access from the lower Sadri side is easier, with about 500 steps to the cave, according to Wikipedia. From Kumbhalgarh, Rajsamand, Nathdwara or Udaipur a downhill walk from the parking area is needed. The Pali district site notes that Sadri is reached by bus from across Rajasthan and local taxis run from there. Confirm road conditions locally, especially in the monsoon.
Location: Kumbhalgarh (Sadri side), Rajsamand (Kund Dham in Pali district), Rajasthan, India
Nearest railway station: Not confirmed in sources
More in Hindu temples in Rajasthan · Shiva (Mahadev) in a natural cave; associated with Parshuram temples · Temples in Rajsamand District
Questions
Parshuram Mahadev Cave Temple, Kumbhalgarh: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Parshuram Mahadev Temple?
On the Pali-Rajsamand border in the Aravalis, about 10 km from Kumbhalgarh fort and 14 km from Sadri.
Who is believed to have made the cave?
Tradition says Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, cut it with his axe and worshipped Shiva here.
How many steps lead to the cave?
About 500 stairs from the Sadri side, according to Wikipedia.
When is the main fair?
On Shravan Shukla Shashthi and Saptami, usually in August or September; fairs are held twice a year.
What is Kund Dham?
Wikipedia says Kund Dham, in Desuri tehsil of Pali district, is part of the site; the main cave lies in Rajsamand district.
Why is it called the Amarnath of Rajasthan?
Wikipedia reports the nickname because of the natural cave Shivling; it does not source the comparison.
Sources and attribution
- Wikipedia — Parshuram Mahadev Temple
- Pali district administration (Internet Archive copy, 2009) — Tourist places of Pali district
- OpenStreetMap — Shree Parshuram Mahadev Cave Temple (node 8317683185)
Further reading: Parshuram Mahadev Cave Temple, Kumbhalgarh on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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