Shri Amarnath Cave Temple

Amarnath Yatra is one among the four major pilgrimages of India, and flock of devotees trek through the south Kashmir Himalayas to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji every year. The temple is opened for devotees only during summers, in the month of July to August. People rush to see the Ice image of Lord Shiva that is formed in the shape of a Lingam - stalagmite. The image incredibly waxes and wanes with the sight of Moon. People of Hindu faith in India consider this religious journey as one of the major tasks of their life that can fairly show them the path to heaven. This year the Yatra was started on 28th of June and it will end on 26th of August that is for 2 months. 1500 pilgrims are allowed per day and they should fall in the age of 14 to 74 years. Read about the Nitty gritty of the Amarnath temple before planning your visit.

One of the most sacrosanct places in India as considered by the followers of Hindu religion, Amarnath temple is dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva. It is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir at a height of about 12,760 feet. Devotees visit the Amarnath cave every year for getting a pious glimpse of Lingam of Lord Shiva which is believed to be formed naturally from ice. The temple is only accessible for a short duration during the year in the month of July to August, when the ice Lingam is formed. The scene during the time is absolutely unbelievable and that makes people to believe in the sanctity of the place. From the top of the cave, water slowly trickles down which freezes to form ice, which after forming a solid base starts taking the shape of Shiva lingam and it acquires the complete shape on Purnima. It’s been mentioned in Hindu scriptures that Lord Shiva explained to his beloved wife, Parvati the secret of life. There is much more to know about the temple and its sacred story.

History
The book Rajatarangini (Book VII v.183) refers to krishaanth or Amarnath. It is believed that, in the 11th century AD, Queen Suryamati gifted trishuls, banalingas and other sacred emblems to this temple. Rajavalipataka, begun by Prjayabhatta, contains detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave. In addition, there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.

How to Reach Amarnath Cave?
You can hire a private vehicle from Jammu to Pahalgam & Baltal, state transport buses are also available. There are two trekking routes to reach Amarnath Cave, the shorter one via Baltal & the traditional one which passes through Srinagar. You can also avoid the long difficult trek and opt for taking Amarnath Yatra by helicopter.
By Air : Nearest Airport is Srinagar airport which is 72 km from Amarnath Cave Temple
By Train : Nearest Railway station is Jammu Tawi which is 176 km from Amarnath Cave Temple
By Road : The State Transport and the Private Operators provide bus services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltlal. These are the two places from where you start the Amarnath Yatra.