Team Herald
PONDA: The ancient Vagapend Cave, popularly known as the ‘Tiger Cave’, hidden in the lush forests of Vagurme, Priol, remains an enigma for locals. With its natural semicircular architecture and chilly interiors, the cave continues to fascinate local residents, who lament its neglect by the authorities.
Senior citizen GokuldasPrabhu expressed the community's desire for the Archaeological Survey of India or geological experts to study the cave and uncover its mysteries. “This unique structure could also be a major tourist attraction in the hinterlands,” he said.
The origin of the cave and the extent of its tunnels remain unknown. Local beliefs suggest the tunnel may stretch all the way to Querim Village, but no one has ventured far inside due to low oxygen levels. Stories passed down by forefathers speak of ancient Rishis performing spiritual practices in the cave, adding to its allure.
At the foothills of the cave, the sound of flowing water leads to a lake, or Tollem, which serves agricultural and other local needs. The area also features an age-old staircase, known as Pazze, that leads to the sacred site of Khetrapal, along with a shrine to Devchar, worshipped by the locals.
Another resident, ShridharPrabhu, marvelled at the cave's semicircular, amphitheatre-like structure. “Whether manmade or natural, it is a shelter that can accommodate many and is home to bats. If promoted, this could be a very popular tourist destination for people who like history, culture and geology,” he said.
Despite its cultural and geological importance, the Vagapend Cave remains unexplored and under promoted, leaving its mysteries shrouded in time. Locals urge the government to preserve and develop the site, unlocking its potential as a heritage and tourism hub.