Our Iceland adventure was truly one of a kind—but for me, the most unexpected and awe-inspiring part was its contribution to my spiritual journey. Before I delve into that, let me first take you to the moment I quite literally journeyed to the center of the Earth.
Vatnshellir Cave Tour
Nestled on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Vatnshellir Cave is a remarkable lava tube formed around 8,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption from the Purkhólar crater family. As molten lava surged downhill, its surface gradually cooled and hardened. Eventually, the liquid lava beneath drained away, leaving behind a hollow tunnel—a subterranean marvel carved by fire.
Though this natural wonder has existed for millennia, it has only recently been explored and made accessible to the public through guided tours. Strangely enough, it's still not widely known. We stumbled upon a modest pamphlet tucked away in the hostel we were staying at—and on a whim, decided to embark on the tour. Little did I know it would lead to something far deeper than I had imagined.
Journey to the center of the earth
The guided tour into Vatnshellir Cave lasts about 45 minutes, taking visitors through a surreal subterranean landscape. Equipped with helmets and flashlights, we navigated uneven terrain and steep staircases. For safety, the cave entrance is strictly monitored—once all participants are inside, the gate is locked from the outside, ensuring no one ventures in unaccompanied.
We descended deep into the earth via a winding spiral staircase, each step taking us further away from the daylight and deeper into the heart of the lava-formed underworld.
Entering Vatnshellir feels like crossing into another realm. The cave extends over 200 meters (656 feet) into the earth and plunges to a depth of around 35 meters (115 feet) at its deepest point. Inside, time stands still. The walls are etched with intricate lava formations and ancient stalactites—testimonies to the fiery birth of Iceland’s volcanic terrain. The surreal textures and twisted shapes of the rocks, lit only by the beams of our flashlights, created an otherworldly atmosphere that was both mysterious and mesmerizing.
The deepest meditation
One of the most unforgettable moments of the tour came when our guide asked us to switch off our flashlights at the cave’s deepest point. Suddenly, we were enveloped in absolute darkness—so complete, so pure, that it felt like the very essence of stillness. The silence, broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing through the cave, created a space untouched by time or distraction.
In that moment of total darkness and natural quiet, I slipped into the deepest meditative state I have ever experienced. It was as though the Earth itself held me in stillness—cradling me in a sacred pause far removed from the noise of the world above. And suddenly I felt the presence of Ma Sita, her mental state as she was going down into the earth.
Stalactites, Stalagmites, and a Whisper in the Dark
Vatnshellir Cave comprises three distinct chambers, each revealing its own geological marvels—smooth walls sculpted by molten rock, curious lava statues, and rare mineral deposits. The upper section glows with streaks of colorful minerals, while the deeper chambers grow colder, darker, and more enigmatic, their silence broken only by the occasional drip of ancient water.
Among the striking features were the stalactites and stalagmites—mineral formations born of time, patience, and nature’s alchemy. Stalactites hang from the ceiling like delicate icicles, while stalagmites rise from the cavern floor like their earthbound twins. In the dim glow of our flashlights, these forms appeared less like geological structures and more like ancient sentinels.
It was in that dark chamber that I heard it—a soft, inner whisper from one of the lava statues. She said her name was “Tara”.
The Lava Stones Asking for a Place
At the end of the tour, we received two small lava stones as mementos. Back home, I placed them in my puja room, where I keep sacred objects for blessing and integration. But after a couple of days, I received clear inner guidance: the stones wanted to be in our underground library.
It made perfect sense. The library is not only the deepest part of our home, echoing the cave’s own depth, but it’s also a space dedicated to knowledge and reflection. To me, the message was clear—Tara, whom I experience as another form of Goddess Saraswati, had found her chosen abode among books and silence.
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Goddess Saraswati Reveals Herself
In the days that followed, during my crystal reading sessions, Goddess Saraswati began to appear again and again—her presence unmistakable. Then one day, I saw a powerful crystal image: two divine forms. The upper one sat upright, regal and serene; the lower one mirrored her, as if reflected in still water—an inverted vision.
It was the final confirmation. Tara and Saraswati were one, making their presence felt through lava, cave, stone, and inner vision.
Thank you, Iceland—for the mystery of Vatnshellir, the whisper of Tara, and the blessings of Ma Saraswati.
A Portal to the Divine
Travel often begins as a desire to explore the outer world—but sometimes, it quietly becomes a pilgrimage inward. Our Iceland trip, framed by raw landscapes and elemental beauty, turned out to be just that. I had set out to witness volcanoes, glaciers, and lava fields, but what I found was a doorway to the sacred, hidden in the heart of the Earth.
Vatnshellir Cave was not just a geological wonder—it became a temple, a womb, and a messenger. The silence, the darkness, the whisper of Tara, and the presence of Saraswati all pointed to something profound: the Earth is not just rock and mineral; it is alive with memory and meaning, waiting to speak to those who listen.
As I returned to everyday life, I realized that some journeys never really end. They continue as subtle transformations, as sacred objects finding their place, and as the quiet return of ancient goddesses who remind us of who we are.
Iceland gave me far more than I had asked for. It gave me stone and story, stillness and spirit—and for that, I carry deep gratitude.
References:
https://www.iceland-highlights.com/tour/vatnshellir-cave-admission/
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