Amarnath - One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most sacred and most ancient book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns, Vedic Myths, rituals and even testify to his existance from the dawn of time. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknown to them, a pair of doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learnt the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. The annual yatra to Holy Amarnath Cave, situated at 14000 ft. above sea level, is organised by the Jammu & Kashmir State Government during the month of July and August. The intending pilgrims are allowed to perform darshan from Ashard Purnimashi to Shravan Purnimashi which course spreads over a month or so.
Amarnath - Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice - stalagmite One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time
PANCHTARNI:
Panchtarni is a very beautiful place in the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT. Five Rivers flow here . It is said that the five rivers origanated from Lord Shiva's Hairs [Jataon].
Pilgrims camp at Panchtarni before starting on their journey to Amarnath Caves.
The Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath is only 6 kms from Panchtarni. As there is no place to stay hence the pilgrims start in the early hours of the morning after their stay at Panchtarni
On the way to The Holy Cave one comes across the Sangam of Amravati and Panchtarni. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near holy cave to become pious before going for Darshan. Near the cave is found white soil known as Bhasam. It is the most beloved soil of Shiv ji . The pilgrims apply this Holy soil to their body and then go for Shivlingam Darshan.
- Location: 145-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, Jammu & Kashmir
- Altitude: 4,175m (13,700ft).
The Yatra [pilgrimage] on foot to Amarnath Cave, considered one of the holiest naturally occurring shrines of the Hindu faith, has continued annually for little more than a hundred years. Extending up 130 feet, the Amarnath Cave is high and shallow.
A Linga Of Ice
Amarnath Yatra - Road Map
From Pahalgam to Amarnath:30 miles one-way [48 km] with about 40,000 pilgrims and coolies!
The Legend
There is famous Rigvedic Verse that says "Ekam Sat " that is "There is one Being ,the sages call Him by many names." The God [Parmeshwar] has three deities who carry on the world .This is Known as Holy Trinity. Brahma- the creator, Vishnu - the perpetuator of life and Shiva [Mahesh] -the purifier and perpetuator of good and destroyer of evil. Rig Veda refer Shiva as Rudra as in its following verse . "We Worship Tryambaka [Rudra] , Who spread FrAgrance and Increases Nourishment , May He release me ,like the cucumber from its stem , From Mortal Life , But not From Immorality . "[Rig Veda Mandal VII Sukta 59 and Mantra 12]
The Yajurveda describes Shiva as ascetic warrior Whose robe is of Deer Skin and He carries Trishul .
According to the verse Satyam, Shivam ,Sundaram ,the life is described as having three facets Truth [Satyam], Good [Shivam] and the Beautiful [Sundaram].
Shiva is a living God. The most Sacred and ancient books of India , the Rig Veda narrates His presence in the hymns. Vedic myths, rituals and even astronomy testifies to His existence from the dawn of time .The Mohindaro and Harapa findings confirm Shiva worship in the ancient India. According to the older scriptures, He has three places of His residence. One is Kailash Parvat another is Lohit Giri under which Brahamputra flows and third is Muzwan Parvat
The Amarnath Cave has special significance.
The Legend about the importance of Amarnath Cave is as follows:
This is The Cave which was chosen by Bhole Shankar for narrating the secrets of immortality and creation of Universe to Maa Parvati ji .
The story goes like this . Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked Shiv ji to let her know why and when He started wearing the beads of heads [ Mund Mala] . Bhole Shankar replied when ever you are born I add one more head in my beads Maa Parvati said ," My Lord, my body is destroyedevery time and I die again and again, but you are Immortal. Please let me know the secret of this ." Bhole Shankar replied that it is due to Amar Katha ."
