Shri Amarnath Cave Temple

Amarnath cave is a Hindu shrine located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The cave is situated at a distance of 141 km from Srinaga which is  the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and reached through Pahalgam town. Amarnath is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and surrounded by snowy mountains. The cave itself is covered with snow most of the year except for a short period of time in summer when it is open for pilgrims. Thousands of Hindu devotees from all over India and other countries make an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave challenging mountainous terrain. Inside the 130 ft hight of  Amarnath cave, a stalagmite is formed due to freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave on to the floor and grows up vertically from the cave floor and Hindus worship the stalagmite as Shiva Lingam represents Lord Shiva in Puranaas. The Lingam waxes during the months from May to August  and gradually wanes thereafter. 

As per religious belief, the lingam grows and wanes as per moon shades. It is believed that Lord Shiva left Nandi, the bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the Moon from his hair (Jata). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his snakes. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left his son Lord Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements. Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Dance. Then, finally, Lord Shiva entered the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Mata Parvati and Hindus believed that Shiva explained the secret of life to Parvathi.  Queen Suryamati gifted trishuls, banalingas and other sacred emblems to this temple in the 11th century Amarnath Cave was discovered  by Bhrigu Maharshi. It is believed that earlier, the Valley of Kashmir was submerged under water and Kashyap Muni drained it through a series of rivers and rivulets. Bhrigu Maharshi is  the first having Darshan of Lord Amarnath. The people heard of the Lingam, it became an holy place of Lord Bholenath and lakhs of people visit the Shrine every year. The local gadaria community were the first discovered  Amaranth cave and saw the first glimpse of Shrine. A French Physician visited Kashmir along with Aurangazeb in 1663 written in his book “Travels of Mughal Empire” that  the Amarnath cave is wonderful where blocks of ice, stalagmites formed by dripping water from the roof and  many Hindus worshipped as images of Shiva.

It begins with a 43 kilometres mountainous trek from the Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps and reaches cave-shrine after having night halts at Sheshnag Lake and Panchtarni camps. The state government derives revenue by imposing tax on pilgrims. The local Shia Muslim Bakarwal-Gujjars by taking a portion of revenue and by offering services to the Hindu pilgrims, and this source of income has been threatened by the Kashmiri militant groups who have harassed and attacked the yatra numerous times, causing killings and massacres mostly Hindu pilgrims Muslim civilians, and security forces personnel.

There is shorter northern route is just about 16 km long, but has a very steep gradient and is quite difficult to climb. It starts from Baltal and passes through Domel, Barari, and Sangam to reach the cave. The northern route is along the Amarnath valley and all along the route one can see the river Amaravati, tributary of Chenab which originates from Amarnath Glacier.      

Throughout the way to the cave, various non government organisations will set up food supply and resting tents called Pandals  which are available for free to the pilgrims. Near the shrine, hundreds of tents which are erected by locals can be hired for a night’s stay. Helicopter services from base camp to Panjtarni (6 km from the cave) are also available from various private operators. Every year, thousands of central armed forces and state police personnel are deployed to provide security to pilgrims from potential terror threats. The forces position at various halts and also in the perimeter of the shrine.

Srinagar to Neelagrah Helipad by road (NH1) 85 km (3 hours). Neelgrath Panjtarni – Neelgrath helicopter package 3430/- . Flying Time 10 Minutes Approx. After Reaching Neelgrath Helipad to Amarnath Ji Cave is 6 kms, After Darshan Back to Helipad and board to Neelgrath.