PHOTOGRAPHS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF ‘UTROBA’ CAVE

The cave ‘Utrobata’ has been discovered by archaeologist Gumarov. A few years following his discover he publicly announced about it. The archaeologist Prof. Ovcharov takes on studying the characteristics of the cave.

photo N 1 – split in the rock

The cave itself is a natural split in the rocks (photo N 1). It is oriented North-South. The Trakians have used this mountain pass and have adapt its shape to become an anatomical female symbol. (photo N 2 and 3)

photo N 2 – the entrance

photo N 3 – female symbol

The cave is 22 m. long (photo N 4 ) Its 5 to 6 meters extension is a result of artificial excavation. The entrance of the cave is a shaped arc 20 m. high and gradually descending as it moves inwards. At the end it is about 1,5 m. high (photo N 5)

photo N 4 – tunnel

photo N 5 – embryo

According to pantheologist Gumarov, in January and February the sunray penetrates deep in the cave. This act symbolizes the fertilisation of the goddess Mother by her god the Sun. While the sun gradually ascends at the level of horizon its ray move through the entrance and projects a shadow symbolizing a male phallus. It moves deep in the cave and reaches it’s end (culmination) at 12.00 h. This amazing spectacle has been captured by Gumarov’s camera.

Prof. Ovcharov relates the cave’s initial date since ХI – Х century b.c. It is the only cave ‘Utroba’ found in Bulgaria. Prof. Ovcharov believes that it is a proof of Dionisii’s orgies, which the Trakian young women have participated in to plead for fertile crop.
Similar events have been narrated by Evripid (480 г. – 406 г. b.c.) in his play ‘Vakhankite’. About Dionisii orgies mentions as well the famous historian Heredot, who describes immorally behaved young women.

Now three thousand years later it is impossible to say whether these events do represent immoral behaviour or they were a result of religious rituals, performed by certain priestess to please God Sun and Goddess Mother.
Let’s say we accept the data of Prof. Ovcharov dating from XI – X century b.c. as true. Almost fife centuries spread apart between Evripid and Heredot since the initial function of the cave. Evripid describes the rituals performed there in a piece of art – a play where an art fiction may be involved. It is known also be that he was criticized by the time that he hasn’t respected the moral beliefs and religious foundations.
Herodot we know has not distinguished history from epos. The cohabitants of Herodot questioned the authenticities of his narratives which they referred to becoming myth.

Regardless of what said we the people of 21st century claim to know nothing about Dionisii’s orgies. Me personally, visiting the place have not experienced any negative vibes. The same feelings I had at the terrace at the cave, at the entrance of the cave.
I believe at the ‘Utroba’ place a few priestesses have been evident (women and men), but no more than 20. During this orgies, if they were so, they were rituals between female and male priestesses according to the belief an abundant crop will follow and so a fortuned tribe.
It has been established as a cult of local meaning and not as a broad practice.
Whatever cult (belief) it was, it helped the ancient people to show their respect to Goddess Mother, who symbolises the mystical wonder of new life.

GUIDING DATA

The cave ‘Utrobata’ is located in the neighbourhood of the village Dujdovnitza and the village Pudarci on the north side of the coast of reservoir Kurjali. It is reachable by passing the town of Kurjali and driving in the direction of reservoir Kurjali through the village of Enchetz, Zelenikavo, Belenika, Peniovo and finally through the village of Dujdovnitza. The road is very picturesque and carved in the folds of the mountain. It follows the counterline of the north shore of the reservoir Kurjali. Passing by Dujdovnitza village about 3 km on the right side of the raod, close by the reservoir shore you can see the lodge Borovitza. About 2.5 kmf from the lodge you can see on the right side a guide. From here on the path the cave begins. There are no parking spaces, however you park there. The only way to reach the cave from here on is walking. You can reach the cave from the north side as well. You drive in the direction of Komiuniga village and the pass the villages Sredska, Jenda, Nenkovo, Vojnovo and Pudarci. The coordinates established by Google Earth are : 41º 42′ 12, 85” N , 25º 15′ 07,13” E and is 615 m. over the sea level. There is 1.3 hours walking distance between the road and the cave. The path has a numerous steep sections where you can find a place for shelter. You can rest and enjoy a beautiful view. You can see the majestic mountain silhouette being reflected on the glossy water surface. There is a new designed shelter Just before the entrance of the cave where you can spend the night with the sleeping bag.

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