Jammu & Kashmir, Anantnag
With the snow capped mountains soaring in the backdrop stands the cave temple of Amarnath, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Hinduism. The temple is reported to be over 5000 years old and has been mentioned
in ancient Hindu texts. The great sage Bhrigu is believed to have been the first to have a Darshan of the Lingam in the cave. The 6th century Sanskrit text Nilamata Purana refers to Amarnath temple. Swami Vivekananda is said to have visited this holy place. The temple is opened only for a short period of time in summer for pilgrims.
Amarnath is the place where Shiva divulged the secret of immortality to his wife Parvati. Relenting to her incessant questioning, he chose an isolated spot which was the cave of Amarnath. He left behind Nandi, the moon, the snakes and his son Ganesha along the way. He created Kalagni to eliminate every living creature around the cave. He entered the cave with Parvathi and narrated the Amar Katha or the secret of immortality to her. Unknown to the...View more
, a pair of doves heard this and became immortal. The holy cave is considered extremely sacred.Amarnath Yatra is associated with this ancient temple.
The idol in the cave temple of Amarnath is a pure-white ice mound in the from of Shiv lingam. A golden trishul in the front completes the enchanting view of the God. The ice lingam is said to wax and wane in accordance with the moon, reaching its zenith on the full moon day. Two other ice formations represent Parvati and Ganesha.Picture Courtesy: wikipedia
Timings : The yatra to Amarnath Dham is conducted during the month of Shravan where thousands of Hindu devotees trek to the 6feet tall ice made Shiva Lingam.
Devotees have described the auspicious sightings of a pair of doves who became immortal hearing Lord Shiva's words.
There is no specific dress code to visit Amarnath Ji though devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire. It is sugested by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board that saree is not suitable attire for the yatra for the women as they have to trek to reach the Shrine. Thus, they can opt for Salwar-Kameez, Pant-Kurta etc. Pilgrims are strongly recommended to carry comfortable woolens during the yatra.
The people in the area are responsible for making the trip to Amarnath a great success. The locals provide all help to the devotees, by providing them food, accommodation as well as being guides through the journey. The security concerns regarding the area leads to the presence of heavy police and security personnel along the route and near the shrine. Pahalgam is noted for its wool and woollen products.
Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192230
Jammu and Srinagar is well connected by train and air. From Srinagar/Jammu buses and taxis ply to Pahalgam or Batkal from where the yatra begins. The trek has to be done on foot or ponies to reach Amarnath. Pilgrims can also avail chopper service by private operators. The route via Batkal though shorter is a very steep climb.
The Amarnath yatra begins with 'pratham pujan' to invoke the blessings of Shri Amarnathji.
Devotees tie red thread at the Amarnath Temple entrance with hopes that their wishes will be fulfilled.
Flowers, incense, red chunri are the common offerings made to Amarnath ji.
On the Vyas Purnima the Chhari Mubarak the holy mace of Lord Shiva is worshipped at Pahalgam. The ritual marks as the beginning of the Amarnath Yatra. This is followed by the Bhoomi Pujan, Dhwajarohan, Chhari Pujan and Navgrah Pujan.
July - Full moon day in the month of Shravan (July/August)
Tiles & Frames