The Journey to Amarnath Yatra is a well-known pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadev, who is situated at a height of around four thousand kilometres on the Amarnath mountain in Jammu and Kashmir. The Yatra of Amarnath is a major Hindu pilgrimage. The Amarnath Yatra begins each year in the months of June and July, coinciding with the Sharavan Mela festival.
Numerous mythical tales are associated with the Amarnath Yatra. According to the legends of Amarnath, it is stated that Lord Shiva gave the mysteries of immortality to his wife Parvati here in the cave of Amarnath, which is why the location is called Amareshwar. Amarnath Yatra draws travellers from all over the globe, not only from India. Tourists are mostly drawn to the ice Shiva linga for darshan, as well as the construction of two more ice structures representing Shri Ganesha and Mata Parvati.
The Jammu and Kashmir government organises the Amarnath Yatra every year during the month of Sharavan (July to August). It is located at a height of 14,500 feet and is brimming with excitement and thrill. The area is encircled by a cave, and prayers are offered in front of the Shiva Linga.
Climate:
The climate in this area is quite unpredictable. Snowfall and rain may occur at any time and in any location during the yatra. The temperature may drop as low as -5 degrees Celsius. There is no forecast for rain, and bright weather might change at any moment.
Amarnath Cave’s Importance:
This is the cave where Lord Shiva chooses to teach to his bride Parvati the secret of immortality and the creation of the universe. Mata Parvati has insisted on disclosing the secret of immortality. He was on the lookout for a deserted cave where no living thing could hear him. He picked the cave of Amarnath. He left his Nandi (the bull he rides) in Pahalgam during this time. Lord Shiva has left five elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Sky) that are necessary for life to exist.
The Holy Cave’s discovery:
The tale told by the locals about the Sacred Cave is that of a Gujjar (shepherd) Buta Malik, who is credited with discovering the holy cave. The account of the discovery of Amarnath cave continues with the gift of a bag of coal by a saint called Buta Malik. When he returned home and opened the bag, he discovered it was stuffed with gold money. This delighted and elated him. He raced to express gratitude to the saint. However, when he returned, the saint was vanished. Rather than that, he discovered the sacred Shiv Lingam in that cave. He then announced the cave’s finding.
What to do:
Trekking in the Amarnath is an exhilarating experience for worshippers who come to the Amarnath from all over the world, not only from India. At around 3,888 metres above sea level, the location lies between the steep gorge and the extreme end of the Lidder Valley. The Amarnath Cave is around 45 kilometres from Pahalgam and 141 kilometres from Srinagar. Amarnath Yatra trekking is regarded to be the country’s most holy and oldest trip. The Amarnath Cave’s extension is steep and shallow.
Pilgrims’ Do’s and Don’ts:
Individuals who are not mentally or physically healthy are not permitted to participate in the Yatra, since it includes travelling to a height of 14,000 ft.
Devotees doing the Amarnath Yatra must also bring woollen clothing like as sweaters, woollen body warmers, pants, monkey hats, mufflers, and other cold-fighting garments.
Additionally, a guest must bring edible supplies such as biscuits, sugar, candy, chocolate, different dried fruits, milk powder, honey, pickles, and canned meals.
Ration meals and fuel must also be carried, which may be bought en way.
In this location, alcohol is absolutely forbidden.
Avoid excessive exertion on steep climbs.
Remain vigilant in areas where warning signs have been posted.
Maintain traffic discipline.
Pay no more for any hired services whose fees are predetermined.
How can I go to the Amarnath Yatra?
Srinagar is the closest aerodrome for visiting Amarnath Yatra. Srinagar is the most beautiful valley in the world, home to world-renowned attractions such as Dal Lake, Nagina Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, and Mughal Gardens. As a result, the location is dubbed ‘Paradise on Earth’. Srinagar is accessible through daily flights from Delhi and Jammu. On some weekdays, planes also serve Chandigarh and Amritsar. Rail: Jammu Railway Station is the closest railway station to the location. Jammu is a lovely town that serves as the state’s winter capital. Additionally, it is referred to as the ‘city of temples’. It is well linked to all of India’s railway stations.