Where is Amarnath?
Amarnath is located at a distance of 145 km east Srinagar in the state of
Jammu and Kashmir. It stands in a glacial valley at an elevation of 4,175 m.
How will you gain Access?
There are daily flights operated by the Indian Airlines connecting Srinagar
to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Leh. There are various
express trains from Delhi to Jammu. The Shalimar Express leaves Delhi at
14-10 hours and arrives in Jammu at 07-00 hours. There are direct trains
from Jmammu to cities of Mumbai and Kolkata. Bus services are also
available.
What does it signify?
Amarnath is a highly revered destination for the Hindus. There is an ice
Linga here that changes size depending on the seasons. On the Full Moon Day,
the Linga measures 6 feet in height. Every year during the months of July/
August, thousands of Hindus from all across the globe pay a visit to the
Amarnath Caves.
Bhole Shankar chose the very cave to narrate the secrets of immortality and
creation of the Universe to Maa Parvati. At first Shiva was reluctant to
tell the secrets, but finally he agreed to tell as Maa Parvati insisted.
Shiva began looking for a place where no one could overhear the immortal
secrets that he was going to disclose to Parvati. And he chose the Amarnath
Cave. In his preparation, he left his bull Nandi at Pahalgam, Moon from his
hair at Chandawari and the snakes on the banks
of
Lake Sheshnag. He left his son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh
Hill). At Panjtarni, he left the five elements namely Earth, Water, Fire and
Sky that constitute living being. After leaving behind all these worldly
possessions he along with Parvati entered the Holy Amarnath Cave. He made
sure that no one was around. He created Kalagni to spread fire all round so
that no one was able to hear the immortal truth. Now he started narrating
the secret. However there remained protected an egg that lay beneath a deer
skin. It is believed that the pair of pigeons that were born out of the egg
became immortal having known the secret of being immortal. Even today
numerous pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons as they trek along the
toilsome route to pay their tributes to the Ice Lingam.
When is the Yatra organised?
The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year during the months of July and
August. Jammu and Kashmir Government announces the dates taking into account
the weather conditions of the place.
The climatic conditions are very unpredictable. Rainfall and snow may occur
at anytime and at any place during the trip. There can also be abrupt
changes in the temperature. In a short time, a sunny weather can turn into
rain and snowfall. Temperature may drop down to a minimum of 5 degrees in
the negative.
