Mukteshwar Mahadev Cave Temple

Mukteshwar Mahadev Cave Temple is a Hindu cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Doong village near Pathankot, Punjab, on the bank of the Ravi River near Shahpur Kandi. The shrine is housed inside a natural cave and enshrines a Shiva lingam. Traditionally associated with the Pandavas' exile period, it is a prominent pilgrimage centre in the Pathankot region and hosts major fairs during Maha Shivratri.

Visitors can expect a cave shrine accessed by descending steps to the Ravi River bank, with a narrow cave entrance leading to a Shiva lingam and idols of Ganesha, Brahma, Vishnu, Hanuman and Parvati inside. The setting includes white marble temple structures at the top, forested hills, and views of the Ravi River and Shahpur Kandi area. The site includes open courtyards for darshan and photography outside the cave.

Traditionally believed to date to the Mahabharata era, when the Pandavas are said to have stayed in the caves during their exile (Agyatvas). The cave is said to have been home to the demon Mukasur, after whom the site is named. The shrine has been a long-standing Shaivite pilgrimage centre in the region.

A revered Shiva pilgrimage site for Hindus, particularly significant during Maha Shivratri, Somvati Amavasya and Navratri when large fairs and gatherings are held. The temple is an important religious and cultural landmark for Pathankot and surrounding areas of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu.