• Shakti

Amarnath Temple

Overview


Amarnath hollow is a Hindu altar situated in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The hole is arranged at an elevation of 3,888 m (12,756 ft), around 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir and came to through Pahalgam town.The altar frames a vital piece of Hinduism, and is thought to be one of the holiest holy places in Hinduism. The hole is encompassed by cold mountains.The cavern itself is secured with snow the vast majority of the year aside from a brief timeframe in summer when it is open for pioneers. A great many Hindu devotees make a yearly journey to the Amarnath cavern on testing rocky territory to see an ice stalagmite framed inside the hole.

Amarnath is a 150 feet high and 90 feet long surrender found almost 145 km east of Srinagar. Situated in a Himalayan chilly valley at a tallness of roughly 4,000m the cavern has four ice developments, which are considered puppets of various Hindu divine beings.The greatest figure is viewed as that of Shiva. On the left half of the lingam there is an ice development that is thought to be Ganesha. Correspondingly, arrangements speaking to Parvati and Bhairava are on the right half of the ice lingam.

These developments are ice stalagmites, which wax amid May to August and step by step melt away from that point. Legend has it that the lingam develops and recoils with the periods of the moon, achieving its most extreme stature (more than 6 feet) on the full moon day of Shravan (Rakshabandhan day). It's trusted that Lord Shiva initially showed up in the hollow on this day.

The Himalayan journeys are the most established sorted out travel framework, advanced after some time by Hindu sages. They consolidate the soul of marvel with that of experience and most profound sense of being. Of every one of these journeys to the distinctive sanctuaries of the Himalayas, the adventure to the cavern sanctuary of Amarnath is a standout amongst the most troublesome.

The sanctuary is accounted for to be more than 5000 years of age and has been said in old Hindu writings.The stories in the legends describe how the sanctuary was shaped. In antiquated times the valley of Kashmir was a major lake. The colossal sage called Kashyapa depleted the water through various waterways and rivulets and in this manner made the valley of Kashmir. Actually the antiquated name of this area was Kashyap Puri which in the long run transformed into Kashmir. Hello is said to have brought a great deal of Brahmins over from India and settled them there. The legend of the depleting of the waters may be an implication to the land change of this locale, when the huge lake which was as large as an ocean was compacted by the Indian geographical plate to shape the Himalayas.

Once when the colossal sage called Bhrigu was going through this district he saw a hollow. He was attracted to go inside and there he was hit with marvel when he saw the enormous ice lingam inside. He is said to have been the first to have Darshan of the Holy Cave with the picture of Shiva, as a Lingam. It is really a stalactite, which begins developing with the waxing of the moon in the month of Ashada (July/August) and achieves its full size upon the arrival of the full moon in the month of Shravana (August/September). Close by are two more ice Lingams, which are thought to be those of Parvati and Ganesha. This is the reason in old days when trips to those problematic areas took a great deal additional time than they do now, the yatra used to take an entire month and started on Ashadha Poornima (Full Moon Day of Hindu Month "Ashadha" (July/august) and finished on Shravana Poornima (Full Moon Day of Hindu Month "Shravana" August/September), when the Lingam achieved its apex.

Amarnath is viewed as one of important Hindu Dhams. The sacred cavern is the home of the heavenly trinity, Shiva ruler. The gatekeeper of the outright, master Shiva, the destroyer, is available as ice Lingam in this hollow situated at a more remote end of the valley of Lidder. This lingam is made normally of a stalagmite of ice which rises and debilitates with the moon.

The Shrine is overseen by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), that was constituted by an Act of the State Legislature in 2000 with His Excellency the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir as its ex-officio Chairman. The Amarnathji Shrine Board is in charge of smooth and inconvenience free journey to the Holy Shrine.

Thought to be a consecrated Hindu journey, Amarnath is well known for the normal development of Shiva Linga from the snow. A substantial number of devotees throng Amarnath amid the months of June and August. This devout voyage, which is likewise named the sacred Amarnath Yatra, starts from Chandanwadi (16kms from Pahalgam) and by means of Pissu, Sheshnag and Panchtarni, it closes at Amarnath Cave arranged on the Amarnath mountain. There is likewise another course for the Yatra beginning from Jammu and by means of Udhampur, Patnitop, Kud, Ramban, Banihal, QaziGund, Anantnag, Srinagar and Baltal, the excursion at last finishes up at the sacred cavern.

Soonest Reference

The soonest reference to Amarnath can be found in the Nilamata Purana (v.1324), a sixth century Sanskrit content which delineates the religious and social existence of the early Kashmiris and points of interest Kashmir's very own considerable lot creation myths. The journey to the sacred hollow has been portrayed with full geological points of interest in the Bhringish Samhita and the Amarnatha Mahatmya. Both these antiquated writings are thought to have been made considerably before. References to Amarnath, have additionally been made in authentic annals such as the Rajatarangini and its spin-offs and a few Western explorers' records. The first name of the tirtha, as given in the old writings is Amareshwara-the undying god. In course of time it got to be Amarnath – the interminable Lord.


About The Temple


The sanctuary is a prominent yatra destination for Hindus. In 2011 it got around 634,000 persons, the most noteworthy recorded number for the site. The number was 622,000 in 2012 and 350,000 in 2013. Travelers visit the blessed site amid the 45-day season around the celebration of Shravani Mela in July–August, concurring with the Hindu heavenly month of Shraavana.The start of the yearly journey, called Amarnath Yatra is set apart by 'pratham pujan' to summon the gifts of Shri Amarnathji.

