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Amarnath Cave:
One of the holy Trinity, Shiva is a living God. The
most sacred and the most ancient book of India, the
Rigveda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths,
rituals and even astronomy testify to his existence
from the dawn of time. But Shiva, the Destroyer, and
mendicant, is undefinable. He is a great yogi. Legend
has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of
creation in a Cave in Amarnath. Unkown to them a pair
of mating doves 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 pair of doves when they trek the arduous
route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam.
According to an ancient tale, there was once a Muslim
Shepherd named Buta Malik who was given a sack of coal
by a sadhu. Upon reaching home he discovered that the
sack, in fact, contained Gold. Overjoyed and overcome,
Buta Malik rushed back to look for sadhu and thank him.
But on the spot of their meeting discovered a cave,
and eventually this became a place of pilgrimage for
all believers. To date, a percentage of the donations
made by pilgrims are given to the descendents of Malik,
and the remaining to the trust which manages the shrine.
Yet another legend has it that when Kashyap Rishi drained
the Kashmir valley of water the cave and lingam were
discovered by Bregeish Rishi who was traveling through
the Himalayas. When people heard of the lingam at Amarnath
it began to be worshipped as Shiva's abode and a center
of pilgrimage
How to Reach Amarnath?
From Pahalgam: Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther
end of Lidder valley, Amarnath stands at 3888 mtrs and
46 Kms from Pahalgam and 141 Kms from Srinagar. Though
the original pilgrimage route is that the Yatra should
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 route. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam
or Chandanwari on the first night out.
The first day's trek of 12 Kms from Chandanwari is through
spectacular primeval country side and the main center
of attraction is Sheshnag a mountain which derives its
name from seven peaks resembling the head of a mythical
snake. A cascading stream accompanies you with wild
scenery untouched by modern civilization. The second
night camp at Wavjan overlooks the deep blue waters
of Sheshnag Lake and glaciers beyond it. The tales of
love and revenge associated with Sheshnag are recounted
by campfires to the stillness of pine scented Himalayan
night.
The second day's 12 km trek steadily gains height winding
across Mahagunas Pass at 4600 mtrs and then descending
to the meadow land of Panchtarni the last camp enroute
to the Amarnath Cave.
From Panchtarni to Amarnath the distance is 6 Kms and
an early morning start is recommended for there is long
queue awaitning entry at the cave. The same day devotees
after darshans can return to Panchtarni in time for
lunch and continue upto Sheshnag for night halt. For
those who journey with faith it is a rewarding experience.
From Baltal: The second approach to Amarnath is from
Sonamarg via Baltal alt. 3000 mtrs. . Sonamarg is situated
on Srinagar-Leh road north east from Srinagar. About
15 kms ahead lies Baltal which is charming little valley
lying in the foothills of Zojila Pass. The holy cave
is just a days journey from here. At domail 2 kms from
Baltal free langar(community Kitchen) facility is available.
The trek from here is very steep and therefore needs
great caution and care. Some teastalls are available
at Brarimarg and Sangam top. Several snow bridges on
the fast flwing streams are to be crossed and during
rains the road becomes slippery. At sangam top the road
meets Pahalgam route. At Baltal Ponies/Dandies/Pack
ponies /porters are available on Govt. approved rates
Air: The nearest Airport is away in Badgam Distt.
This Airport is connected with major cities of India.
Rail: The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which
is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A
connects the Kashmir valley with country.
Road: Every sort of transport to suit every budget
from Buses to Taxis ply on the NH1A Highway. It takes
around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road
which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar
Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country.
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