Maa Parvati insisted that she may be told that secret. For long Shiva ji continued postponing . Finally on consistent demand from Maa Parvati He made up his mind to tell the immortal secret . He started for lonely place where no living being could listen it . He choose Amarnath Cave . In preparation to that He left His Nandi [ The Bull which He used to ride ] at Pahalgam [Bail gaon] . At Chandanwari He released Moon from his hairs [Jatao] At the banks of Lake Sheshnag He released the snakes . He decided to Leave his Son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat [Mahaganesh Hill ] . At Panjtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind [Earth , Water, Air , Fire and Sky] which make living being . He is the Lord of these elements. It is believed that as a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world , Shivaji and Maa Parvati had Tandav Dance . After leaving behind all these, Bhole Shankar enters the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati Maa . Lord Shiva takes his Samadhi on the Deer Skin and concentrate . To ensure that no living being is able to hear the Immortal Tale , He created Rudra named Kalagni and ordered him to spread fire to eliminate every living thing in and around the Holy Cave . After this He started narrating the secret of immortality to Maa Parvati . But as a matter of chance one egg which was lying beneath the Deer skin remained protected . It is believed to be non living and more over it was protected by Shiva -Parvati Asan [Bed] . The pair of pigeons which were born out of this egg became immortal having listened the secret of immortality [Amar Katha].
Many pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons when they trek the arduous route to pay their obeisance before the Ice-Lingam [the phallic symbol of Shiva].
Discovery of Holy Cave
The story narrated by people about the discovery of this Holy Cave is of a Gujjar [ shepherd] Buta Malik . He is given the credit of discovering this Holy Cave . Story goes like this , that a saint gave Buta Malik a bag full of Coal. On reaching his home when he opened the bag , to his utter surprise the bag was full of gold coins . This made him overwelmed with joy. He ran to thank the Saint . But, what he found was that the Saint had disappeared . Instead , he found The Holy Cave and Shiv Lingam there in . He announced the discovery of this to the Villagers. Then onwards this has become the sacred place of Pilgrimage .
The ancient epics narrate an other story which goes like this. The valley of Kashmir was under water .It was a big lake. Kashyap Rishi drained the water through number of rivers and rivulets . In those DaysBhrigu Rishi came that way on a visit to The Himalyas. He was the first to have Darshans of this Holy Cave . When people heard of the Lingam, Amarnath for them became Shiva's abode and a Centre of pilgrimage . Since then Lacs of devotees perform the pilgrimage through tough terrain and avail eternal happiness.
The trek to Amarnath, in the month of sharavan [ July-August] has the devout flock to this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the form of a Lingam, is formed naturally of an Ice Stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the Moon's cycle . By its side are fascinating, two more Ice Lingams, that of Maa Parvati and of their son, Ganesha .
When To Take up Yatra
The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the J &K Govt. during the month of sharavan [ July and August]; the dates however , vary every year looking at the weather conditions and according to Purnima [Raksha Bandhan] in the month of Sharavan [Vikrama Samwat]. Yatra toBaba Amarnath Holy Cave for which one has to trek a height of about 14,500 ft is full of thrill and joy .The feeling of divine which is always beneath ones' heart , burst out and one realises 'Moksha' as one attends the Cave and perform the prayer before the Shivlinga . Surrounded by beautiful valleys, mountains , one will always feel His presence on the paradise of the earth, the memory of which hardly vanishes with time A journey which will rediscover the nature and its love which is always inside but one has never felt.
The climatic conditions are very uncertain . Rain or snowfall may take place at any time or place during the Yatra . It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur . Sunny weather may turn into rain / snow fall in a short time .The temperature may fall upto -5 degree C .
How to Perform Pilgrimage
For performing this Yatra, one is required to get registered . The registration is done by J &K Govt. Tourist Offices, located at Delhi ,Mumbai, Calcutta , Chennai , Ahmedabad , Hyderabad , Jammu and Srinagar .
Applications for registration in the prescribed format which is reproduced here .You can get the print out of this form and this can be used for registration .The filled in form should be sent to the registration office nearest to you , along with two passport size photographs duly affixed at the indicated places, a self addressed pre stamped envelope [for speed post]and a medical fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor . Each yatri has to submit a seperate application for registration. Every yatri will be issued a registration-cum-identity slip by the registration authority. Yatris are advised to carry this identity slip during the Yatra period to ensure a smooth passage
All Yatris are advised the following :
Insurance : In view of the hazardous nature of the Yatra, pilgrims are advised to get themselves insured suitably. It is advisable that insurance cover may be got done before leaving their place of residance.
Personal Tips:
Because of the unpredictable weather conditions, which often are wet and extremely cold during the Yatra period, pilgrims are advised to carry rain coat, woollen clothing, small umbrella [with head elastic band and strap around chin], walking stick , dry fruits, torch and personal medical kits etc mmodation and shelters at nominal charges.