The Amaranth Cave was found by a Muslim shepherd of Batakot, Buta Malik, when he lost his rush and found that it had strayed into the sacrosanct detect around 150 years back. There is a documentary confirmation of this disclosure. Indeed, even today his family gets some part of the donations offered by explorers. It is said that the sacred hole was found by a shepherd named Buta Malik.

It is trusted that a Saint gave a sack loaded with coal to Buta Malik. When he opened the sack subsequent to achieving home, he found the pack loaded with gold coins.This made Buta Malik an utter amazement and he ran looking the holy person to say thanks to him yet the holy person was vanished.

On looking the holy person, he found the sacred cavern and the Shiva Lingam. From that point that place has turned into a sacrosanct spot for the Pilgrimage. Then again, to demonstrate that the sacred hollow and the ice lingam were known not individuals since exceptionally antiquated times and have been consistently and frequently gone to by travelers from Kashmir as well as from various parts of India. While the most punctual reference to Amarnath can be found in the Nilamata Purana (v.1324), a sixth century Sanskrit content which portrays the religious and social existence of early Kashmiris and gives Kashmir's own particular creation myth, the journey to the heavenly give in has been depicted with full land points of interest in the Bhringish Samhita and the Amarnatha Mahatmya, both antiquated writings said to have been formed significantly before.

References to Amarnath, known have additionally been made in recorded annals such as the Rajatarangini and its continuations and a few Western voyagers' records likewise leaving probably about the way that the heavenly surrender has been known not for quite a long time. The first name of the tirtha, as given in the antiquated writings, is obviously Amareshwara, Amarnath being a name offered later to it.

Giving the legend of the Naga Sushruvas, who in his anger blazed to fiery remains the kingdom of King Nara when he attempted to snatch his girl officially wedded to a Brahmin youth, and after the gore took his house the lake now known as Sheshnag (Kashmiri Sushramnag), Kalahana composes:

"The pool of amazing whiteness [resembling] an ocean of milk (Sheshnag), which he made [for himself as residence] on a far away mountain, is to the present day seen by the general population on the journey to Amareshwara."(Rajatarangini, Book I v. 267.Translation: M. A. Stein).This makes it clear that pioneers kept on going by the blessed Amarnath collapse the twelfth century, for Kalhana composed his narrative in the years1148-49.

At somewhere else in the Rajatarangini (Book II v. 138), Kalhana says that King Samdhimat Aryaraja (34 BCE-17CE) used to spend "the most delightful Kashmir summer" in worshiping a linga shaped of snow "in the locales over the backwoods". This excessively shows up, making it impossible to be a reference to the ice linga at Amarnath. There is yet another reference to Amareshwara or Amarnath in the Rajatarangini (Book VII v.183). As indicated by Kalhana, Queen Suryamati, the wife of King Ananta (1028-1063), "allowed under her spouse's name agraharas at Amareshwara, and masterminded the sanctification of trishulas, banalingas and other [sacred emblems]".

In his Chronicle of Kashmir, a spin-off of Kalhana's Rajatarangini, Jonaraja relates that Sultan Zainu'l-abidin (1420-1470) visited the consecrated tirtha of Amarnath while developing a waterway on the left bank of the stream Lidder (vv.1232-1234). The waterway is currently known as Shah Kol.

In the Fourth Chronicle named Rajavalipataka, which was started by Prjayabhatta and finished by Shuka, there is an unmistakable and definite reference to the journey to the holy site (v.841,vv. 847-849). As per it, in an answer to Akbar's inquiry about Kashmir Yusuf Khan, the Mughal legislative head of Kashmir around then, portrayed in addition to other things the Amarnath Yatra in full detail. His depiction demonstrates that the not just was the journey in vogue in Akbar's opportunity – Akbar added Kashmir in 1586 – however the marvel of waxing and melting away of the ice linga was likewise understood.

Amareshwar (Amarnath) was a renowned journey place in the season of the Mughal head Shah Jahan too. In his tribute of Shah Jahan's dad in-law Asif Khan, titled "Asaf Vilas", the popular Sanskrit researcher and dilettante Panditraj Jagannath clarifies notice of Amareshwara (Amarnath) while depicting the Mughal garden Nishat laid out by Asif Khan. The King of divine beings Indra himself, he says, comes here to pay respect to Lord Shiva".

As we surely understand Francois Bernier, a French doctor went with Emperor Aurangzeb amid his visit to Kashmir in 1663. In his book "Goes in Mughal Empire" he composes while giving a record the spots he went to in Kashmir that he was "seeking after voyage to a cavern loaded with brilliant congelations, two days venture from Sangsafed" when he "got insight that my Nawab felt extremely restless and uneasy by virtue of my long nonattendance". The "cave" he alludes to is clearly the Amarnath hollow as the editorial manager of the second version of the English interpretation of the book, Vincient A. Smith clarifies in his presentation. He composes: "The cave loaded with superb congelations is the Amarnath hole, where pieces of ice, stalagmites framed by dribbling water from the rooftop are venerated by numerous Hindus who resort here as pictures of Shiva”

Another voyager, Vigne, in his book "Goes in Kashmir, Ladakh and Iskardu" expounds on the journey to the holy spot in point of interest, plainly saying that "the service at the hollow of Amarnath happens on the fifteenth of the Hindu month of Sawan" and that "not just Hindus of each rank and position can be seen gathering together and going up the valley of Liddar towards the praised cavern"  Vigne went to Kashmir after his arrival from Ladakh in 1840-41 and distributed his book in 1842. His book makes it clear that the Amarnath Yatra drew travelers from the entire of India in his time and was embraced with incredible eagerness.

