 One
among the most venerated pilgrim site in the entire subcontinent, Amarnath
or the abode of the immortal god transcends all other holy places with its
absolute divinity and tranquility. This devout location, at a soaring
height of 4,175 meters boasts of so many fabulous myths and legends about
Lord Shiva. Amarnath is quite famed for the holy cave of the destroyer god
who resides there with his consort Parvati and son Ganesha.The popular belief is that it was here at the holy cave of Amarnath that lord Shiva narrated to Parvati about the mysteries behind the creation. Two mating doves accidentally heard this heavenly conversation and were able to know the secret of births and the devotees believe that these doves were born again and again and made the cave as their perpetual abode. Though a legendary belief so many devotees testified that they had seen a pair of doves in the snow covered Amarnath caves. Amarnath cave is an integral part of ancient Hindu mythology. Believed to be 5000 years old, this cave adorns a special significance since as per the legends, it was here that the lord explained the secrets of life to his beloved wife. The cave holds numerous myths and legends and whatever are the truth behind these tales, the shrine witnesses’ huge gatherings every year, the number of which is increasing year after year. The sheer beauty of the snowy paths supplemented by post card sceneries makes the arduous voyage to the highest pilgrim center a mesmerizing allure. It is unquestionably a once in a lifetime experience that would not be missed by any Shiva Devotee. Nature has been so generous here at this snowy region and the cave presents an unbelievably serene ambiance to be in unison with the almighty.  There
are 2 major routes which can be taken in order to reach the holy caveThe first route begins from Pahalgam and covers a distance of 47 kms. The route to follow is Pahalgam - Nunwan- Chandanwari (16 kms) - Pissu Top (3 kms) - Sheshnag (9kms) - Panchtarni (13 kms) - Amarnath Cave (6kms). There are only a few cities where one can stay while on the route and they are Pahalgam, Seshnag, Panchtarni and near the holy cave as well. Pilgrims can take the Palanquin pony and porters to and fro between Chandanwari and the holy cave. The trek on this route begins from Baltal and the total distance to the Amarnath Cave is around 15 kms. The route to be followed is Baltal-Domail-Baragi-Sangam-Holy cave. There is no accommodation available and this trek can be undertaken in a single day. Also please note that in spite of being shorter this route is very steep and often prone to landslides. Alternatively on the route from Baltal, pilgrims can hire Ponies, Palanquins and porters. Please note that at the Baltal base camp your phone might not work but there are many telephone booths available that are connected via satellites. Helicopter services are also available for reaching Amarnath. The pickup point is Baltal takes the pilgrims to the holy cave for the pooja and darshan, which takes almost an hour, and brings back the pilgrim to Baltal. Helicopters can be taken from Pahalgam as well. Helicopter land at Panjtarni which is around 4 km from Amarnath and from here tourists need to continue their journey via trekking or hiring ponies or palanquin. How to Reach By Air The nearest airport is Srinagar. There are daily flights to Delhi and Jammu from Srinagar. On some days, special flights are offered from Chandigarh and Amritsar to Srinagar. Nearest International Airport is Delhi. Helicopter services are also available from The pick up point is Baltal and it takes one fro the pooja and darshan at Amarnath which takes almost an hour and brings back the pilgrim to Baltal. Helicopters can be takes from Pahalgam as well. However, the helicopter lands at Panjtarni, which is 2 km from Amarnath and from there tourists need to trek or take ponies to reach the temple. By Train Amarnath does not ahve its own railway station. Jammu is the nearest Railway Station. It is connected with all major railway stations in India. By Road Jammu and Srinagar are connected through road transport. Buses and Taxis are also available from both places to entry point to Amarnath trek to holy caves. The entry point is 363 km away from Jammu through Pahalgam. From Pahalgam, it is about 50 km to reach the Amarnath holy caves entry points. |
Baba Amarnath Yatra
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