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Situated at the height of 14,000ft, it is the only Ice Linga in the world nestled at a great elevation. Thousands of travelers visit this sanctum during the month of August to June when the ice lingam waxes and later wanes with the changing phases of moon. In geographical parlance, it is like any other stalagmite ice formation in the caves which grows in the upward position. The perfect perfectly ice shaped Swayambhu Linga catches an eye of every pilgrim and never fails to amaze them. Such is the hallowing effect of the ice lingam that every pilgrim comes with a miracle story to tell. Since it is believed that Shiva manifested himself on this day, the month of Shravan(August) is said to be most auspicious for the visit.
In mythology, Amaranth is described as the laughter of Lord Shiva. According to legends, Goddess Parvati demanded Lord Shiva to reveal the secret of immortality, but Lord Shiva tried to procrastinate. Being so resolute to her wish, Lord Shiva later decided to indulge her in revealing the secret of cosmos. He searched for a lonely place where no one can reach. Slowly and steadily, he worn out all his belongings, and finally he reached at the place where he could narrate the secret of cosmos. Fortunately, he found that place at the up hill from where he narrated the secret of immortality. Although, there was no human presence in the cave but unknowingly, eggs of pigeons lying under the seat of Lord Shiva heard the truth and became immortal. The roofs in the Amarnath cave from those times have been the permanent abode of those pigeons.
The journey for Amarnath starts from Jammu which ends at Pahalgam. With the total distance of 315kms, the taxi and bus from here charge Rs 4,000 to 6000. The journey goes from Udhampur from it reaches to Dhava, followed by Patnitop, Jwahar tunnel, Qauzigund, Anantanag, Banihal and Pahalgaum. The pilgrimage camp is just 1.5 km from Pahalgaum. At this pilgrimage camp, the travelers can go for a night stay. The accommodations options at Pahalgam include a stay with folding bed and another without folding bed. After recharging the body senses, the pilgrims can move to Chandanwari which can be covered by boarding taxi or bus. But as the word of caution, the pilgrims must book the hotels around Amarnath from where they can also get the taxis booked in advance. From Chandanwari to Amarnath which is 16km, the pilgrims can cover the remaining distance by foot.
The pilgrims as an alternative can also take short route from Jammu via Srinagar followed by Sonmarg and finally Baltal. From Baltal, the travelers can take a route from Sangam top which ascends to the holy cave. The total journey from Jammu via Srinagar followed by Sonmarg is 414 km. The distance from Baltal to Amarnath cave is 14 km which can be covered by foot. Further a few meters ahead, the pilgrims can buy prasadam from the shops set up by JKTDC government. There are separate plastic toilet booths for the pilgrims. Proper cleanliness drives and maintenance tasks are carried by the Jammu and Kashmir government authorities. The hot water facility is also available which can be purchased at the price tag of RS 30 to Rs 40 per bucket.
The shrine opens from 7:00Am to 5:00 pm, during the month of June to August. Depending on the climatic conditions, the timings may vary. The visitors must carry woolens, umbrella and the band aid box for emergency needs.
To make the touring experience more better the pilgrims can also book hotels in Kashmir which can be availed at excellent price tags. There is a vast range of budget as well as luxury hotels in Kashmir which provide a peaceful stay to the pilgrims. So come and get relieved from all the sins, exclusively at Amarnath Shrine.
In mythology, Amaranth is described as the laughter of Lord Shiva. According to legends, Goddess Parvati demanded Lord Shiva to reveal the secret of immortality, but Lord Shiva tried to procrastinate. Being so resolute to her wish, Lord Shiva later decided to indulge her in revealing the secret of cosmos. He searched for a lonely place where no one can reach. Slowly and steadily, he worn out all his belongings, and finally he reached at the place where he could narrate the secret of cosmos. Fortunately, he found that place at the up hill from where he narrated the secret of immortality. Although, there was no human presence in the cave but unknowingly, eggs of pigeons lying under the seat of Lord Shiva heard the truth and became immortal. The roofs in the Amarnath cave from those times have been the permanent abode of those pigeons.
The journey for Amarnath starts from Jammu which ends at Pahalgam. With the total distance of 315kms, the taxi and bus from here charge Rs 4,000 to 6000. The journey goes from Udhampur from it reaches to Dhava, followed by Patnitop, Jwahar tunnel, Qauzigund, Anantanag, Banihal and Pahalgaum. The pilgrimage camp is just 1.5 km from Pahalgaum. At this pilgrimage camp, the travelers can go for a night stay. The accommodations options at Pahalgam include a stay with folding bed and another without folding bed. After recharging the body senses, the pilgrims can move to Chandanwari which can be covered by boarding taxi or bus. But as the word of caution, the pilgrims must book the hotels around Amarnath from where they can also get the taxis booked in advance. From Chandanwari to Amarnath which is 16km, the pilgrims can cover the remaining distance by foot.
The pilgrims as an alternative can also take short route from Jammu via Srinagar followed by Sonmarg and finally Baltal. From Baltal, the travelers can take a route from Sangam top which ascends to the holy cave. The total journey from Jammu via Srinagar followed by Sonmarg is 414 km. The distance from Baltal to Amarnath cave is 14 km which can be covered by foot. Further a few meters ahead, the pilgrims can buy prasadam from the shops set up by JKTDC government. There are separate plastic toilet booths for the pilgrims. Proper cleanliness drives and maintenance tasks are carried by the Jammu and Kashmir government authorities. The hot water facility is also available which can be purchased at the price tag of RS 30 to Rs 40 per bucket.
The shrine opens from 7:00Am to 5:00 pm, during the month of June to August. Depending on the climatic conditions, the timings may vary. The visitors must carry woolens, umbrella and the band aid box for emergency needs.
To make the touring experience more better the pilgrims can also book hotels in Kashmir which can be availed at excellent price tags. There is a vast range of budget as well as luxury hotels in Kashmir which provide a peaceful stay to the pilgrims. So come and get relieved from all the sins, exclusively at Amarnath Shrine.