Once more, the colossal Sikh Guru Arjan Dev is said to have conceded land in Amritsar for the formal takeoff of Chari, the heavenly mace of Lord Shiva which denote the start of the Yatra to the Holy Cave . In 1819, the year in which the Afghan principle arrived at an end in Kashmir, Pandit Hardas Tiku "established the Chhawni Anmarnath at Ram Bagh in Srinagar where the Sadhus from the fields collected and where he gave them free proportions for the adventure, both routes from his own particular private assets", as the prominent Kashmiri naturalist Pandit Samsar Chand Kaul has brought up in his booklet titled "The Mysterious hole of Amarnath". Not just this, Amarnath is profoundly cherished in the Kashmiri old stories likewise as stories prefer that of Soda Wony obviously appear. One can, in this manner, finish up with no uncertainty that the Amaranth Yatra has been going on persistently for quite a long time along the conventional course of the Lidder valley and not a century and a half issue. May be amid the Afghan principle when religious abuse of the Kashmiri Hindus was at its tallness and they were not permitted to visit their places of love the journey was ceased for around fifty or sixty years and amid this period the group of some shepherd might have strayed into the sacred hole, yet that not the slightest bit makes it of a late starting point or a show window of alleged Kashmiriat.

The sanctuary is accounted for to be around 5,000 years of age and was said in antiquated Hindu writings. The careful way of disclosure of the hole is not known.

Truly, the worship of Shiva lingam has been an exceptionally well known religious practice in Kashmir. The same stands validated by Kalhan Pandit who in his fantastic work, Rajtarangini, makes a notice of 'vateshwar', an old Shiva-lingam venerated even in his lifetime. A lord of Kashmir, Ravana, (1000 B.C) worshipped it as it was accepted to foresee future events and occasions through the light radiating from the Sri-cakra engraved on it.1 The ruler was so faithful in his worship of the Shiva-lingam that he sanctified the whole valley of Kashmir to the Matha where-in he worshipped the Shiva-lingam.2 The Mahadev Peak, Dyaneshwar lingam and Sureshwar lingam, known as svayambhu lingams, have been objects of worship for the Hindus of Kashmir. In fact, the insides of Himalayas have various such lingams and Hindus respectfully call them Shiva-dhams. Journeys to the Shiva-dhams have been a standard component without intrusions.

According to the 'Amarnath Mahatamya' Shiva as frigid lingam offered interminability on divine beings, devatas and along these lines he is known as "amresh" or 'amreshwar'. He conveys his devotees from the torments and throbs of seniority and illness not long after they have his "darshan" and "Satksatkar" in the arrangement of frigid lingam. According to the Tantric erudites, He is Amarnath on the grounds that He begins His climb from 'ama-kla' to 'purna-kala' and a negligible drop from it frees an explorer, a fan, from age and passing and gives him the condition of unity with Supreme awareness, the same as Shiva. A traveler, who in his great rapture and delight, moves inside the cavern, is viewed as a veritable rudra. The antiquated hole of Amarnath known for its frosty lingam that is normally framed has been a respected spot of journey for a large number of years. The frosty lingam waxes and fades with the waxing and fading of the Moon. It accomplishes its full length structure on the night of shravan Purnima. According to the composed records the frigid lingam has been nomenclatured as 'amresh', 'amreshwar', 'rasa-lingam', 'siddhi-lingam,' 'buddhi lingam,' 'shuddhi lingam,' 'puratan buddhi lingam' and 'pumsavan lingam.3 The classification of "amarnath" as is in vogue has been drawn from and owes its genesis to the 'Amarnath Mahatamya', a true work on the Amarnath as a sacred spot of worship.

The Tandava

As indicated by Hindu Mythology, God (Parameshwar) has three divinities who carry on the world. This is otherwise called Holy Trinity. Brahma-the maker, Vishnu - the perpetuator of life and Shiva (Mahesh) - the purifier and perpetuator of good and destroyer of malevolence. Shiva's energy were past creative energy, and much mightier than whatever other Lord. Such were his powers that all Gods would hurry to him, if different Gods were stuck in an unfortunate situation. Master Shiva would then open up his third eye (Trinetra), and do a Tandaav. Tandaav is known not the move of annoyance and fierceness that that would in the long run crush the wrong practitioner or the things connected with it. The Taandav would bring about high tides, exuberant downpours, land slides, tremors and volcanoes, mountains to flounder, surges and different fiascoes. Shiva is accepted to be the most grounded of the divine beings, and additionally accepted to be extremely giving.


About The Deity

Directing Deity

The directing god of Amarnath Cave Temple is Lord Shiva, who is in the one of a kind type of Ice Lingam. Also, this is the sacred spot where Lord Shiva clarified the mystery of interminability to Goddess Parvati. To portray the mystery of eternality, Lord Shiva left every one of His effects away, even His five components (Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Sky) to be more wary. To instruct the mystery of everlasting life, Lord hunt down a mystery place, lastly found the cavern, which is currently the immense Amarnath hole. Ruler Shiva assumed His position on the deer skin. Astutely, Lord made a Rudra named Kalagni and taught to set flame around the hollow to wreck each living thing around the hole and Lord began portray the mystery of time everlasting to Goddess Parvati, however unwittingly, an egg stayed secured under the deer skin on which Lord Shiva sat down. The mystery of interminability was heard by the egg and later, a couple of pigeons conceived out of the egg and got to be unfading. It is accounted for that still the explorers can see the pigeon pair in transit towards the sanctuary.

The one of a kind element of Amarnath sanctuary is that the holy Shiva Lingam increments and declines in its size, showing the diverse periods of moon.There are two other ice developments exist inside of the cavern, which are accepted to be Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

Lacs of followers perform the journey through extreme territory and accomplish interminable bliss. The Trek to Amarnath, in the month of sharavan (July-August) has the dedicated herd to this staggering altar, where the picture of Shiva, as a Lingam, is framed normally of an Ice Stalagmite, which is accepted to wax and disappear with the Moon's cycle. Close by are interesting, two more Ice Lingams, that of Maa Parvati and of their child, Ganesha.

Inside the 40 m (130 ft) high Amarnath hole, the stalagmite is shaped because of solidifying of water drops that tumble from the top of the hole on to the floor and grows up vertically from the hole floor. It is thought to be a Shiva Linga by Hindus.The Cave waxes amid May to August, as snow melts in the Himalayas over the cavern and the resultant water saturates the stones that frame the hole and steadily fades thereafter. according to the religious convictions, it has been asserted that the lingam develops and shrivels with the periods of the moon achieving its tallness amid the late spring celebration, despite the fact that there is no logical confirmation for this belief.

Amarnath cavern is a Hindu hallowed place situated in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is committed to Lord Shiva. This heavenly place of worship additionally called as one among 51 Shakthi peethas. Jyotirlinga of master Shiva is in the blessed cavern of Amarnath in Kashmir. There is likewise a Ganesh and a Parvati Peeth framed of snow. This Parvati peeth is the Shaktipeeth place. On Poornima of Shukla Paksha, Shravan month Amarnath and in addition to Him Shaktipeeth can be seen and revered. Here the throat of Mata Sati fell. The general population worship this body part and the decorations of Mata Sati. Here Shakti is called Mahamaya and Bhairav is called Trisandhyeshwar.


Legend and Stories


The story described by individuals about the revelation of this Holy Cave is of a shepherd Buta Malik. He is given the credit of finding this Holy Cave. Story goes like this, that a holy person gave Buta Malik a pack brimming with Coal. On achieving his home when he opened the pack , to his utter amazement the sack was brimming with gold coins. This made him overpowered with delight. He raced to thank the Saint. In any case, what he found was that the Saint had vanished. Rather, he found The Holy Cave and Shiv Lingam there in. He declared the disclosure of this to the Villagers. At that point onwards this has turned into the holy place of Pilgrimage.

The old sagas portray another story which goes like this.The valley of Kashmir was submerged. It was a major lake. Kashyap Rishi depleted the water through number of streams and rivulets. In those days Bhrigu Rishi came that path on a visit to The Himalyas. He was the first to have Darshans of this Holy Cave. At the point when individuals knew about the Lingam, Amarnath for them turned into Shiva's home a Center of journey. From that point forward Lacs of fans perform the journey through intense landscape and benefit interminable joy. The trek to Amarnath, in the month of sharavan (July August) has the ardent herd to this extraordinary holy place, where the picture of Shiva, as a Lingam, is shaped actually of an Ice Stalagmite, which waxes and winds down with the Moon's cycle. Close by are entrancing, two more Ice Lingams, that of Maa Parvati and of their child, Ganesha.

The story starts from the mission of Goddess Parvati when she asks her spouse Lord Shiva to advise her for what reason he wore a Maala with Munds (Mund Maala - globule of heads). Ruler Shiva answers that each time she(Parvati) is conceived, he adds a head to the Maala he is wearing.

Parvati enquires, "My Lord, my body is decimated each time and I bite the dust over and over, however you are Immortal. Kindly let me know the mystery of this." Lord Shiva answers that he is unfading because of Amar Katha and whoever realizes that Katha gets to be Immortal. At the point when Goddess Parvati demands knowing the story then Lord Shiva discloses to her that this story is a mystery and nobody knows this and even Gods don't think about this story and subsequently, when their ideals are over, they need to leave their position and take resurrection to pick up excellency. It is just the Tridevs (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) that know this hallowed story and are godlike.

In any case, when Parvati demands all the more eagerly, Lord Shiva guarantees her of telling the Amar Katha at some point. In any case, the goddess does not give up and on her diligent interest to know the mystery of Immortality, Lord Shiva chooses a shrouded place (Amarnath Cave) where no living being could listen to this mystery story.

On approach to Amarnath Cave, Lord Shiva leaves Nandi, The Bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he discharges the Moon from his hair (Jataon). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he discharges his snakes. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he leaves his child, Lord Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva abandons the five components Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As an image of giving up the natural world, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Dance. At that point, at long last, Lord Shiva entered the Holy Amarnath Cave alongside Parvati. Master Shiva then took his Samadhi on the Deer Skin.

