Amarnath India

Amarnath - The abode of Lord Shiva.

Amarnath, is situated 145 Kms east of Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. The place is considered one of the most sacred place in India, and has several mythological tales associated with it. Situated amidst the beautiful valleys and mountains, Amarnath provides the feel of paradise on earth. The Amarnath shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located at a height of 3888 metre above sea level. Amarnath is known for its cave temple which is unlike any other temple in the region. The area remains snow covered from September to June. It opens only during July-August, and it takes around 15 days to reach Amarnath from Pahalgam (50 Kms), the base point. July -August is usually the rainy season, so pilgrims have to face the rain to reach there.

Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Cave , Yatra Amarnath The Amarnath Yatra is one of the holiest journey of Hindu Pilgrims all over the world. The Yatra is organised every year by the J &K Government in the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August).

This is an annual event, when around 25,000 pilgrims visit the holy shrine of Amarnath caves. The pilgrims have to trek a height of about 14,500 feet to reach the Amarnath Caves.

Devotees with feeling of divine, beneath their heart , burst out and realizes 'Moksha' as they enters the cave and perform the worship before the Shivlinga .The Yatra rediscover the nature and its love, that pilgrims always feel within themselves.

What attracts Pilgrims

Amarnath houses many attractions of religious importance, which include.

Amarnath Cave : The pilgrims visit Amarnath, to see the popular Amarnath Cave. The 150 feet high and 90 feet long, cave has four or five ice formations, which resemble the figures of different gods. The largest figure resembles Lord Siva (Amarnath). An ice formation called Ganesh lies on the left side of linga, while Parvati and Bhairava figures lies on the right side.

The Ice Lingam : In Amarnath there is an Ice Lingam, that changes its size with different seasons, and also with the moon, as its waxes and wanes. The linga attains its maximum height of about 6 feet on the full moon day. Every year on the full moon day of July-August, a festival is held at the Amarnath cave temple, when the linga attains its maximum height. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared here on this day.

Important guidelines for the Pilgrims to Amarnath

One must be physically and mentally fit, as the journey involves trekking of 1,4000 feet.

The Ice-Lingam , Amarnath The pilgrims should bring heavy woolens including sweaters, woolen thermal body warmers, trousers, monkey caps, mufflers etc. Other items include wind cheaters, raincoats, sleeping bags, blankets, water proof shoes, small water proof tents, torch and walking sticks.

The pilgrims must carry sufficient dry eatable such as biscuits, sugar, candies, chocolates, milk powder, dry fruits, pickles, honey, lemons and packaged foods etc.

Registered ponywalla, porter, dandyman are available from Pahalgam.

How to Reach Amarnat

Air : Srinagar (145 Kms) is the nearest airport, Indian airlines operate daily flights between Delhi and Srinagar. Flights to Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Leh are also available.

Rail : Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station. Jammu railway station is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other parts of the country.

Road : Buses from Delhi (14 hrs.), Amritsar (5 hrs.), and Pathankot (3 hrs.) run to Srinagar.