Location of the holy temple :
Situated at 3888 meters above mean sea level and 121 kilometers from the state capital, Amarnath Temple is honored as the home of Lord Shiva. The journey begins to this place through a trek of beautiful landscapes of the south Kashmir Himalayas, where each step is evidence of both faith and the stunning beauty of the place. It is significant to Hinduism and is one of the holiest shrines in India. Moreover, If you want to Book Lord Shiva puja online, it is recommended to visit the Online Temple.
History of The Holy Temple:
Legends from long ago state that Lord Shiva left his bull Nandi at Pahalgam. When he arrived at Chandanwari, he let go of the Moon. Then Lord Shiva let his snake go on the banks of Lake Sheshnag. At Mahagunas Parvat, also known as Mahaganesh Mountain, he left his son Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements: Air, Water, Earth, Sky, and Fire. Shiva offered the material world as a sacrifice by performing the Tandava Dance. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati finally made their way to the Amarnath Temple, where they both appeared as ice Lingams. Lord Shiva changed to an ice lingam, and Goddess Parvati to a rock yoni. According to legend, Sage Bhrigu, a rishi, was the first to discover the Amarnath Temple.
Why to visit the Holy Temple of Amarnath:
The temple’s enigmatic ice Lingam is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to symbolize the god’s divine presence. In the summer, pilgrims start the challenging Amarnath Yatra, which takes them across rugged terrain to reach the sacred temple. Amid the Yatra, a beautiful landscape featuring snow-covered mountains and glaciers, pilgrims test their faith. Beyond its religious significance, the journey fosters harmony and general experiences by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together and creating a cultural mosaic. The Amarnath Temple is a spiritual journey that blends cultural diversity, the majesty of nature, and devotion; it is more than just a place to visit.
Amarnath Temple Yatra:
Pilgrims travel to the holy Temple of Amarnath during the 45 days of the Shravani Mela celebration in July and August, which coincides with the Hindu holy month of Shravan. During the summer months, when the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage takes place, the ice-coated Shiva Lingam reaches the peak of its growing phase. The best time for Amarnath Temple Yatra is from the 1st of July to the 31st of August. Visit the Online Temple if you want to make an Online booking for Lord Shiva puja.
Ways to reach Amarnath Temple :
The available options to reach the Amarnath Temple are state transport buses and private rental vehicles from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. There are two trekking routes to reach the holy Temple of Amarnath. The first is the traditional route through Srinagar, and the other is the shorter route via Baltal. There is also an alternate option of a helicopter to avoid suffering from a rough and lengthy trek.
Route Via Baltal
The shorter route passes through Baltal, Domial, Barari, and Sangam, beginning at the Chandanwari base. You can finish the 14-kilometer journey in one to two days. You can walk or hire a palki (a seat carried on people’s shoulders).
Route Via Pahalgam
The longer route, which takes 4-5 days one way, leads to Amarnath Cave via Pahalgam. The pilgrims can easily cover this route because this route is significantly broader than the Baltal route. You can also hire ponies for the total distance to the Amarnath Temple.
Option of Helicopter
The Amarnath Temple can also be reached by helicopter. Drive up to Baltal after you arrive in Srinagar and get on the helicopter that will take you to Panchtarni. You will only need to trek for roughly 6 kilometers from Panchtarni.
Things to remember before the Amarnath Yatra :
- Amarnath Temple Yatra typically occurs in the summer, and the temple is only open for a short duration of time every year.
- Physical fitness is essential for the trek, and getting checked out medically before starting the Yatra is recommended.
- Be ready for a variety of weather conditions because they can change quickly.
- For a secure and pleasurable Yatra, one must follow the rules set by the authorities and show respect for the environment.
- No person below the age of 13 and above the age of 70 years can take the Amarnath Yatra.
- If you don’t want to travel in person, you must schedule Hindu God puja online.
Also Read: Exploring the Significance of Kartik Month in Hindu Culture