Master Shiva began advising the story to Mata Parvati however she rests in the middle of as the story was long and she was burnt out on the adventure. Then, two white pigeons were listening to the story and were making cooing sound which made Shiva feel that Mata Parvati is as yet listening to the story and he kept letting it know. Along these lines, both the Pigeons heard the account of being undying.

In the wake of completion the story, when Lord Shiva saw that Parvati was resting, He pondered who was making the cooing sounds when he was portraying the story. He then found the two pigeons and got to be furious and attempted to execute them however the pigeons said that in the event that you will slaughter us then the legend of this story might exist no more. At that point Lord Shiva left them alive and favored that they will live at this spot as an image of Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati. It is said that even today the worshippers regularly see a couple of pigeons here.

It is said that just those compass Amarnath Dham who are honored by Baba Bhole Nath. Notwithstanding coming to here is an extraordinary righteousness. Individual locating and worshipping Baba Himani achieves paradise after this mortal life.

It says that once when the Kashmir valley was submerged under a major lake, Sage Kashyap depleted all the water through a few waterways and streams. Once the valley was restored, Sage Bhrigu, on his visit to Himalayas, found this blessed hollow.

There is well known Rigvedic Verse that says “Ekam Sat” that is “There is one Being, the sages call Him by numerous names." The God (Parmeshwar) has three gods who carry on the world .This is Known as Holy Trinity. Brahma-the maker, Vishnu - the perpetuator of life and Shiva (Mahesh ) - the purifier and perpetuator of good and destroyer of malice. Rig Veda allude Shiva as Rudra as in its taking after verse . "We Worship Tryambaka (Rudra) , Who spread Fragrance and Increases Nourishment , May He discharge me ,similar to the cucumber from its stem , From Mortal Life , But not From Immorality ."(Rig Veda Mandal VII Sukta 59 and Mantra 12)

The Yajurveda depicts Shiva as plain warrior Whose robe is of Deer Skin and He conveys Trishul.

As indicated by the verse Satyam, Shivam ,Sundaram ,the life is depicted as having three features Truth (Satyam), Good (Shivam) and the Beautiful (Sundaram). Shiva is a living God. The most Sacred and antiquated books of India, the Rig Veda portrays His vicinity in the songs. Vedic myths, customs and even stargazing vouches for His presence from the beginning of time .The Mohindaro and Harapa discoveries affirm Shiva adore in the old India. As indicated by the more seasoned sacred texts, He has three spots of His living arrangement. One is Kailash Parvat another is Lohit Giri under which Brahamputra streams and third is Muzwan Parvat .

This is the Cave which was picked by Bhole Shankar for portraying the insider facts of interminability and production of Universe to Maa Parvati ji . The story goes like this . Hundreds of years prior Maa Parvati asked Shiv ji to let her know for what valid reason and when He began wearing the globules of heads ( Mund Mala) . Bhole Shankar answered at whatever point you are conceived I include one more head in my dabs. Maa Parvati said ," My Lord, my body is demolished each time and I bite the dust over and over, however you are Immortal. It would be ideal if you let me know the mystery of this ." Bhole Shankar answered that it is because of Amar Katha ."

Maa Parvati demanded that she might be informed that mystery. For long Shiva ji kept delaying. At last on steady request from Maa Parvati He decided to tell the unfading mystery. He began for desolate spot where no living being could listen it. He pick Amarnath Cave. In arrangement to that He cleared out His Nandi ( The Bull which He used to ride ) at Pahalgam (Bail gaon) . At Chandanwari He discharged Moon from his hairs (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag He discharged the snakes. He chose to leave his Son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill ).At Panjtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind (Earth , Water, Air , Fire and Sky) which make living being. He is the Lord of these components. It is trusted that as an image of yielding the natural world , Shivaji and Maa Parvati had Tandav Dance . In the wake of abandoning all these, Bhole Shankar enters the Holy Amarnath Cave alongside Parvati Maa.Booking Information/Reservation

Master Shiva takes his Samadhi on the Deer Skin and think . To guarantee that no living being can hear the Immortal Tale , He made Rudra named Kalagni and requested him to spread flame to take out each living thing in and around the Holy Cave . After this He began portraying the mystery of eternality to Maa Parvati . Be that as it may, as an issue of chance one egg which was lying underneath the Deer skin stayed secured . It is accepted to be non living and more over it was secured by Shiva - Parvati Asan (Bed) . The pair of pigeons which were conceived out of this egg got to be undying having listened the mystery of everlasting life (Amar Katha). Numerous travelers report seeing the pair of pigeons when they trek the difficult course to pay their respect before the Ice-Lingam (the phallic image of Shiva).

The antiquated stories portray an other story which goes like this. The valley of Kashmir was submerged. It was a major lake. Kashyap Rishi depleted the water through number of streams and rivulets . In those days Bhrigu Rishi came that path on a visit to The Himalyas. He was the first to have Darshans of this Holy Cave . At the point when individuals knew about the Lingam, Amarnath for them turned into Shiva's house a Center of journey . From that point forward Lacs of aficionados perform the journey through intense territory and profit everlasting joy. The trek to Amarnath, in the month of sharavan ( July-August) has the faithful rush to this inconceivable place of worship, where the picture of Shiva, as a Lingam, is framed normally of an Ice Stalagmite, which waxes and fades with the Moon's cycle . Close by are entrancing, two more Ice Lingams, that of Maa Parvati and of their child, Ganesha .

