The scenic views of the mountains, temple bells clanging, icy cold winds and loud chants of “Har Har Mahadev” describe the ambience of the holy Amarnath Yatra, which takes one to the revered pilgrimage site of Amarnath. This Hindu shrine, at a height of 3,888 meters in the Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir, is of great importance to the followers of Lord Shiva from around the world. Every year thousands of pilgrims scale the height to worship the Shiva linga made of ice.

The Yatra
The pilgrimage to this cave takes place when the iced stalagmite Shiva Lingam reaches the apex of its waxing phase through the months of summer.  Though explained scientifically, the formation of Baba Amarnath is nothing short of a divine miracle. The Shravan months of July- August are considered popular for this annual Hindu Pilgrimage month. It is during these times when almost 600,000 pilgrims pay their visit to the divine temple of Lord Shiva made in a cave that is 40-meter high. 

The distance of the Amarnath cave from Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar is about 140 kms. It is believed that the divine journey begins from Srinagar, but there are two different routes to reach the Holy Cave. The first is a trek to the Holy Cave that follows the route: Srinagar - Baltal - Domel - Barari - Sangam - Amarnath Cave. Starting from Srinagar, one drives down to Baltal, which is 93 kms from Srinagar. Also referred to as the northern route, the trek between Baltal and Amarnath is about 16 kms. Its steep gradient makes it a very difficult climb. The route followed on this trek starts from Baltal, passes through Domel, Barari and Sangam, before reaching the cave. The natural beauty echoes with spirituality in this region, the northern route is along the Amarnath Valley. On this route, river Amaravati, a tributary of Chenab, flows along with you towards the cave. 

The other trek which is preferred by the pilgrims, starts at Pahalgam, which is 121 kms from Srinagar.  It is believed that Lord Shiva took this route to reach the cave, thus it is also considered as trekking on the footsteps of Shiva. The route followed on this trek is Chandanwari – Pissu Top – Sheshnag – Panchtarni – Amarnath Cave. The first 15 kms of the route, which is Pahalgam to Chandanwari, can also be covered by road. The real trek starts from Chandanwari. 

Here’s why the Chandanwari trek is believed to be following the footsteps of Lord Shiva. Hindu pilgrims believe that Lord Shiva left Nandi, the bull at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the Moon from his hair (Jata). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released the snake which was always around his neck. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left his son Lord Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Dance. Then, finally, Lord Shiva entered the Amarnath Cave along with Goddess Parvati. 

The Legend  
Folklore has it that the cave was discovered by a shepherd named Buta Malikin the year 1850. While grazing his cattle in the mountain, a Sufi saint gave him a bag of coal, which turned out to be gold. But when he went back to thank the saint, he found the cave and the Shiva linga. The descendants of Malik have been the custodians of the holy shrine. In 2000, the Amarnath Shrine Board was formed to look after the affairs of the shrine. The Board is headed by the Governor of the state.
Hindus consider it as the earthly abode of Lord Shiva. Legend says Lord Shiva’s divine consort Goddess Parvati wanted to know the secrets of his immortality, (Amar Katha) from Lord Shiva. It was at this cave where Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of life, creation of the world and immortality to Goddess Parvati.It is also believed that Amarnath temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth temples. These Shakti Peeth commemorate the locations of the fallen body parts of Goddess Sati, revered as the Adishakti with Lord Shiva.   

To register for the Amarnath Yatra, one is required to submit Application Form and Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued by the Authorized Institutions / Doctors by SASB online. For further details on the bookings and registrations, visit the official site of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, which is shriamarnathjishrine.com.