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Chamoli: The sacred Timmersain Mahadev cave in Niti Village of Chamoli district has become a famous pilgrimage site in recent years. Known as Uttarakhand’s Chhota Amarnath, the cave is attracting devotees from across the country because of its natural ice Shivling, which forms every winter.

During the winter months, ice rocks inside the cave naturally take the shape of a Shivling, believed to be the snowy form of Lord Shiva. Devotees call this frozen Shivling “Baba Barfani.” From December to March, thousands of pilgrims arrive to offer prayers and witness the divine sight.

Replica of Amarnath shrine

The Timmersain cave is often compared to the famous Amarnath shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. Just like Amarnath, the Shivling here is formed naturally from snow and ice. Because of this, the cave is gaining popularity as the second abode of Baba Barfani.

Location and significance

Niti Village, where the cave is located, is the last village of Chamoli district and lies close to the Indo-Tibet border. Locals believe Baba Barfani has been seated in this cave for centuries, but the site remained lesser-known outside the region until recently. Now, it is emerging as a major pilgrimage destination.

Devotees’ experiences

Pilgrims from different parts of India are visiting the cave. Manish and Priya from Indore said they had heard about the place earlier and were happy to finally visit. Praveen Singh from Uttarkashi, who came with his family, shared that the darshan of Baba Barfani gave him peace of mind and allowed him to enjoy the natural beauty of the valley.

Accessibility

The cave is located on Timmersain Mountain in the Niti Valley. Access requires special permits, as the area is close to the India-China border. Devotees can visit from December to March, when the valley is open. During this time, the snow Shivling grows up to 2–3 feet high, drawing large crowds.

Growing popularity

The Timmersain Mahadev cave is now being recognized as a spiritual treasure of Uttarakhand. With its natural ice Shivling, peaceful surroundings, and resemblance to Amarnath, it is becoming a symbol of faith and devotion. Pilgrims believe that visiting Baba Barfani here brings blessings and inner peace.