Since time immemorial, Amarnath Caves have turned into a position of worship, which is apparent from references to this collapse Aryaraja performing puja for a lingam likewise produced using ice in Kashmir. The name of the book is Rajatarangini, where there is reference to Amarnath or Amareshwara. Another conviction holds that Suryamathi ruler used to blessing banalingas, trishuls and different symbols of consecrated significance to this sanctuary around eleventh century. A reference known as Rajavalipataka composed by Prjayabhatta additionally contains references about going by Amarnath hole. A lot of different assets likewise have references to this hollow journey.

Swami Vivekanand In Amarnath Cave (1897 A.D.)

Swami Vivekanand, an expressive and famous mystic of India, visited the Holy surrender and was confused by the cold lingam in the Holy give in where Lord Shiva had abided upon enduring subjects of creation, life and everlasting life that have ever been interesting mankind from the times of its creation. According to his surely understood account Swami Vivekanand is accounted for to have guessed about how the HolyCavecould have been found.

The writer composes: 'I can well envision how this hole was initially found. A gathering of shepherds, one summer day, more likely than not lost their herds and meandered here looking for them. What probably been their inclination as they got themselves startlingly before this unmelting ice-lingam of white camphor, with the divider itself dribbling offerings of water over it for quite a long time concealed of mortal eyes ? When they got back home they whispered to different shepherds in the Valleys how they had all of a sudden happen upon Mahadeva.'

On having entered the cavern Swami Vivekananda was overpowered with an enchanted affair. He had a darshan of Shiva. He called the spot religious, rousing and amazingly delightful. He wove fastidiously delightful verse about the cold lingam and its effect on his aggregate mind.


Amarnath Yatra


Amarnath pioneers in transit the blessed place of worship.Enthusiasts go by walking, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam. The last adventure takes roughly 5 days.The State Road Transport Corporation and Private Transport Operators give the customary administrations from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Likewise secretly employed taxis are accessible from Jammu and kashmir.

The shorter northern course is just around 16 km long, yet has an extremely soak angle and is very hard to climb. It begins from Baltal and goes through Domial, Barari, and Sangam to achieve the hollow. The northern course is along the Amarnath valley and up and down the highway one can see the stream Amaravathy (It is more like a tributary of Chenab) which begins from Amarnath Glacier.

Courses To The Holy Cave Of Amarnath

The customary course to the Holy give in of Amarnath has been by means of Lidder Valley notwithstanding the way that the hole is arranged in the topographical environs of the Sind Valley. The unmistakable heavenly spots enroute the conventional way have been intricately specified in the Amarnath Mahatamya. The heavenly spots other than Anantnag as expounded in the Mahatamya are :

Balihar (Baliyar), Vaghashram (Vagahom), Hastikaran (Hasikhan), Chakresh (Chakdhar), Devak (Divakiyar), Harish Chander (Chandanyar), Surya-guha-vat (Sirigofwar), (Sakhras), Badoras (Badur), Hyashashishram (Kamalnag), Uttarnag (Wotarnag), Sarlak (Salar), Khilyayan (Balkhyalan), Narayan-Maha-Khetra (Kolar), Mamlak (Mamleeshwar), Bragupati (Pahalgam), Sthanu-ashram (Chandanwor), Giripesh (Pishbal), Sushrumnag (Shishirnag), Vayuvarjan (Vavjan), Pancha-tarni (Panchtarni), Garbagar (Garabyatra), and Amravati (Ombravati).19

In the wake of having custom showers and performing other custom practices at these sacred detects the pioneer's advancement euphorically peaks at the Holy Cave where the frigid lingam, the transmuted type of Lord Shiva, is standing either in suyambhu structure or in full-length shape just to favor the explorers and stipend them deliverance from infection of the world brought about by meshy layers of duality.

The Baltal Route

The Baltal course to the Holy give in of Amarnath is the Sind valley course which has not been prevalent with the travelers, either locals or from different parts of India. The course lies in ungracious territory, laborious and troublesome, hazardous and threatening. On account of the Border Roads Organization a debatable way has been cut out and developed and in perspective of the office a huge number of explorers is seen strolling on the way for "darshan" of the Holy cold lingam. The way stays open for all months of the late spring. Separation savvy, the Baltal course is shorter than the conventional Pahalgam course.

Course From Zojilla Pass

The Zojilla course to the Holy Cave of Amarnath has been a known course and similarly the briefest course to the consecrated hallowed place of Shiva. It is only a track that can be trekked by walking and plunges close to the hollow from the Amarnath crest.

Kishtwar - Seru Route

Kishtwar - Seru course has just as been a known course to the Hindus of Kishtwar and different belts of the precipitous area. Kashmiri Pandits, who obstinately denied transformation to Islam amid the overbearing days of Sultan Sikander (1387-1407AD) fled to Kishtwar for haven and wellbeing, trek the same course to pay respect to Shiva in the Holy Cave. For them, it is a famous course, however it was at that point prevalent with the indigenous populace of the area.

Sacki-Pantsal Route

The land investigations of the locale uncover that Sacki-Pantsal course is likewise a course prompting the HolyCave. Yet, it has not been much in vogue on account of its troublesome territory and climate fiascos.

