The holy Anarnath pilgrimage undertaken from Kashmir has since centuries, been one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus. Every year people from all across the country and abroad visit Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the holy yatra and perform darshan of the naturally formed ice lingam at Amarnath Cave shrine.
The history of Amarnath Yatra can be traced back to the 15th century when a Muslim shepherd, Buta Malik, discovered the Amarnath Cave.
As per the historians, Buta Malik was given a bag of coal by a Sadhu, who turned out to be Lord Shiva in disguise.
When Buta Malik reached home and opened the bag, he found it full of gold coins. He then went back to the cave and tried to find the Sadhu, but instead, he found the Amarnath Cave and the ice lingam (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva) inside the cave.
Since the start of holy Amarnath yatra in the 15th century, the number of pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage has increased over the years and Hindus believe that ice-lingam is ‘Swayambhu Lord Shiva’.
However, the Amarnath Yatra was officially started in 1934 by the Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh. The pilgrimage was closed during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, but it was reopened in 1949 after the intervention of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first home minister.
Over the years, the Amarnath Yatra has become one of the most popular pilgrimages in India. The trek to the cave is arduous and pilgrims have to face harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain. However, the devotion of the pilgrims has kept them going since all these years.
It is said that with a visit to Amarnath cave one is absolved of all sins and attains moksha (freedom from the cycles of suffering and rebirth).
Amarnath cave continues to be a unique destination of devotion and discovery, where we can seek blessings and guidance from Lord Shiva.
A mystical natural ice lingam is formed at the Amarnath cave amidst the rugged and frozen peaks of the Himalayas. The Amarnath cave is the most revered and enigmatic pilgrimage site in India.
Devoted to Lord Shiva, this cave/shrine is a natural wonder where profound divinity comes together with the surrounding pristine landscape.
The holy Amarnath is situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters and is located approximately 141 kilometers from Srinagar.
The traditional route to the Amarnath cave is around 45 km long and begins at the picturesque town of Pahalgam. Pilgrims undertake the route through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panchtarni, and finally to the sacred site.
The shorter route, that goes from Baltal to the cave shrine is a shorter path, with 14 km of trekking. This route is being developed into a completely motorable road, and in November, 2023, a four wheeler reached the Amarnath Cave Shrine for the first time in history.
The mystical Amarnath cave is like no other temple, because here, both the abode and the Ice-lingam (symbol of Shiva) are created by nature, and not by man.
Inside the cave there is a mesmerizing swayambhu (formed on its own) Shivalinga, made of ice. It is said to be formed from the freezing of water droplets that drip from the roof of the cave to the floor.
The numerous glaciers in Lidder Valley, where the cave shrine is located, are said to create hidden water pathways to the cave, which is the source of the water.
The Shivalinga waxes and wanes with the lunar cycle, reaching its maximum size on a full moon during Shravan (around August).
The ice lingam is believed to symbolize Lord Shiva, his immortality, and his power to conquer time.
According to legend, the divine goddess Maa Parvati asked Lord Shiva why he wore a ‘mund mala’ (garland of heads). Lord Shiva replied that he added a head to his garland each time Parvati is reborn.
Perplexed with this mystifying revelation, Parvati asks him why he is immortal, while she dies and is born again.
Lord Shiva tells Devi Parvati that in order to understand this mystery, she must listen to Amar Katha, the story of immortality.
Parvati agrees to this, and Lord Shiva sets upon arranging the right place where such a cosmic discourse can be held.
He tries to find a solitary location, far from the reach of any living being, and ultimately chooses the hallowed Amarnath Cave.
Lord Shiva leaves his faithful ‘vahana’, Nandi, at Pahalgam. At Chandanwari, he released the moon (chand) from his matted locks (jata).
On the shores of Sheshnag Lake, he set free the serpents. Even today, the Sheshnag area is surrounded by seven identical peaks, which depict the seven-headed Sheshnag.
Lord Ganesha was left at Mahagunas Parvat. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva relinquished the Five Elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Sky) that constitute the essence of life and of which he is the Supreme Lord.
Then, Lord Shiva entered the sacred Amarnath Cave with Parvati Maa and entered a state of Samadhi (profound meditation).
To ensure absolute secrecy and prevent any living being from hearing the immortal tale, Lord Shiva created Kalagni, commanding it to spread a blazing fire to eradicate every living presence in and around the Holy Cave.
However, it is said that Maa Parvati fell asleep at some point, while a pair of pigeons who were inside the cave happened to overhear the celestial discourse.
These pigeons became immortal.
