Amarnath Cave is a Hindu temple which is located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a major holy expedition center for Hindus, People go for pilgrimage there, and is considered one of the holiest temples of Hinduism. It is located 135 meter away to the northeast of Srinagar city in the state of Kashmir at a height of 13,600 feet above sea level. The length of this cave is 19 meters and the width is 16 meters and the height is 11 meters. Lakhs of people come here for the holy Himling Darshan to be held throughout the month of Sawan, Starting from "Ashadh Purnima" till "Rakshabandhan". The circumference of the cave is about one and a half hundred feet and the ice water drops dripping from above it. In which a Shivling about ten feet long is formed by dripping snow droplets. The size of this ice also keeps on decreasing, with the increase and decrease of the moon. On Shravan Purnima, it comes in its full size and moderately becomes smaller till Amavasya. The surprising thing is that this Shivaling is made of solid ice, while the cave usually has raw ice which will crumble as soon as it is taken in hand. Ganesh, Bhairav, and Parvati have similar icebergs several feet away from the original Amarnath Shivling.
HISTORY
Jan Shruti is prevalent that Amarakatha was narrated by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati in this cave, on hearing of which Sadyojat became immortal as Shuk-Shishu Shukdev Rishi. Amarnath is called the pilgrimage center of pilgrimage because it is here that Lord Shiva revealed Mother Parvati the secret of immortality. Being made from natural snow, it is also called Swayambhu Himani Shivaling. The main feature of this place is the formation of natural Shivling in the cave in the snow. A pair of pigeons are seen in the cave even today, which the devotees call immortal birds. They too have become immortal by listening to Amarkatha.
There is also a belief that Shiva Parvati, who sees devotees who are associated with pigeons, provides preservation to that creature by taking a direct view of their visions. It is also believed that Lord Shiva had told a story in this cave to Adradhagini Parvati, which described the journey of Amarnath and the many places that came in its path. This story later became known as Amarkatha.
CULTURE
Amarnath yatra is a culture in itself. In Amarnath, more than 2000 people still go for the journey, including all the children and senior citizens. There are two ways to go on Amar Nath Yatra. One from Pahalgam and the other from Sonamarg Baltal. That is, to reach Pahalgam and Baltal by any ride, you have to use your feet to go further from here. And a ride can be arranged for senior citizens. The road leading from Pahalgam is considered convenient and simple. The distance from Baltal to the Amarnath cave is only 14 kilometers and it is a very secluded and inaccessible route and is also suspicious from the point of view of security. That is why the government does not consider this route safe and motivates most of the travelers to go to Amarnath via Pahalgam. But people who are fond of adventure and risk-taking prefer to travel through this route. People traveling through this route travel at their own risk. The Government of India does not take responsibility for anything untoward on the way.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
AMARNATH CAVE
Amarnath cave is the most special shrine for the devotees of Lord Shiva. A Shivling of snow on its own, inside this cave resembling heaven, is enough to encourage the devotees of Lord Shiva who come here. People who worship Lord Shiva and many tourists come from far and wide to visit this miraculous and beautiful Shivalinga. This Pilgrimage is most famous because Lord Shiva had told Goddess Parvati the secret of life and eternity in this cave. And this place is also known to see those pigeon pairs who heard Lord Shiva in that cave telling Secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati.
Wouldn't it be nice to go there and look at the litigants and the sanctity itself?
Best time to visit Amarnath Cave: May-september
SHREE AMARNATH YATRA
The Amarnath cave is one of the major shrines of Lord Shiva. Thousands of devotees from all over the country and world come here to see Lord Shiva's Shivling every year. The ice-made Shivalinga in the cave is about 10-12 feet high and shows the belief and faith of the devotees. Pahalgam is at a distance of 315 km from Jammu. It is also a famous tourist destination and the natural beauty of this place is seen on sight. Government bus is available from Jammu and Kashmir tourism center to reach Pahalgam. In Pahalgam, langars are arranged by NGOs. The pilgrimage walk begins from here.
The first stop after Pahalgam is Chandanbadi, which is eight kilometers from Pahalgam. The pilgrims spend the first night here. Camps are organized here for night stay. The climb of the Pisu Valley begins on the second day. It is said that there was a fierce battle between the gods and demons on the Pisu Valley in which the demons were defeated. This journey of the first phase along the banks of the river Lidder is not difficult. Beyond Chandanbari, this ice bridge on this river remains safe.
BATLAL
Baltal serves as a halt destination just about perfect for all the religious Amarnath Cave pilgrims, set at a height of 2743 meter. This place serves as the tents or camps for devotees with sufficient arrangements of pitch tents to spend the night, at a distance of 14 kilometers from Amarnath. Apart from this, Baltal is also renowned for it's an absolutely scenic and pleasing environment. It is in close propinquity to renowned towns like Sonamarg, Shrinagar, and Pahalgam.
PAHALGAM
Pahalgam is a banquet to the eyes and senses, With untouched and attractive natural beauty. deluged in lush greenery and alluring Himalayan ranges, it calls for some moments of requiescence at own home of nature.
You will be wonderstruck by the lavish of Pahalgam the moment you arrive at this immaculate land.