Pigeons In The Holycave

A couple of pigeons, present and flying in the hollow, soak its chill-frosty and unusual environs in secret and persona. The pioneers think of it as to a great degree promising and feel honored, excited and transported to otherworldly domains when they get a negligible look at them. The pair of pigeons in the Holy Cavehas been respectfully portrayed in the Amarnath Mahatamya as the two emissaries of Lord Shiva scattering His uncovered verities and truths to the universe of people for their profound upliftment and liberation.

According to the legend Lord Shiva uncovered to His ever-excited consort, Parvati, the riddles of creation, life and everlasting life in the Holy Cave of Amarnath. The pair of pigeons, unobtrusively roosted in some specialty of the hollow, caught the mysteries in full points of interest as were uncovered to Parvati by Lord Shiva. Having learnt of their vicinity in the cavern, Lord Shiva allowed them the shelter of everlasting life and subsequently their endless house the Lord's hole.

Remote explorers having discovered their way into the purlieux of Kashmir have not missed to make a notice of the pair of pigeons in the cavern sanctuary.

Tied down in theory, waxing persuasive on the subject of pigeons, vigne, an outside explorer, composes, 'The bird (pigeon) has dependably been a symbol of peace, the wonderful and preter-regular have dependably been concomitants of ferocity; isolation joined by an additional common level of remoteness has frequently been a reason for blessing. Also, the wild and melancholy the region, the better has it been thought qualified to wind up the curious home of God.'

Dress Code for Amarnath Yatra

The Holy give in is situated at a rise of 12,000 feet. The climate conditions are unpredictable as it might rain or snow at whatever time amid the trip. The temperature might fall as low as - 5 degree Celsius. Thus, it is suggested that one ought to be wearing overwhelming woolen garments. Extra coats, monkey tops, suppressors, ear-covering gear, warm wear, woolen socks, waterproof shell, umbrellas, covers, lights with extra batteries, flagons, and convenient little tents or beds are profoundly suggested for the trip. Saree is an exceptionally uncomfortable wear for the ladies explorers. It is additionally encouraged to wear legitimate games shoes for the trek.


Fairs And Festivals


Pahalgam is the place where the annual Amarnath yatra to the cave shrine of Amarnath begins. This is where, Hindus believe, Lord Shiva explained the secret of salvation to his consort Parvati on a full moon light. Every year in the month of July/August when the moon is full thousands of devout pilgrims gather before Amarnath Cave in the Liddar valley to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.Important Festivals are the Shravani Mela and the Teej Festival.


Poojas and Rituals

Pratham Pooja

The Pratham Pooja means the “First Pooja”. This is performed at the holy cave on the day that the Yatra is officially declared open. Several Vedic mantras, as well as Shlokas, are chanted in praise of Lord Shiva, following which the Prasad is distributed among the devotees. The Pooja involves a Bhoomi Pooja, a Navagraha Pooja, a Chhari Pooja and lastly the Dhwajarohan indicating the beginning of the yatra. The Pooja is held on the day of Vyas-Purnima (July).

Chhari Mubarak

The auspicious event marks the end of the Amarnath Yatra. The Chhari refers to the holy mace of Lord Shiva that he gifted to the Sage Bringesh. The Chhari Mubarak is taken to the shrine on the day of Shravan Purnima, also celebrated as the Raksha Bandhan. After the Pratham Pooja, Chhari is then returned to the Dashnami Akhara where it is kept for darshan. Special Poojas are performed for Naga Panchami. Then the mace is carried to the holy Amarnath Shrine by the traditional route.


Prasad and offering

Offering to the Lord

Puja materials to be used for Puja are: Flower garlands, Coconut, Mouli or Kalawa, Diya, Ghee, Dhoop sticks,Ganga water, Akshat (Rice), Mauli (Red Cotton Thread) and Abeer.

Amarnath cave temple - Muslim Distributing Prasad in a Hindu Temple

With one additionally standing case of quiet concurrence, It is in Amarnath sanctuary, in the condition of Kashmir. Here Muslims are getting a charge out of specific rights and only they are endowed with the heavenly benefit of conveying Lord's prasad to the devotees. Furthermore, how honorable is the custom!! It is excellent and immortal.

Also, this Prasad is circulated by Mohammadans of Batkut town, whose offer in making the trip charming amid ends at a few places and administration at each stride are past depiction. Conveyance of prasad by Muslims in a Hindu sanctum is extremely odd, and can be esteemed an uncommonness of rarities. Yet, it is continuing for a considerable length of time. This practice is established in an interesting myth.

Immaculate understanding and shared respect, if exist between these two restricting gatherings, paradise itself dispatches affection, and amicability to the degree of consumption of the entire stock, and they themselves slip to live in the midst of them. Sooner this is acknowledged more prominent is the peace on the planet.


Facilities available


Food for purchase, bathroom facilities, camera and videography allowed, wearing shoes/footwear allowed, and lockers and storage provided.

Where to stay

During the arduous journey, tent accommodation is arranged by the Jammu and Kashmir Government as well as several Non-Profit Organizations. These services are provided at the base camps along the trek like Sheshnag, Panchtarni etc.

