A Pilgrimage Journey Of Faith To The Amarnath Caves

By Author: Raj Mehta
Total Articles: 19
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The valley of Kashmir is located in the northern side of the Incredible India. Synonyms with the name “paradise on earth”, Kashmir is a great place to be on a holiday. Kashmir is nestled on the lap of the Himalayas and offers breath taking views from all over the region. Though Kashmir is the most controversial tourist destination in India it is visited by thousands of visitors’ year in and year out.

Kashmir Tourism provides a pilgrimage tour to the Amarnath caves. The sacred journey to the foot hills of Himalayas is for five days which is covered by foot. The Amarnath cave is located at the altitude of three thousand eight hundred and eighty eight meters on the Mount Amarnath. The Amarnath cave is about one hundred and forty one kilometres from Srinagar and about forty eight kilometres from the district of Pahalgam known as the valley of shepherds. This hill station is located at the meeting place of two rivers Sheshnag and Aru. With lofty forests the region is also a famous for trek.

The pilgrimage tour starts in between the month of July and August ...
... or the month of “Shavan” in the Hindu calendar. Thousands of devotees make their way to the holy Amarnath cave to pay tribute to the ice shrine or Shiva lingam. It is believed that the length of the lingam changes according to the phase of the moon. The lingam reaches its maximum height during the summer festival. Apart from the ice lingam, there are other two ice formation which represents Parvati and Ganesha.

If you are tired on the way, then you can enjoy the pony ride to the caves which helps you to reach the temple without much of hindrance. Pony ride are mostly preferred by children and senior citizens.

One of the interesting legends of the Amarnath cave is that one the holy trinity, Lord Shiva discloses the secret of eternity and creation to Devi Parvati. It is said that a pair of pigeon have eves dropped and have come to learn the secrets of creation. The pigeons are reborn again after death and many trekkers have witness the pair in the forest.

The are many halts on the way to the Amarnath caves like Chandanwadi, Avantipur, Pampur,, Brijbihara, Wavjan, Martand, and the famous Mahagunus Pass. Devotees reach Amarnath caves on full moon day and after the “darshan” of the deity their pilgrimage journey of faith is completed.

For your own good there are certain Do's and Don'ts that should be followed by the pilgrims on their journey. Some of them are carrying of warm woollen clothes and raincoats, dry fruits, registration for pony rides and carrying of first aid box as first priority. Alcohol is strictly prohibited, don’t overstrain and move on with your own pace.

The Kashmir Tourism Map offers you a quick guide of other places to visit in Kashmir. You can depend on the map for your travel. It also includes the geographical features, roads, station with other details.

After the journey you won’t be the same person which you were before. Blessed are those who have taken the tour to the holy caves. Take back memories of a great moment and cherish them for lifelong.

Raj Mehta is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored may books on tour guide Trekking in Ladakh and Kashmir Houseboats.