North India Tourist Destinations
  
Lingam-The Deity
The holy shrine of Amarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a living
God. In the most consecrated and holy books of Indian religion
'The Rig Veda' describes Lords existence in the hymns. Vedic
legends, rituals and even study of heavenly bodies affirms to
his presence from the dawn of time. It was confirmed from the
findings of the Mohinjodaro and Harappan civilization that the
Shiva ling was also worshipped in the ancient India. According
to the legend Lord Shiva resides at 3 places, at Kailash Parvat,
at Lohit Giri through which river Brahamputra flows and third
is Muzwan Parvat.
Shanker another name for Lord Shiva is said to be a big yogi,
it is said that while Shiva narrating Parvati the secret of
immortality in the Amarnath Cave, a pair of mating doves overhear
the charismatic story of eternal life and became immortal and
created the cave their divine abode. Many pilgrims' report seeing
the doves pair when they trek the wearisome routes to pay homage
to the ice-lingam.
The Significance of Amarnath Cave
The shrine in Amarnath Cave was selected by Bhole Shankar Nath
for reciting the secrets of immortality and creation of Universe
to Maa Parvati his counter part. Thousand of pilgrims throng
the temple in the month of July and August to attain Moksha
from life.
Discovery of Holy Cave
The story narrated by people about the discovery of this Holy
Cave is of a Gujjar (shepherd) Buta Malik. He is given the credit
of discovering this Holy Cave.
The Great Amarnath Yatra
The Amarnath Yatra is organized every year by the Jammu and
Kashmir Govt. during the month of sharavan (July and August).
The travel takes place only after browsing at the weather conditions
and according to the date of Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the
month of Sharavan.
A journey to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave, a trek up to the height
of about 14,500-ft is very exciting and full of adventure. One
had the feeling of attaining Moksha from this wordily life as
one enters the Cave and performs the prayer before the Shivlinga.
The Yatra is girdled by exquisite valleys, high mountains, rich
vegetation, giving the feeling of Lord Shiva's existence in
whole environs making it a unique paradise on the earth.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions are absolutely erratic. The region often
faces the untimely rain and snowfall during the Yatra. The travelers
should note down that there are always chances of abrupt changes
in weather. Sunny weather may turn into rainy, snowfall in a
short time or a snowstorm might occur without warning in the
region. The temperature also faces tremendous variation, suddenly
it may fall up to -5 degree C.
Insurance
Due to the perilous terrain and routes the pilgrims are advised
to get themselves insured suitably. It is advisable that insurance
cover may be got done before leaving their place of residence.
Accessories Required
Due to uncertain and extreme weather conditions travelers are
advised to carry raincoats, woolens, umbrellas, walking sticks,
personal medical kits etc. The details are given in the Yatra
Information Brochure.
Accommodation
Accommodation facilities are also available during the journey.
Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust (Regd.) provides tented accommodation
and Public Kitchen (Langar) to the pilgrims completely free
of cost. Other Non Government Charitable Organizations also
provides free accommodation. However, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism
Development Corporation too provides tented settlements and
shelters at nominal charges.
The Performing of Pilgrimage
To under take this Yatra it is necessary to get registered by
Jammu and Kashmir Govt. Tourist Offices located at Delhi, Mumbai,
Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Jammu and Srinagar.
The divine journey can be undertaken at Pahalgam, from there
Amarnath stands at an altitude of 3888 m, 46 km away from Pahalgam
and 141 km from Srinagar. Travelers normally begin their journey
from Chandanwari and complete the tour in 5 days. The trek from
Chandanwari to Cave is on an ancient peregrine route also facilitates
camping at Pahalgam or Chandanwari.
The other gateway to Amarnath is from Sonamarg via Baltal at
an altitude of 3000m. Sonamarg is situated on Srinagar-Leh road
north east from Srinagar and about 15 km ahead lies Baltal which
is fascinating small valley lying in the foothills of Zojila
Pass. The holy cave is just a day's journey from here.
Mode of Transport
Air: The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt. The airport
is linked with all the major cities of India.
Rail: The nearest Rail way station is at Jammu 300 km from the
shrine. National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with
the entire country.
Road: Road transport suiting every budget from buses
to taxis runs on NH1A Highway. It takes around 10 to 12 hours
to cross this mountain terrain by passing some ravishing sights
and the famous Jawahar Tunnel joining Kashmir Valley with the
entire country.
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