Where to eat

Government aided and NGO aided tents are set up at strategic points throughout the trek route. They offer simple vegetarian food to the devotees. It is strictly advised to carry snacks like chocolates, toffees, biscuits, dry fruits, and medicines for altitude sickness.


Best time to visit


The main time when the explorers can visit this blessed altar is amid the month of Sharavan (July and August). The dates might, in any case, fluctuate contingent upon the climate conditions and as indicated by Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sharavan (Vikrama Samwat).

Visit Duration

2 to 6 days.

Significance


This is The Cave which was picked by Bhole Shankar for portraying the privileged insights of everlasting life and formation of Universe to Maa Parvati ji . The story goes like this . Hundreds of years prior Maa Parvati asked Shiv ji to let her know for what good reason and when He began wearing the globules of heads ( Mund Mala) . Bhole Shankar answered at whatever point you are conceived I include one more head in my dots . Maa Parvati said ," My Lord, my body is decimated each time and I bite the dust over and over, however you are Immortal. If it's not too much trouble let me know the mystery of this ." Bhole Shankar answered that it is because of Amar Katha.

Maa Parvati demanded that she might be informed that mystery. For long Shiva ji kept delaying . At last on predictable interest from Maa Parvati He decided to tell the interminable mystery . He began for desolate spot where no living being could listen it . He pick Amarnath Cave . In arrangement to that He exited His Nandi ( The Bull which He used to ride ) at Pahalgam (Bail gaon) . At Chandanwari He discharged Moon from his hairs (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag He discharged the snakes. He chose to leave his Son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill ). At Panjtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind (Earth , Water, Air , Fire and Sky) which make living being . He is the Lord of these components. It is trusted that as an image of giving up the natural world , Shivaji and Maa Parvati had Tandav Dance.

In the wake of deserting all these, Bhole Shankar enters the Holy Amarnath Cave alongside Parvati Maa. Master Shiva takes his Samadhi on the Deer Skin and focus . To guarantee that no living being can hear the Immortal Tale , He made Rudra named Kalagni and requested him to spread flame to take out each living thing in and around the Holy Cave. After this He began portraying the mystery of everlasting life to Maa Parvati . Be that as it may, as an issue of chance one egg which was lying underneath the Deer skin stayed secured . It is accepted to be non living and more over it was secured by Shiva - Parvati Asan (Bed). The pair of pigeons which were conceived out of this egg got to be undying having listened the mystery of everlasting life (Amar Katha).Numerous explorers report seeing the pair of pigeons when they trek the difficult course to pay their respect before the Ice-Lingam (the phallic image of Shiva).


Nearby Temples

Mamleshwar Temple

The ancient and mythologically important temple lies just 1 km from the main Pahalgam center. The Temple date back to the 5th Century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legend, this is the place where Goddess Parvati instructs Ganesha to stand guard at the Temple entrance and not allow anyone inside.

Sri Shankaracharya Temple

The famous and ancient temple dedicated to Sri Shankaracharya is located on a hilltop in Srinagar, 88 km from Amarnath base Pahalgam. The Temple is also known as Jyesteshwara Temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. The original shrine is believed to date back to 200 BC. The present structure has been constructed somewhere during the 9th century. The Temple is also a sacred site for the Persians, Buddhists and the Jews.

Martand Sun Temple

The enchanting and ghostly ruins of the once great and beautiful temple dedicated to the Sun God Surya is not to be missed. The Temple is located just 40 km from Pahalgam. The foundation of the temple dates back to the 4th century but the temple is believed ti have been built in the 8th century by the Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty. The antechamber of the temple contains ruined sculptures and images of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Ganga, Yamuna, and Surya.


Accessibility


Located in the lap of the Himalayas, Amaranth is a bit arduous to reach. The nature of the terrain makes it impossible to construct roads and rails in the snow-toped areas around the cave. However, the roads takes you to the nearest possible point from where either you can walk or take pony-rides to the main temple. Pilgrims can reach Amarnath in the following ways.

Airport

Nearest airport is the Sheikh UL Alam International Airport at Budgam district.This Airport is connected with major cities of India. Helicopter Services are also available from Baltal and Srinagar.

Railways

The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with country.

Road

Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on the NH1A Highway. It takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country.Roads take you to the base camps of Amarnath situated at two places viz., Baltal Town and Pahalgam. The holy cave is located 14 km from Baltal town and 45 km from Pahalgam. Further travel through the rugged Himalayan terrain is either done on-foot or through pony-rides.



Temple Address


Baltal Amarnath Trek,
Forest Block, Anantnag, Pahalgam,
Jammu and Kashmir PIN -192230.

Significance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

  • For peace and tranquility
Shlokas

Sarvaroope Sarvese Sarvasakthi Samanvithe, Bhayebhyastrahi No Devi Durge Devi Namosthuthe

Meaning -I offer my salutations to you mother Durga, who is present in all beings and has all power, save us from all our wrongdoings O mother of the universe.

Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Shakthi Roopena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

Meaning -Salutations to the Goddess who resides as Shakti in all beings.

Moola Mantra Om Dhum Durgayai Namaha

Meaning -

Sarva Mangala Maangalye Sive Sarvaardha Saadhike, Saranye Tryambake Gauri Naarayani Namosthuthe

Meaning -We offer you our salutations, Oh auspicious Naraayani, who is the good of all good, who can achieve everything and can offer refuge, Oh three-eyed Gowri.

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