Dev Dhank cave, also known as Dhar Deo Dhank cave, is located at Nirmand, around 19 km from Rampur, in Himachal Pradesh. About 3 kms south of Nirmand, is this large cave which has a naturally formed Shivling, miraculously bathed by water from the cave roof. There is absolutely no trace of water on the rock in the hill.
A narrow gorge leads one to the temple complex. The cave is quite deep and about 6 feet in height.
Dhar Deo Dhank Cave Story
A legend tells how a local Brahmin was puzzled by the disappearance of his prized goat until Shiva came to him in a dream and revealed that the goat had wandered into a cave, where it was giving its milk to a Shivling. Sure enough, the Brahmin found his goat and spent the rest of his life in service of Shiva.
Another legend has it that Bhasmasur, a demon meditated for hundreds of years to please Shiva. Bhole blessed him with the boon of Bhasma Kangan giving him the power to turn anyone into the ashes, including the Devas or demigods, by placing his hand on their heads.
The demon Bhasmasur decided to try the boon on Shiva. Shiva, however, escaped to Kailash using the secret passage in the Dhar Deo Dhank cave.
Outside the cave there is grove of trees which shade various deities, and even the cave entrance is believed to resemble Ganesha.
It is believed that there is a secret route which directly reaches Shrikhand Mahadev.