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Amarnath
Amarnath is a popular pilgrim shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva reported to be around 5000 years old. Thousands of people from across the country make a pilgrimage, or yatra up to the cave shrine of Amarnath, located in the Kashmir Himalayas through rocky terrains, snowy mountains, rain-swollen streams and a glacier-fed lake under unpredictable weather conditions. The shrine is situated at a height of 3,888 metres (approx.12,700 feet) above sea level near Pahalgam in the mountainous area in south Kashmir, 141 kilometers from Srinagar.
It is said that Lord Shiva explained the secret of salvation and the path to immortality to his consort Parvati in this cave which was overheard by a pair of doves who became immortal and made this cave their eternal abode. Pilgrims still report seeing these doves at the cave.
There are several legends behind this cave. According to popular belief, it was a Muslim shepherd, Buta Malik who discovered the cave and the natural Shivalingam of ice, (Symbolic of Shiva's role as restorer, the lingam is worshipped throughout India) more than a century ago. Buta Malik was given a sack of coal by a 'sadhu'. But when he opened the sack at home, he found that it was full of gold. Overjoyed he went back to thank the sadhu but found the cave on the spot where they met. From then on, the cave was venerated as a pilgrim centre. A representative from the Malik family would be present at the holy shrine along with the Hindu priest during the time of the pilgrimage and a percentage of the donations is still given to Malik's descendants.
The cave which faces south is about 150 feet high and 90 feet wide and its walls are made with gypsum. Within the cave, there are two gaps. Of the two gaps, one is bigger and it is below this gap that the ice formation resembling Shiva- linga representing the main deity is formed by the drops of water dripping from the top of the cave. It is believed that the water is coming from the holy Ramkund Lake, situated above the cave. Devotees believe that one can get salvation by witnessing this 'Ice-Shiv lingam'. The full moon day in the lunar month of July / August (Shravana month) attracts maximum number of pilgrims as the ice lingam attains maximum height during this time. On the left of this main linga there are two other ice - lingams, representing Parvati and their son, Ganesha.
The Yatra takes place annually and is organized by the Jammu & Kashmir State Government during the month of July and August. Every year about 400,000 people cherish the journey and the religious festival of Shravani Mela within the area.
It is said that Lord Shiva explained the secret of salvation and the path to immortality to his consort Parvati in this cave which was overheard by a pair of doves who became immortal and made this cave their eternal abode. Pilgrims still report seeing these doves at the cave.
There are several legends behind this cave. According to popular belief, it was a Muslim shepherd, Buta Malik who discovered the cave and the natural Shivalingam of ice, (Symbolic of Shiva's role as restorer, the lingam is worshipped throughout India) more than a century ago. Buta Malik was given a sack of coal by a 'sadhu'. But when he opened the sack at home, he found that it was full of gold. Overjoyed he went back to thank the sadhu but found the cave on the spot where they met. From then on, the cave was venerated as a pilgrim centre. A representative from the Malik family would be present at the holy shrine along with the Hindu priest during the time of the pilgrimage and a percentage of the donations is still given to Malik's descendants.
The cave which faces south is about 150 feet high and 90 feet wide and its walls are made with gypsum. Within the cave, there are two gaps. Of the two gaps, one is bigger and it is below this gap that the ice formation resembling Shiva- linga representing the main deity is formed by the drops of water dripping from the top of the cave. It is believed that the water is coming from the holy Ramkund Lake, situated above the cave. Devotees believe that one can get salvation by witnessing this 'Ice-Shiv lingam'. The full moon day in the lunar month of July / August (Shravana month) attracts maximum number of pilgrims as the ice lingam attains maximum height during this time. On the left of this main linga there are two other ice - lingams, representing Parvati and their son, Ganesha.
The Yatra takes place annually and is organized by the Jammu & Kashmir State Government during the month of July and August. Every year about 400,000 people cherish the journey and the religious festival of Shravani Mela within the area.
| State | : | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Location | : | Amarnath, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Altitude | : | 3,888 m (12,756 ft) above the sea level |
| Proper name | : | Cave Temple of Lord Amarnath |
| Creator | : | Natural formation |
| Best time to visit | : | Mid-June to August |
| Temperature | : | Summer: Max. 25°C Winter: Min. -5°C |
| Climate | : | Unpredictable |
| Clothing | : | Woolen clothes, rain coat, sleeping bag or blankets |
Amarnath Caves
The most popular shrines in Hinduism, Amarnath caves is situated at an altitude of 3,888m and is at a distance of 141km from Srinagar. The cave measures about 150ft high and 90ft long and is dedicated to the God Shiva and his magical creation. The main attraction of the cave lies in an ice stalagmite known as the Shiva Linga. It is learnt that the Linga gets waxed during May to August and gradually diminishes with time. This lingam is believed to grow and shrink with the changing phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival. Two other ice formations resembling wife, Parvati and son, Ganesha standing on the right side. Before a darshan to the Amarnath caves some pilgrims take a refreshing bath at Amravati polish their body with the most beloved white soil, Bhasam found near the cave.