Route Map
Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of the Lidder Valley , Amarnath Holy Cave stands at 3,888 mtrs. and is 363 kms. from Jammu Via Pahalgam and about 414 kms. from Jammu Via Baltal. The detailed description of the two routes to the Holy Cave is given below:
How to Reach
One can reach the first part of journey through:
Air:
The nearest aerodrome is Srinagar . Srinagar is a beautiful valley having world famous sights to see, such as Dal Lake , Nagina Lake , Shankaracharya Temple , Mughal Gardens and what not. It is the most sought after tourist place. It is also known asParadise on Earth". Srinagar is summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu . On some week Daysflights also pickup passengers from Chandigarh and Amritsar .
Rail
Jammu is the nearest Railway Station . Jammu is winter Capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu is a beautiful city and is also known as "CITY OF TEMPLES ". One may visit old temples such as Raghunath Temple , Mahadev Mandir and other temples . It is well connected with all stations of India.The various trains coming to Jammu are listed here below.
Road :
Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road. Buses and Taxies are also available for this part of the journey .These can be hired on daily as well as full tour basis.
Today , lets continue our teerth Yatra with the holy Amarnath yatra.We all are blessed to visit this sacred abode of Lord Shiva.
Amarnath yatra is considered as the most sacred pilgrimage in the Hindu religion. The journey is of 141 km from Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at a height of 4,175m. The yatra is mainly conducted in the month of July and August every year. The yatra is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Holy Trinity.
The story narrated by people about the discovery of this Holy Cave is of a Gujjar ( shepherd) Buta Malik . He is given the credit of discovering this Holy Cave . Story goes like this , that a saint gave Buta Malik a bag full of Coal. On reaching his home when he opened the bag , to his utter surprise the bag was full of gold coins . This made him overwelmed with joy. He ran to thank the Saint . But, what he found was that the Saint had disappeared . Instead , he found The Holy Cave and Shiv Lingam there in . He announced the discovery of this to the Villagers. Then onwards this has become the sacred place of Pilgrimage .
The ancient epics narrate an other story which goes like this. The valley of Kashmir was under water .It was a big lake. Kashyap Rishi drained the water through number of rivers and rivulets . In those days Bhrigu Rishi came that way on a visit to The Himalyas. He was the first to have Darshans of this Holy Cave . When people heard of the Lingam, Amarnath for them became Shiva's abode and a Centre of pilgrimage . Since then Lacs of devotees perform the pilgrimage through tough terrain and avail eternal happiness.
PAHALGAM : It is 96 KM from Srinagar .This distance can be covered by car,bus or taxi. Pahalgam is known all over the world for its beauty. It is small town situated on the banks of Lidder River. It is surrounded by high mountains. All essentials can be bought here. Good Hotels are available for accommodation. However the arrangements for stay and Langar are also made by the Non Government Service Organisations.
The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16km. The route is good .It can be covered by road transport also. Mini buses are also available from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The trail runs along the Lidder River . The route is scenic. Food is available here. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night .
Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain).
The zig-zag route leading to Pissu Top
View of Chandanwari Side taken from Pissutop
PISSU TOP : As the Yatra proceed further from Chandanwari one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top. It is said that to be first to reach for darshan of Bhole Nath Shivshankar there was a war between Devtas and Rakshas . With the power of Shiv , devtas could kill the rakshas in such large number that the heap of their dead bodies has resulted in this high mountain.
Beautiful View of Sheshnag Lake
SHESHNAG:This second day's trek of 12 kms from Chandanwari is through Pissu Top and spectacular, primeval countryside, and reaches Sheshnag – a mountain which derives its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake.
The Journey to Sheshnag follows steep inclines on the right bank of a cascading stream and wild scenery untouched by civilisation. The second night's camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond it.
There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Sheshnag, and at the camp these are narrated by campfires . The stillness of a pine scented Himalayan night increases your inner joy. Yatris can take bath and get their fatigue alleviated. It is beautiful and scenic.
From Sheshnag one has to climb steep height up across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs.(14000 ft) for 4.6 KM and then descending to the meadow lands of Panchtarni at a height of 3657 mtrs (12000 ft).
The last camp enroute to the Holy Cave is made here on third day. Here one faces cold winds which cause the skin to crack .
