Amarnath Temple in Amarnathdham Jammu Kashmir

Here is Some Information about Amarnath Temple in Amarnathdham Jammu-Kashmir India

Location : Amarnathdham,Jammu Kashmir
Dedicated to : Lord Shiva
Best Time to visit : May to October

Altitude : 4175 m

Festivals : Shravan Poornima,Vyas Poornima,Nagpanchmi

Languages Spoken : Hindi, English, Kashmiri
Visit Duration: 2 to 6 days
Phone No: +91-194-2501679 , +91-94697-22210
Mythology : The Sacred 'Lingam' of Lord Shiva
Destination : 46 km From Pahalgam And 117 From Srinagar
The Route : Through Pahalgam, Through Baltal

More Information about Amarnath Temple

Amarnath temple is accessible only during a short period of a year, usually in the months of July and August. At that time, inside the amarnath temple cave, a pure white ice-lingam comes into being.

Water trickles, somewhat mysteriously, in slow rhythm, from the top of the cave and freezes into ice. It first forms a solid base and then on it a lingam begins to rise, almost imperceptibly, and acquires full form on Purnima. It is believed that on that day, Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of life to his consort Parvati, the beautiful daughter of the Himalayas.

The amarnath Yatra, in its present religious form, commences with the ceremony of 'Chari Mubarak,' at the Dashnami temple, Akhara, Srinagar. After the prayers, the yatri acquires a sort of walking stick. It has both physical and religious significance; physically, it helps the yatri in steadying himself on a snowy and slippery path; and, spiritually, it reminds him of his resolve at amarnath temple if and when his faith begins to waver in the face of a long and arduous journey.

After the ceremony, the yatris proceed in groups to Pahalgam, from where a small road leads to Chandanwari, along thick and green woodlands of breathtaking beauty, perched on pretty rocks and little hills, with the playful stream of Lidder meandering and dancing in-between, showing its white-foam sparkle with the pride and purity of a maiden descending directly from the lap of the perennial Himalayas.

From Chandanwari, there begins a steep ascent to Pishu Ghati (3,171 meters), reminding the yatris that the path to salvation involves superhuman struggle and stamina. A feeling of having been lifted to a heavenly spot dawns upon the yatris when they reach Seshnag (3,570 meters)so striking is the beauty, the setting and the color of this great lake.

Seshnag symbolizes the cosmic ocean in which Lord Vishnu, the preserver of this universe, moves, reclining on a seven-headed mythical snake. After getting refreshed with the bath of ice-cold water of Seshnag, the yatri takes a steep climb to the most difficult spot.

Mahagunna (4,350 meters). Thereafter, a short descent begins to Poshpathan festooned with wild flowers. From there, the yatris move to Panchtarni, a confluence of five mythical streams, and then to the cave. A strange sense of fulfillment seizes the yatris, and all fatigue is forgotten. Even in the temperature touching zero degrees Celsius, the yatris are driven by their faith to take bath in the almost freezing rivulet of Amravati.

History of Amarnath Temple

Amarnath temple is a cave situated in the Himalayan ranges. It is believed that Lord Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity (Amar Katha) to his wife Goddess Parvathi here. He wanted an isolated place for this discussion hence he stationed his vehicle Nandi (bull) at Pahalgam, Snake at Sheshnag (the lake), Lord Ganesha (his son) in Mahaguna hills, the moon at Chandanwadi and the five elements of life at Panjitarni to block any creature from reaching the cave. After ensuring that no one is around, Lord Shiva revealed the Amar Katha to Goddess Parvati. However, a pair of doves abiding in the cave overheard the secret lessons. It is believed that after hearig the secret the doves became immortal. A pair of doves that dwells in the cave is said to be the same one.

There is an interesting story regarding the discovery of Amarnath cave. A shepherd called Buta Malik once met a sage who gifted him a bag full of coal. Buta Malik, on reaching home, discovered that the entire mass of coal in the bag was replaced by gold. He understood that the sage was not an ordinary person and ran back to thank the sage at the same place they had met. However, on reaching there, he found a cave with a stalagmite Shiva Lingam instead of the saint. Buta Malik announced his discovery among the villagers and that's how it baceme famous.

Hindu epics narrate another story of this cave's discovery. It says that once when the Kashmir valley was submerged under a big lake, Sage Kashyap drained all the water through several rivers and streams. Once the valley was restored, Sage Bhrigu, on his visit to Himalayas, discovered this holy cave.

Other Attraction :Srinagar,Martand Surya Mandir (31 km from Pahalgam),Pahalgam, Chandanwadi,

Sheshnag,Pavitra Gufa (Holy Cave).

Tourist Attractions Near Amarnath Temple

Trekking On The Hills of Zojila Pass. Also Enjoy Trekking form Chandanwari - Sheshnag and Sheshnag - Panchtarni. There are two mejor Tourist Attractions Near Amarnath Temple,

Pahalgam: It is a picturesque land of lofty deodars, fir, pine junipers and conifers.
Sonmarg: Sonmarg is a tiny hill station of Kashmir valley.

Restaurants and Hotels Near Amarnath Temple

Nathu Rasoi
Dana Pani
Punjabi Rasoi
New Poonam Restaurant
Hotel Brown Palace
Hotel Mir Lodge
Hotel Swarg Palace
Hotel Volga
Mantoo Cottages
Hotel Rahat

Grand Mumtaz Resort
Adjoining to Main Golf Course
Pahalgam, Kashmir
01936 - 243184, 243185.

Pine-n-Peak
Pahalgam 192126, KASHMIR, INDIA
01936-243304/ 243210

Hotel Nataraj
Pahalgam
Kashmir
01936-243225

The Mansion Hotel Pahalgam,
Kashmir (J & K), India
01936-243354

THE ISLAND RESORT
LARIPORA, PAHALGAM,
KASHMIR, INDIA
01936243311

Hotel Brown Palace
Lari Pora, Pahalgam
Kashmir 192126
01936 243255

Mir Lodges
Laripora, Pahalgam
Kashmir, India
(91) 941-900-2323

Paristaan Resorts
Chandanwari Road Pahalgam
Anathnag - 192126
Mobile: 09797744444, 09858300065

Hotel Mountview
Pahalgam - Kashmir
01936-243321 or 243221

How to Reach Amarnath Temple Amarnathdham

Located in the lap of the Himalayas, Amaranth is a bit arduous to reach. The nature of the terrain makes it impossible to construct roads and rails in the snow-toped areas around the cave. However, the roads takes you to the nearest possible point from where either you can walk or take pony-rides to the main temple. Pilgrims can reach Amarnath in the following ways.

By Roads : Roads take you to the base camps of Amarnath situated at two places viz., Baltal Town and Pahalgam. The holy cave is located 14 km from Baltal town and 45 km from Pahalgam. Further travel through the rugged Himalayan terrain is either done on-foot or through pony-rides.

By Trains : Trains are available till Jammu, which is the nearest point to Amarnath connecting it with the rest of the country.

By Air : Nearest airport is the Sheikh UL Alam International Airport at Budgam district. Helicopter Services are also available from Baltal and Srinagar.