Amarnath Temple Jammu and Kashmir
The mystical Amarnath Temple is like no other temple, because here, both the abode and the Shivalingam (symbol of Shiva) are created by nature, and not man. The shrine itself is a 40 m high natural cave made of limestone and gypsum, which is covered with snow for most part of the year. Inside the cave there is a mesmerizing swayambhu (formed on its own) Shivalinga, made of ice. It is said to be formed from the freezing of water droplets that drip from the roof of the cave to the floor. The numerous glaciers in Lidder Valley, where the temple is located, are said to create hidden water pathways to the cave, which is the source of the water. The Shivalinga waxes and wanes with the lunar cycle, reaching its maximum size on a full moon during Shravan (around August). The ice lingam is believed to symbolize Lord Shiva, his immortality, and his power to conquer time.
What is the significance of Amarnath Yatra?
Religious legends say that the ancient Sage Bhrigu discovered the Amarnath Cave, and surviving textual references to the site can be found in works composed in as early as the fifth century. According to scholars, the cave has been a place of worship and a pilgrimage site for centuries, despite the dangerous and difficult journey needed to reach there. There are also some ascetics (sanyasis) and yogis who live in the treacherous area permanently. In modern times, the temple is open for a short period each year between June to August, which is announced by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. The Yatra, which begins from Pahalgam and Baltal, can be physically demanding, as devotees trek through challenging terrain, often battling extreme weather. Pilgrims can make this journey only after registering with the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and following their safety guidelines. Pilgrims and vehicles are given unique, trackable RFID tags to wear for security and identification.
There have been many incidents of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and accidents during the Yatra leading to deaths of pilgrims, but still, thousands of undeterred devotees travel to this temple each year for the blessings of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. It is said that with a visit to Amarnath Temple one is absolved of all sins and attains moksha (freedom from the cycles of suffering and rebirth). Amarnath Temple continues to be a unique destination of devotion and discovery, where we can seek blessings and guidance from Lord Shiva.
About Amarnath Yatra
The Amarnath Yatra is an annual pilgrimage that attracts lakhs of devotees who visit the holy Amarnath Cave during the Shravan month (July-August) of the Hindu calendar. Located at an altitude of 3,888 meters, about 141 kilometers from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, the Amarnath Cave is accessible only during this period. This cave is home to a naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam, which is believed to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon, reaching its peak size during the summer festival.
The journey to the cave is both challenging and exhilarating, requiring not just physical endurance but also deep faith. The annual yatra begins with the ‘Pratham Pujan,’ invoking the blessings of Baba Amarnath, Lord Shiva.
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