Hence cold cream / Vaseline are very useful for protection of skin. Some Yatris are also effected by deficiency of oxygen .Some may get the feeling of vomiting .
So dry fruit like Allu Bukhara ,sour and sweet eatables like Lemon are useful to control these symptoms . The route to Mahagunas is full of rivulets , water falls , springs .
PANCHTARNI:Panchtarni is a very beautiful place in the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT. Five Rivers flow here . It is said that the five rivers origanated from Lord Shiva's Hairs (Jataon).
Pilgrims camp at Panchtarni on the 3rd night
The Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath is only 6 kms from Panchtarni. As there is no place to stay hence the pilgrims start in the early hours of the morning after their stay at Panchtarni
Pilgrims between Panchtarni and the Amarnath Caves
Pilgrims almost at the Amarnath Caves .On the way to The Holy Cave one comes across the Sangam of Amravati and Panchtarni. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near holy cave to become pious before going for Darshan. Near the cave is found white soil known as Bhasam. It is the most beloved soil of Shiv ji . The pilgrims apply this Holy soil to their body and then go for Shivlingam Darshan.
View of Holy Amarnath Cave as seen from out side
The trek to Amarnath, in the month of sharavan ( July–August) has the devout flock to this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the form of a Lingam, is formed naturally of an Ice Stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the Moon's cycle . By its side are fascinating, two more Ice Lingams, that of Maa Parvati and of their son, Ganesha .
Inside View of Holy Cave
Behind the discovery of the Holy Shrine lies an interesting story. Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked Shivji to let her know why and when he started wearing the beads of heads (Mund Mala), to which Bhole Shankar replied, "whenever you are born I add more heads to my bead". Parvati said, "I die again and again, but you are Immortal. Please tell me the reason behind this". "Bhole Shankar replied that for this you will have to listen to the Amar Katha"
Shiv agreed to narrate the detailed story to Maa Parvati. He started for a lonely place where no living being could listen to the immortal secret and ultimately chose Amarnath Cave. In the hush-hush, he left his Nandi (the Bull which He used to ride) at Pahalgam (Bail gaon). At Chandwari , he released Moon (Chand) from his hairs (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released the snakes. He decided to leave his Son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill). At Panjtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind (Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky) which give birth to life and of which he is the Lord.
After leaving behind all these, Bhole Shankar entered the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati Maa and took his Samadhi. To ensure that no living being is able to hear the Immortal Tale, he created Kalagni and ordered him to spread fire to eliminate every living thing in and around the Holy Cave. After this he started narrating the secret of immortality to Maa Parvati. But as a matter of chance a pair of pigeons overhead the story and became immortal.
View Pigeons In Holy Cave : Many pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons at the Holy Shrine even today and are amazed as to how these birds survive in such a cold and high altitude area
May the Swayambhu (Shiva) Lingam bless our souls with His divine darshan and shower His grace upon us to fill our lives with peace , love and contentment in our hearts.
Baba's Miracle of Lighting the Lamps
Baba, the Heavenly Father in human form descended to Shirdi to protect the weak and the poor. He lit the Lamp of Wisdom to dispel the darkness of ignorance. Baba was fond of lights. Every evening He used to illumine every corner of Dwarakamayi by keeping lighted lamps in rows. He used to procure necessary oil to light the lamps from the local traders. One day the traders lied to Baba that there was no stock of oil. But Baba did not felt annoyed with them. He smiled and returned to the mosque with an empty oil can. Curious as they were, the traders followed Baba to see how He would lit the lamps without oil. Baba poured water into the oil can with a couple of oil drops in it, shook it, drank the water, spit into the oil can and poured the water into the earthen lamps and lit them. Wonder of the wonders, the lamps burnt luminously throughout the night to the utter amazement of the traders who were awe-struck. Baba gently exhorted them, 'If you are unwilling to give, do not give. But do not tell a lie. You could as well say 'No'. Ashamed, the traders prostrated before Baba and sought His forgiveness. The lights of wisdom were lit by Baba in their hearts. In that celestial light, the people of Shirdi sensed Baba's Divinity. Baba is an embodiment of love. Is not He? They were all forgiven and embraced by the Merciful Baba.
Posted By Deepa H