Believed to be 5000 years old, this cave adorns a special significance since as per the legends, it was here that the lord explained the secrets of life to his beloved wife. The cave holds numerous myths and legends and whatever are the truth behind these tales, the shrine witnesses’ huge gatherings every year, the number of which is increasing year after year.
Deity in the cave has an incredible look as the cave itself. This natural linga formed out of an ice stalagmite, buffs and fades with the Moon's cycle. It reaches its full height during May to August, when the cave is all set to celebrate the summer festival. Along with this lingam, there are two lovely ice lingams of Parvati and Ganesha The cave is under close surveillance of the CRPF and Indian Paramilitary Forces. So one have to get prior permission from the authorities to have a holy voyage to the temple.
The most popular shrines in Hinduism, Amarnath caves is situated at an altitude of 3,888m and is at a distance of 141km from Srinagar. The cave measures about 150ft high and 90ft long and is dedicated to the God Shiva and his magical creation. The main attraction of the cave lies in an ice stalagmite known as the Shiva Linga. It is learnt that the Linga gets waxed during May to August and gradually diminishes with time. This lingam is believed to grow and shrink with the changing phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival. Two other ice formations resembling wife, Parvati and son, Ganesha standing on the right side. Before a darshan to the Amarnath caves some pilgrims take a refreshing bath at Amravati polish their body with the most beloved white soil, Bhasam found near the cave.
Believed to be 5000 years old, this cave adorns a special significance since as per the legends, it was here that the lord explained the secrets of life to his beloved wife. The cave holds numerous myths and legends and whatever are the truth behind these tales, the shrine witnesses’ huge gatherings every year, the number of which is increasing year after year.
Deity in the cave has an incredible look as the cave itself. This natural linga formed out of an ice stalagmite, buffs and fades with the Moon's cycle. It reaches its full height during May to August, when the cave is all set to celebrate the summer festival. Along with this lingam, there are two lovely ice lingams of Parvati and Ganesha The cave is under close surveillance of the CRPF and Indian Paramilitary Forces. So one have to get prior permission from the authorities to have a holy voyage to the temple.
The climatic conditions dominating the religious Amarnath is very uncertain. The cave may get showered with rain-drops or snow may cover the path and place in no time during the yatra. The temperature may fall up to -5°C and as such devotees are suggested to take all their necessities with them.
For Amarnath Yatra devotees generally take the 42 km (26 mi) pilgrimage on foot from the town of Pahalgam, about 96 km (60 mi) from Srinagar, and cover the journey in four to five days. There are two alternate routes to the temple: the longer and more traditional path from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of Baltal. Some devotees, particularly the elderly, also ride on horse-back to make the journey.
By Air:
Indian Airlines had daily flights to Delhi and Srinagar. There are also flights to Bombay, Calcutta, Chandigarh and Leh. The Indian Airlines office(542-735) is at the Tourist Reception Centre on Vir Marg.
By Railway:
Several railheads connect Jammu from Delhi. The Shalimar Express departs from Delhi at 4.10 pm and arrives in Jammu at 7 am. There are direct trains from Jammu to Bombay and Calcutta (Jammu Tawi Exp # 3152, daily, 6.15 pm, 46.5 hr).
By Road:
State transport buses ply regularly between Jammu and Srinagar as well as other neighboring cities. Jammu is situated at a distance of 315 km from Pahalgam, a distance which can be covered by taxis or buses. Buses are available at the tourist reception center located at Raghunath Bazaar. Another option is to travel to Srinagar by Air and board a bus from there. A third option is to take a bus to Baltal from Jammu (400 Km), from where the holy cave is located at a distance of just 14 km.
By Air:
Indian Airlines had daily flights to Delhi and Srinagar. There are also flights to Bombay, Calcutta, Chandigarh and Leh. The Indian Airlines office(542-735) is at the Tourist Reception Centre on Vir Marg.
By Railway:
Several railheads connect Jammu from Delhi. The Shalimar Express departs from Delhi at 4.10 pm and arrives in Jammu at 7 am. There are direct trains from Jammu to Bombay and Calcutta (Jammu Tawi Exp # 3152, daily, 6.15 pm, 46.5 hr).
By Road:
State transport buses ply regularly between Jammu and Srinagar as well as other neighboring cities. Jammu is situated at a distance of 315 km from Pahalgam, a distance which can be covered by taxis or buses. Buses are available at the tourist reception center located at Raghunath Bazaar. Another option is to travel to Srinagar by Air and board a bus from there. A third option is to take a bus to Baltal from Jammu (400 Km), from where the holy cave is located at a distance of just 14 km.
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