
The cave of the Supreme
Legend
Mythological legends describe the cave as the holy place where Lord Shiva disclosed to Parvati devi the secrets of the immortality of life. The great sage Bhrigu is the first to have had darshan of the Lingam in the holy cave, the story of which then spread to different parts of the country and turned the place into a sacred pilgrimage spot. Another story narrates how a shepherd Buta Malik discovered the holy cave. Story goes that on top of the mountains a saint gave him a bag of coal. On discovering that the bag was full of gold, the boy went back to thank the saint. The saint had disappeared but the Shiv Lingam was existent inside the cave. The boy's story spread around the villages and the cave became a sacred place for devotees. Over the years, the sacred pilgrimage consisting of demanding trek through the scenic vista of the Himalayas is undertaken by lakhs of devotees in search of the divine.
Deity - Temples
Diety :- Lord Shiva
Temple Covered :-
Amarnath Temple
Area Covered
Jammu & Kashmir
Language spoken : Urdu, Kashmiri
Auspicious Days
The full moon day of the Shravan month is when the icy lingam of the Lord reaches its zenith. The day is considered especially auspicious.
Best time to Travel
The cave temple is covered with snow for the most part of the year and is open only during a short period in summer, during the month of Shravan(July/Aug)
Darshan Info Clock Duration
The journey by foot/ponies will take around 6 to 7 days from Srinagar.
The yatras by helicopters can be done in 3-4 days.
Yatra Preparations
The journey involves trekking across high mountains sometimes in unfavourable weather conditions. Prepare for the Amarnath yatra by achieving a high level of physical fitness need for the journey.
A thorough medical check up should be done before the trip.
It is necessary to take medical insurance before the start of the journey
Climate
The temperature during the days are usually in the high twenties, though in the high altitudes the sun can be scorchingly hot. But climate in these regions is highly unpredictable. It changes abruptly from sunny weather to rain and snow. The temperature can suddenly fall to 5 degrees Celcius or lower.
Must Haves
Woollen clothing, umbrella, coat, comfortable shoes, torch etc will be needed for the journey.
Water
bottles, dry fruits & chocolates to help with altitude sickness,
essential medications, sunscreen, cold cream etc should also be carried
by the devotees.
Devotees are advised to keep the yatra permit and identity card at all times with them.
Health Awareness
Though the Shrine Board provides basic medical facilities along the way and near the cave, it is advised that those with any medical conditions like cardiac diseases, asthama, high blood pressure etc avoid the yatra. Women who are more than 6 weeks pregnant shall not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage. Similarly, children below 13 years and people above 75 years are not permitted for the pilgrimage.
Travel Method
The base camp of the yatra can be reached by a combination of air/rail and road while after that there is a trek to reach the holy cave. Ponies/Palkies are available for those who cannot walk. Of late, chopper services are also available.
Crowd Expected
Since the shrine is open for only for a short period, heavy crowds can be witnessed. There is an increase of pilgrims during the full moon day. The yatra has recorded an average of 400,000 pilgrims in the last few years.
Festivals
The full moon day of the Shravan month is when the icy lingam of the Lord reaches its zenith. The day is considered especially auspicious.
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