DATES FOR YATRA – 2010
01-JULY 2010 TO 24-AUGUST 2010

Amarnath Yatra is one of the holy pilgrimages of Hindus. The holy cave of Amarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at an elevation of 3,888 meters above sea level, in the Northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, in India. Amarnath cave is mainly known as Lord Shiva is enshrined in the form of ice lingam in this cave. This ice lingam forms and wanes naturally.

Amarnath is located in a glacial valley at 3,888 m and is 45 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar. The cave is about 150 feet high and 90 feet long. Within the cave there are four or five ice formations that resemble the figures of different gods. The biggest figure is regarded as Siva (Amarnath). On the left side of the linga is an ice formation called Ganesh, and on the right side is one of Parvati and Bhairava.

One of the famous Himalayan abodes of Lord Shiva, Amarnath cave is flocked by a large number of devotees every year to pay their homage from far away places. The cave is located in a narrow gorge at the end of Lidder valley around 45 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar.

The area is covered with snow from September to June. The cave opens only in July and August. This is the rainy season, so pilgrims have to brave the rain to get there. About 25,000 people make this pilgrimage each year. You can also hire ponies and dandies for the trip. It is very crowded during the annual Sravana festival. There is a yearly pilgrimage starting from Srinagar that is led by the Chhari Mubark, the holy scepter.

There are many legends and mythological stories about this pilgrimage place. It is said to be around 5,000 years old. According to a legend, Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of immortality to his wife Parvati at this place and because of this it has been named as Amreshwar or Amarnath.

Trek to Amarnath Cave

From Pahalgam:Located in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley, Amarnath stands at 3888 mts and 46 kms from Pahalgam and 141 kms from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage initiates the Yatra to be undertaken from Srinagar, the more common practice is to begin the journey from Chandanwari and cover the distance to Amarnath and back in 5 days. Pahalgam is 96 Kms from Srinagar. The trek from Chandanwari to the Cave is on an ancient though unfamiliar route. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night out.

The first day's trek of 12 kms from Chandanwari is through magnificent primitive countryside, with the centre of attraction being Sheshnag, a mountain which derives its name from seven peaks resembling the head of a mythical snake. A gushing stream accompanies you with wild scenery unaffected by modern civilization. The second night camp at Wavjan faces the deep blue waters of Sheshnag Lake and glaciers beyond it. Campfires recount the tales of love and revenge associated with Sheshnag.

The second day 12 km trek steadily gains height winding across the Mahagunas Pass at 4600 mtrs and then descending to the meadow land of Panchtarni the last camp enroute to Amarnath Cave.

From Panchtarni to Amarnath the distance is 6 kms and an early morning start is recommended for there is a long queue awaiting entry at the cave. The same day devotees after darshans can return to Panchtarni in time for lunch and continue upto Sheshnag for a night halt.

From Baltal:The second approach to Amarnath is from Sonamarg via Baltal at 3000 mts. Sonamarg is situated on Srinagar-Leh road northeast from Srinagar. About 15 kms ahead lies Baltal which is a charming little valley lying in the foothills of Zojila Pass. The holy cave is just a day's journey from here. The trek from here is very steep and therefore needs great caution and care. Some tea stalls are available at Brarimarg and Sangam top. Several snow bridges on the fast flowing streams are to be crossed and during rains the road becomes slippery. At sangam top the road meets Pahalgam route. At Baltal Ponies and porters are available on Government approved rates.

The Legend of Amarnath
There is famous Rigvedic Verse that says "Ekam Sat " that is "There is one Being, the sages call Him by many names." The God (Parmeshwar) has three deities who carry on the world .This is Known as Holy Trinity. Brahma- the creator, Vishnu - the perpetuator of life and Shiva (Mahesh ) -the purifier and perpetuator of good and destroyer of evil. Rig Veda refer Shiva as Rudra as in its following verse .

"We Worship Tryambaka (Rudra) , Who spread Fragrance and Increases Nourishment, May He release me, like the cucumber from its stem, From Mortal Life, But not From Immorality."(Rig Veda Mandal VII Sukta 59 and Mantra 12)

The Yajurveda describes Shiva as ascetic warrior Whose robe is of Deer Skin and He carries Trishul. According to the verse Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram, the life is described as having three facets Truth (Satyam), Good (Shivam) and the Beautiful (Sundaram). Shiva is a living God. The most Sacred and ancient books of India, the Rig Veda narrates His presence in the hymns. Vedic myths, rituals and even astronomy testifies to His existence from the dawn of time. The Mohenjodaro and Harappa findings confirm Shiva worship in the ancient India. According to the older scriptures, He has three places of His residence. One is Kailash Parvat another is Lohit Giri under which Brahamaputra flows and third is Muzwan Parvat.