Amarnath Yatra

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.