Amarnath Temple is a popular Hindu shrine located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Amarnath is not just like the other Hindu temples that we have discussed on our site. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Amarnath Shrine is visited by lakhs of tourists/devotees every year from all across the world to experience the divine and adventurous trek called ‘Amarnath Yatra’.
According to the Legend , this place is believed to be the same cave where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati.
It is believed that, Shiva narrated the story of the creation of the universe and the secret of immortality to his companion Parvati, here in this cave. Scriptures say that, once upon a time, Maa Parvati curiously asked Lord Shiva, the reason that made him to wear Mund Mala or beads of head, upon which he replied that, beloved every time you are born,
I wear a new head and add it to my Mund mala. This perplexed Parvati and she asked Lord Shiva, why it is that he is all immortal and she die every time, and her body gets destroyed? Lord Shiva then replied to Parvati, this happens because of the Amar Katha. Upon continuous demand from Maa parvati, he chose a secluded place (so that no one else would be able to listen to the story), to narrate to her the secret of the story of the creation of the world and the most suitable place he found was Amarnath cave.
(History Courtesy Shri Amarnath Shrine Board)
Quick Facts
- District: Anantnag
Branch: Jammu and Kashmir - Altitude: 3,888 m above sea level
Deity: Shiva - Festivals: Maha Shivratri
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Best time to visit the Temple: Temple is opened for a specific period(Sharavan months according to Hindu calendar) which is notified by Govt. of India every year
- Registrations are now open : http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/
Please Note: This yatra is really difficult so it is advised for people with physical disability or kids and even the elderly people should avoid going.
Also Read: ABOUT MAA CHINTPURNI TEMPLE
Astonishing Facts About Amarnath Temple
- The importance of the holy cave is such that, anyone who visits the shrine attains moksha or enlightenment.
- According to religious beliefs, the Lingam made of snow grows with the rising phase of the moon and diminishes in size during the diminishing phase of the moon during the Summer or the Shravan month
- You can find three naturally formed Lingas of ice in the Amarnath cave, each representing Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi and Lord Ganesha. The cave is more than 5000 years old and even since found, the Lingas wanes with Lunar Cycle which is a miracle in itself
- The Shiva-lingam, which is the prime object of spiritual offerings at Amarnath is formed by trickling water falling from a narrow cleft on the cave’s roof.
- There was no one in the cave when the secret was being told except for a pair of pigeons. It is said that the pigeons are immortal and you can still see them in the cave every year.
How To Reach?
By Air
Srinagar is the nearest airport which is about 116 KM. Helicopter services are also operated from Srinagar by private operators for ease of devotees.
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are Udhampur which is located at about 219 KM from the holy shrine.
By Road
There are two routes available for undertaking the Amarnath Yatra – via Baltal or Pahalgam. The Baltal route, though shorter, has a steeper trekking route. The Pahalgam route is longer but is generally preferred by most of the devotees. It usually takes 3-5 days to reach Amarnath from the base point.
Also Read: ABOUT LEPAKSHI TEMPLE
Where To Stay?
There are four camps set up every year at Baltal , Nunwan ,Sheshnag and Panjtarni by the Temple Trust for the devotees visiting the holy shrine.
Average Cost: 300-500 INR
Also Read: ABOUT BIR – BILLING
Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us.
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