Every year, lakhs of pilgrims flock to the Amarnath yatra during the Shravani Mela in July-August (Shravan month in Hindu calendar), which is the only period the Amarnath Cave is open to the public.


Amarnath Yatra
Image Credit - Hardik Buddhabhatti (Wikipedia.org)

This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Amarnath Yatra 2021 has been canceled. Devotees can, however, virtually attend the morning and evening aarti on the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board website. The 56-day Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to begin on June 28, 2021, and end on August 22, 2021.

Amarnath Cave Temple


Amarnath Cave
Image Credit - Wikimedia Commons

Amarnath Ji, or Amarnath Temple, is a holy site located around 29 kilometres from Pahalgam at an elevation of 3,888 metres. A Shiva Lingam (a phallus-shaped creation formed of ice) is located inside the cave and is revered by Hindus all over the world. The pilgrimage trek known as Amarnath Yatra, which begins at Chandanwari, attracts a significant number of devotees from June to August. It is considered one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, or Hinduism's holiest temples. Aside from seeking blessings at the Amarnath Temple, the surrounding views are breathtaking.

Mythology Of Amarnath Cave


Amarnath Ice Lingam
Image Credit - www.tourmyindia.com

Lord Shiva is said to have imparted the meaning of life and eternity to his consort and wife, Goddess Parvati, at the site where the Amarnath Cave now exists. According to history, Bhrigu Muni, a well-known Hindu guru, was the first to locate this sacred location. The entire Kashmir Valley was drowned at the time, and Kashyap Muni, another mighty sage, used his supernatural powers to drain the waters. Bhrigu Muni was the first person to find the Shiva Lingam after the seas receded.

How To Reach Amarnath Cave?

There are two routes to reach Amarnath Cave, first via Baltal and second via Pahalgam.

The Northern path is 14 kilometres long and is the shorter of the two. It is tough to climb because it is steep. It all begins at Baltal. Srinagar is on the longer, easier, and more conventional route.

On foot, pilgrims begin the Amarnath Yatra in Srinagar or Pahalgam and follow one of two routes. The 14-kilometer round-trip journey via Baltal, Domial, Barari, and Sangam is shorter but steeper and may be completed in 1-2 days. However, due to safety concerns, horses are not permitted on this path. It is either necessary to walk or to be carried on 'Dandies' (carried on a seat atop the shoulders of other people). This Amarnath Yatra route is preferred for returning from the shrine rather than ascending, as the high slope is reported to create major health issues among unacclimatized tourists.

The longer Amarnath Yatra route via Pahalgam is favoured by the majority of pilgrims. The pilgrim's devotion determines the length of the trip, which ranges from 36 to 48 kilometres. The journey takes about 3-5 days one way. The Amarnath trail is significantly larger and slopes more gradually than the Baltal hike.

Reach By Helicopter

Amarnath Temple can also be reached by helicopter. Drive up to Baltal after landing in Srinagar and board the helicopter that will take you up to Panchtarni. You can either trek for around 6 kilometres from Panchtarni or book a palki/horse ride.

Things To Know

Before embarking on the Amarnath Yatra, you must first complete an online registration form.

You must complete an application form, which may be accessed online, in which you must include information such as your full name, gender, residence, state, and phone number.

All bank branches will begin the registration process.

Bring plenty of toilet paper and soap napkins.

Always remember to bring two pairs of shoes and plenty of socks.

Carry enough chocolates, apples, dry fruits, and cheese cubes to stay energetic.

Remember to carry antihistamines, pain relievers, and crocin, among other medications.

Make sure you have enough warm clothing with you.

You'll also need to purchase pre-activated SIM cards in Baltal & Nunwan's base camp.

Perform physical workouts before embarking on the Amarnath Yatra to improve your physical fitness.

The Amarnath Yatra is not open to anyone under the age of 13 or anyone above the age of 75.


Source - Aaj Tak

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