Amarnath Yatra

The legend of this 5000 year-old cave can’t be written in mere words. It is worthy of much more. It is about unshakeable faith in divinity and the quest for immortality. There lies a poignant tale of faith, belief and religion behind the legend of the Amarnath Cave. The 5000 year old cave is said to have emerged out of water when centuries ago the valley of Kashmir was still submerged under water. Sage Bhrigu was the one who discovered the cave when the water subsided revealing the picturesque cave in the middle of snow laden mountains.  

Religion, mythology and stories  

One of the interesting religious tales about the cave is related to Lord Shiva and his beloved Parvati. It goes like this, Parvati was intrigued by Shiva’s detailed accessories-one of the most prominent one being his beads of heads. She asked him about the purpose of possessing a bizarre ornament like that. Shiva took note of her inquisitiveness and told her. The heads or the beads represent her birth. And everytime she is born he adds a head to it. 

Parvati was baffled by his answer and asked him to explain the ritual to him and why she was trapped in the cycle of birth and death. Little did she know, she had asked a question associated to the secret of immortality or moksha-a fiercely guarded cryptic tale of the adiyogi himself. To let out the mystery to Parvati, Shiva ventured into the woods to find a secluded space.  He found the Amarnath Cave-a perfect spot. 

Also Read: A Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of Lord Ganesha from Kailasha parvat with mother Goddess Parvati

Religious legend has it, that on his way to the cave Shiva got rid of all his belongings to maintain secrecy. On the course to the cave he first let go of Nandi at Pahalgam. Next he left the moon at Chandanwari and released his snakes at Sheshnag. Ganesha was left at the Mahagun Parvat. It was at Panjtarni, where he left the five elements or panch bhoot-Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. 

Amarnath-a second heaven

Considered as one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, Amarnath is no less than a heaven for devotees. The most peculiar feature of the grotto is the ice structure called the Shivalinga or Baba Barfani. As bizarre as it is obscure, the ice formation is believed to be a natural phenomenon and it is found in its natural state. The formation occurs typically during the month of July-the time when the Amarnath Yatra begins. 

The Amarnath Yatra is a 46 Km sojourn which takes pilgrims to a journey of inner self testing the strength of their belief. The faith associated with the place is evident by the sheer numbers of devotees that throng the site every year. The devotees believe a visit to the place absolves one of all worldly sins. If the legend is to be believed then this is the very place where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati. 

Major attractions at Amarnath Yatra

The route towards the cave is a part of a 5 day journey. The first stop is at Pahalgam from where the journey begins. Enroute to the cave there are plenty of stoppages and each carries a religious significance of its own. Chandanwari base camp is the starting point of the yatra and on the way there are various halts during the nights. Pissu Top, Sheshnag lake and Panchtarni being the prominent ones on the old route. The other route starts at Sonamarg and moves on to Baltal, Domail and Barari and then Amarnath. The old route is said to be the one which Shiva took himself. 

Time of Amarnath Yatra

Yatra is held every year during summers. It is planned and organised mostly in the month of July.

Source: Randomfacts by Shikhaa

How to reach Amarnath?

If you are planning to reach Amarnath via flight then you should be landing on the Srinagar airport. Apparently, there are regular flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu. Jammu is the nearest railway station which you would need to reach out if you are planning a railway trip. Jammu is connected via road till Pahalgam. The weather is unpredictable in these parts however, hence pre planning your trip with confirmed resources is advisable. 

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here