Day 25 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026
While most caves are underground, the "caves" of Yana are actually two massive, needle-sharp black limestone monoliths that tower over the jungle floor.
They are the 390-foot (120-metre) Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the 300-foot (90-metre) Mohini Shikhara.
They are composed of solid black, crystalline Karst limestone. Geologists attribute their dark colour to the presence of iron, manganese, and silica.
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| The rock formations. Image courtesy: The News Minute |
She challenged Bhasmasura to a dance and tricked him into placing his hand on his own head, reducing him to a heap of ashes. Devotees believe the heat from this event was so intense it blackened the limestone formations, and they point to the loose black soil scattered around the area as the actual remains of the demon.
Nearby, the Vibhooti Waterfalls is also named after these "sacred ashes".
Adding to the mystery are the innumerable beehives that cling to the overhanging rocks. Temple authorities and locals believe these wild bees act as guardians of the cave’s sanctity, reportedly attacking only those who disturb the serenity of the site.
(Information sources: Karnataka Tourism, Deccan Herald, The News Minute)
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