The Khuriarani Cave, which is popularly known as Khuria Rani ki Gupha is one of the major historical places in Jashpur town. It is located at a distance of 17 km from Bagicha Village. It is about 5 – 6 KMS south of chichali village. Four small hills are to be crossed along a zig- zag way which is full of rocks and stones and difficult to negotiate. There are boulders and bushes and unless one is very cautious may fall down atleast 100 feet down in water. After a tedious and painful trekking, a water fall called Sarahapani is visible.
One has to crawl few meters to reach a pond surrounded by rocky sides of mountain. There is a high conical hill just on the west of the pond which is called Khudia Rani and the temple is located inside the hill in a big cave which is at the bottom of the hill.
Near the entrance of the cave a big stone is placed and a hole of one metre is seen behind the stone. Hundred years ago the gate was reported to be opened but closed automatically. After entering the hole one has to walk a distance of about 130 metres and it is completely dark with flow of water from above.
After crossing the distance and descending down four pillars are seen with a notch between them, which probably was a seating arrangement. About 12 metres away from the notch the passage enters into two narrow paths on the left side, goes to the place of the temple of the Khudia Rani while that on the right moves to a place which is a room with stones to close the doors. The Khudia Rani is believed to have lived in the room.
The inhabitants of this region are called Korwa Janjati. All these clans of Korwas have a common strand that binds them together and it is their faith in Khuria Rani. The goddess is believed to have protective powers. A goat, coconut, red hen, milk, vermillion and lighted lamp are offered on every auspicious occasion to appease the deity. “Before the British banned human sacrifice, the Korwas sacrificed a Brahmin male child to the goddess every year. Even today, no Brahmin enters the temple of Khuria Rani.
Source:
http://www.ebharat.in/tags/caves-jashpur
http://jashpur.gov.in/tourist.htm