The exposure of 'Patal Bhubaneswar' (Lord Shiv in the underground temple complex) is one of his unique ways to help mankind. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of this at the moment. Sri Sathya Sai Baba helps to instill faith in human minds and finally leads them to mukti from mundane life activities. Bhagwan Baba has created an opportune moment for the exposure of 'Patal Bhubaneswar' and through a chosen devotee. He has executed His plans. He has guided this devotee at every step to unearth the secrets of 'Patal Bhubaneswar'. The exposure of the underground cave complex in 1989 is probably the greatest of all blessings of Bhagwan Baba. He selected the appropriate person, who was the General Officer Commanding of the eastern Himalayan region of the Indian Army - Major General Taylor.

This place is situated near the sangam (confluence) of the holy rivers, Sarayu and Ramganga. And the location is known by the Lord's name "Patal Bhubaneswar". Here in the Patal, Lord Shiv is served by celestial beings and sages like Vasishtha. Brahma which other Gods of the Heaven come to this Patal Bhubaneswar to worship Lord Shiv. In addition to them, Gandharvas (celestial musicians), Vidhyadharas (celestial singers) and Upsaras (celestial demsils) along with Sidha, (yogi) Yaksha, Rakshasas (Demons) and Nagas (Serpents) serve Him here. Maheswara (Shiva) dwells in the Patal, Which is illuminated by the light emitted from the Jewels found on the hoods of the great serpents. Those who visit the Patal Bhubaneswar and perform pooja of the Lord would receive blessings; million fold greater than that of Rameswaran, Kashi or even Kedarnath. Such is the greatness of the pooja of the Lord at the Patal Bhubaneswar. It is worth mentioning that at Patal Bhubaneswar one can find Shiv lingas (in miniature) of temples all over the world. That is the reason why Patal Bhubaneswar is considered to be the most sacred place. It is believed that the Lord is eagerly waiting here to receive his devotees and blesses them abundantly. Devi Parvathi, Vishnu, Brahma accompany Lord Shiv and the Devas with other celestial beings remain in Patal Bhubaneswar to serve the Lord. Pooja of Maheswara here is a thousand times meritorious than performing the great "Aswamedha yagya". This is probably the reason for Patal Bhubaneswar being the most sacred temple. Lord Shiv's presence is always there as His blessings only could save this world from the clutches of Kali. Sage Vyasa has repeatedly told us that services to the Lord save not only us, but also many generations to come. One who visits the cave and worships the Lord is entitled to go to Shiv loka after his life on this planet such is the greatness of Lord Shiv.

The narrow entrance tunnel leads to a spacious cave with a very high roof. A few steps down to this cave from the entrance, on the left-hand side, one can see 'Narasimha' bhagwan. The next significant sight is that of Sheshnag, the hood of which is wide spread on the left hand side and the spine with well marked ribs on the floor of the cave, continues for a long distance. The hood, the spine, and the ribs are in solid hard rock today, but carry very close resemblance to the original live snake. Sheshnag is one of the prominent inhabitants of Patal. On the right is the elephant 'Eravath of Mahendra. The legs and the trunk are within the reach of man.

One can walk on the spine of Sheshnag and reach the middle of the cave. As we go further, we can see Ganesh sitting on a high pedestal in the middle of the cage. Over the Ganesh, on the roof, is an enormous lotus known as Ashthadalkamal. From this Kamal (lotus) water falls on Ganesh performing a perfect abhishek. Slightly on the right of Ganesh is Kedarnath ling. This ling, though miniature in size, is a replica of the original. Next to Kedarnath ling is the Badri panchayat. A little ahead of this is the Amarnath ling. This also is a miniature replica in stone. Even the sparkling white snow on the Amarnath ling is represented here by white patches on the stone. On the left, a fierce looking 'Kala Bhairava' with protruding tongue and flowing saliva is clearly visible. Further on the left, is the tall idol of Bhubaneswari. This idol is about three meters high with well discernible face, eyes, neck, body, and limbs. Bhubaneswari represent the four yugas. The ling representing Kaliyuga is the tallest of all, about 40 cm. Next to Kali is the one representing Satyayuga. It is believed that the linga grow constantly and when the Kali touches the roof of the cave (at this part of the cave the roof is only a meter high) there will be 'paralayam' (Flood) to mark the end of Kaliyuga. As we come back to Maa Bhubaneswar, and look around four entrances can be seen on four sides of the cave. The first one is called Dharma dhwar through which we enter the cave complex. The left and right ones, though closed, can be clearly seen. The one right ahead of us is most important and it is known as the Mokshadwar. Sage Vyasa had said that any person crossing this would certainly be blessed with moksha.

