Amarnath temple is devoted to lord Shiva. There is an enshrined figure of ice which is naturally formed in cylindrical shape. This ice figure resembles Shiva lingam. This figure reduces to half on the new moon day and reaches its full size on the full moon day. There are more two ice formations which are formed on the either side of the main lingam. These are considered as Parvati to the left and lord Ganesh to the right.
According to the Hindu legends it is said that lord Shiva had to tell the secret of life and eternity to Mata Parvati and he wanted peace and calm place to tell her about 'amar katha'. After his search he found this place safe and calm. Lord Shiva narrated the immorality to her.
There are thousands of people who visit this place during the months of July and August. This period is well-known as the Amarnath Yatra. This is one of the most famous and important holy shrine of Hinduism. This Yatra begins at Srinagar on panchami. Avantipur, Martand and Brijbihara are the subsequent halts taken by the pilgrims. Martand is well-known for its old temple which is devoted to Sun god. This is a ten day Yatra and the final day is the bright half of the month.
There is a confluence of the two rivers, river Seshnag and river Lidder at Pahalgam. The next stop is the Chandanwadi where there is again a confluence of river Asthan Marg and river Seshnag. Further up the next stop is the Pishu Ghati; here legend said that the demon was crushed by the god. Further there are two more stops that are Wavjan and the Panchatami. Finally on the full moon day the Yatra gets over once pilgrims reaches the Amarnath cave.
People enjoy going trekking to the Amarnath cave temple. People can have a splendid view of the Himalayas and the valley around.
People believe strongly in this Amarnath Yatra. Hindu religion people visit this place once in their life time. It is said that all their sins are forgiven here after visiting this place. People offer prayers and offer Prasad to the lingam and in return take the blessing of the lord Shiva as all the wishes are fulfilled here.
Getting there
- Airways:
Nearest airport is the Srinagar airport which is at a distance of about 141 kilometers away from Amarnath temple. - Railway:
Nearest railway station is the Jammu station which is at a distance of about 300 kilometers away from Amarnath temple.
- Road ways:
There are state transport buses and luxury buses from Srinagar to all the major cities of India.
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