The Amarnath Yatra, according to Hindu beliefs, begins on
Ashadha Poornima (Full Moon Day of Hindu Month 'Ashadha')
and ends on Shravana Poornima (Full Moon Day of Hindu Month
'Shravana').
Amarnath is considered to be one of the major Hindu Dhams.
Amarnath temple is situated 145 km from Srinagar, the capital
of the North Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. The Amarnath
Yatra is organised every year by the Jammu & Kashmir Government
during the month of “sharavan” i.e. in July - August. Chandanwari
is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra and the destination
is Amaranth Cave , which is supposed to the abode of Lord
Shiva. One can reach Chandanwari by car or by bus but from
Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper and can
be accessed only on foot or by pony. Located 11-km from Chandanwari
is the lake of Sheshnag, after which 13-km away is the last
stop, Panchtarni . The Amarnath cave is 6-km away from there.
Even if one's visit to Pahalgam is not during the period of
the Yatra, one can still take a pony ride up to Sheshnag Lake
and can return back by late night. the Amarnath Cave is considered
holy by Hindus. Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed
naturally of an ice - stalagmite One of the holy trinity,
Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of
India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic
myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence
from the dawn of time. Every year a giant stalagmite or pillar
of ice in the shape of a phallus, forms within this cave.
This ice pillar is worshipped as a lingam - a symbol of Shiva
- and thousands of pilgrims travel across the mountains to
pray at the holy Amarnath cave shrine. For the “Yatra” to
Amarnath one has to trek a height of about 14,500 ft. Surrounded
by beautiful valleys and mountains, one can enjoy the serenity
of this hill station. It is a journey that will rediscover
the nature and its marvels. Lord Shiva is known to have made
his home in the Himalayas. He built no house nor shelter,
not for himself or his bride. He was an ascetic, and yet married;
he could be both for "he was the wild god sporting in
the forest or taking his ease on a cloud."
The two-month Yatra for the year 2007 began on July 1, 2007
amidst tight security and adverse weather conditions. The
temple is reported to be about 5000 years old and has been
mentioned in ancient Hindu texts. The exact discovery of the
cave is not clear, though it is commonly believed that a Gujjar
(natives of Kashmir) shepherd found the cave and was given
a bag by a saint in it. When he returned home he found them
to be gold coins, and this got the entire village excited
and believed that the cave is the home to the Lord. Another
legend says that an Hindu rishi, Kashyap drained the lake
of Kashmir and found the cave along with the lingam in it.
This latter legend might be alluding to the geological transformation
of this region, when the massive sea in this part was compressed
by the Indian geological plate to form the Himalayas. "The
Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organised travel system,
evolved over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit
of wander, adventure and spirituality" Legend has it
that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in
the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons
eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret,
are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal
abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they
trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam
(the phallic symbol of Shiva). How to reach
Amarnath is not directly linked by road or rail. The nearest
airport is at Srinagar (145 km), which is connected to Delhi
and other Indian cities. Jammu (300 km) is the common starting
point for the Amarnath Yatra and is connected by road, rail
and air to all major Indian cities. Reaching Amarnath is not
an easy trek due to the difficult weather conditions and the
steep climb up along the Himalayas. Porters, Ponies and Dandies
(Chairs carried by porters) are available along the route.
Do's and Don'ts for Pilgrims (Yatries)
01 Do carry sufficient heavy wollens including
sweaters, wollen thermal body warmers, trousers, monkey caps,
muffelers and any other cold fighting apparels. Other items
needed to be carried are wind cheaters,raincoats, sleeping
bags, blankets,water proof shoes with sufficient grips,small
water proof tents, torch with sufficient batteries and walking
sticks. Ladies are advised to avoid sarees. Instead body hussging
clothing like salwar Kamiz, pants etc are advised.
02 Please ensure that you are physically
and mentally fit to perform the journey as the Yatra involves
trekking at an altitude of 14000ft. Get yourself medically
examined and certified fit for the journey and forward the
certificate to the registerin authority designated for your
area of residence.
03 Carry dry eatable stocks with you viz.
biscuits, sugar,candies, chocolates, milk powder, assorted
dry fruits,pickles, honey,lemons and tinned foods and other
items suiting your palates. Water bottle, spoons,tumblers,saucers
and plates may also be carried.
04 Yatries without registration card, Aged,infirm,
ailing and ill clad persons will not be allowed to proceed
beyond Pahalgam and Baltal.
05 Ration and firewood quota is also made
available enroute and can be purchased.
06 Ponies carrying luggage and eatables should
remain with you all the time. At no point of time should you
get out of touch with them. This is to avoid inconvinience.
07 Move slowly and steadily as this is a
ardous pilgrimage and maintain discipline. Instructions of
Yatra officer should be adhered to.Various officials are deployed
by the Govt. for your help.
08 Carry sufficient money to pay for your
accomodation at Pahalgam and meeting your other requirements.
09 All medical facilities during yatra are
free. It is advisable to carry your own personal medical kit
and First aid box.
10 Don't overstarin on steep gradients.
11 Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
12 Don't realx at places where warning signes
are fixed.
13 Don't break traffic discipline.
14 Do not pay more to any of the hired services
for which the prices are fixed.
15 Registered ponywalla,porter,dandyman may
only be hired. They are available for prefixed tarrifs.
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