As we pass through the Mokshadwar and look to the left, we can see at a height of three, meters, a well-defined tree with trunk and a canopy. This 'parijath'¹ brought from heaven by Lord Krishna. This tree is represented in the Patal by precious stones. Further ahead is the way to 'Kadaleevan'. To reach this, one has to climb a little. There is no trace of any plant growth here. The area of the 'Kadaleevan' accessible to human beings is very small. The floor is filled with soft soil instead of rock. It is believed that the five floors of Patal below are connected to the upper ones through 'Kadaleevan'. But the way is totally blocked.

One should return to the base and look to the right through a hole to find Sage Markandeya doing tapas. The entrance to the cave of Markandeya is closed, but we can see the sage clearly through the opening. Look up to see 'Kamadhenu's³ under. Milk is continuously flowing and falling on 'Brahmakapal'. The 'water', which trickles down from Kamadhenu today has a whitish color and therefore resembles milk. 'Brahma kapal' represents the place where one of the heads of Brahma fell. Tarpan at this spot is considered to be highly auspicious. This would help one's ancestors to attain liberation. To the right of Brahmakapal is a group of seven small tanks filled with water. These are known as 'Brahmakhunds'.

Further up we can see Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiv. Across nandi is another khund (water source). Above this is the enormous face of Lord Shiv. We can clearly see His jata, the matted hair. It is on this jata that He held Ganga when she flowed down from Heaven. The rushing water of Ganga is represented by a white streak now. Drops of waterfall from this on to the 'Narmadeswar' ling. Another interesting sight is that of the hand of Viswakarma, which is represented in heavy stone. A little ahead and a few steps up we come across the representation of the complete constellation and Akash Ganga.
On the right side is the famous snake Thakshak, who bit King Pareekshit.

Now we are very close to the 'Patal Bhubaneswar' in the central cave. The linga here represents Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. The pedestal of the linga is very short. The lingas are elliptical in shape and the size of a medium sized rose bud. These are set in a row, the middle one is of transparent nature, representing Lord Shiv and on either side Brahma and Vishnu (both are opaque). The roof of the cave is very high and one can see Patal Ganga flowing ling first, next on Brahma and the third on Vishnu. The cycle repeats itself and the process goes on endlessly. This abhishek, well planned by Nature, is so meticulous that no two drops of water fall on the same ling at the same time. Today a copper plate protects the pedestal. This is the main place of worship and Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara are present here to accept the pooja of the devotees and bless them.
Though one can go further up and see the Koteswar ling, beyond that, the caves are inaccessible.

The scene on arrival at Patal was breath taking beautiful; I was breathing in God. Never have I felt such strong vibrations and such a sense of being looked after. I could feel Baba's gentle guiding hand everywhere. It really was a taste of heaven. Words could never truly describe my feelings, a sense of coming home, but even more than that. Once inside the cave, I was filled with a sense of wonder and awe. The incredible rocks for which took on life like forms. Though we had undertaken this journey on our own -3 ladies Major Gen. Taylor and his group greeted us inside the cave. I had entered the cave with much confusion but came out enlightened and full of energy and clear thoughts and vibrations. Just as we sat for the Puja the Lord Baba gave us His vision and showed us that He was present with us as His book fell out from the Pujari's bag and we got His darshan. We could experience the presence of our Lord and His guidance all through the puja. After the puja when I sat for meditation I got clear darshan of my beloved Bhola Shivji this was a remarkable experience and all my confusions were removed. My family are followers are of Vishnu - Krishna and right from childhood Lord Shiva's myths and His innocence attracted me - so I was thrilled that I was Blessed by my Lord in this special form. So after visiting the Kailash - Heaven this trip to Patal another Heaven completed my cycle of my life - pilgrimage.