The Amarnath Cave is situated about 44.8 kms. from Pahalgam. It takes about five days to reach the Amarnath Cave from Pahalgam. The Amaranth cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Amarnath cave is situated on the mountains of Lidder valley amidst iced snow at a height on 13,000 feet. The thousands of Hindu pilgrims undertake the tour (yatra) to the Amarnath Cave from all parts of India in the month of Sawan (July-August) to have a glimpse of Shivlinga formed from iced snow. According to the legend, the Lord Shiva narrated to Parvati the secret of creation, in the caves of Amarnath. Without their knowledge, a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on their conversation and having learnt it, they were reborn over and over again and since, have made this cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims have spotted these doves here. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. The most auspicious occasion to visit Amarnath for a pilgrimage is on the night of the full moon in the month of Sawan.

The Amarnath Cave is a holy place for Hindu pilgrims. One very characteristic pilar of ice is believed to be an ice lingham, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Two smaller ice stalagmite represent Parvati, his wife, and Ganesha, his son. The Hindu pilgrims also believe, that the height of the lingham increases and decreases with the phases of the moon. In the month of Shravan, on the full moon in August, thousands of Hindus go on a pilgrimage up to the cave. At this time the lingam reaches its biggest size.

The pilgrimage is somewhat arduous. The big height and the low temperature, combined with the under-nourished state of many people, cost a yearly toll.

A legend tells, that Shiva explained the secret of creation to Parvati in the cave. Two mating doves heard this and now live in the cave for eternity, being reborn again and again. This legend is confirmed (at least in the eyes of believers) by flocks of doves near the cave, with no vegetation around.

Chandanwari

Chandanwari is located about 16 kms from Pahalgam. It is famous for its snow bridge. This is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra, which takes place every year during July-August. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be travelled by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony.

Sheshnag

From Chandanwari, the next stoppage is at Shehsnag. The mountain lake of Sheshnag is situated about 11 kms from Chandanwari. The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June.

Panchtarni

Panchtarni is the last stoppage of the Amarnath Yatra. Panchtarni is located about 13 kms away from Sheshnag. It is the confluence of five streams that gives Panchtarni its name. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there.


The Major Fascination of the Amarnath Cave

One of the most important event during July/ August, is Amarnath Yatra to the Holy Pilgrimage. This is an annual event when thousands of Hindus from different corners of the Globe visit Amarnath caves. The pilgrims trek from Pahalgam to these caves and worship the great ice Lingam.

How to Reach

Arriving At Amarnath Caves

By Flight : Indian Airlines had daily flights to Delhi and Srinagar. There are also flights to Bombay, Calcutta, Chandigarh, and Leh. The Indian Airlines office(542-735) is at the Tourist Reception Centre on Vir Marg.

By Track ways :

The Shalimar Express departs from Delhi at 4.10 pm and arrives in Jammu at 7 am. There are other trains to and from Delhi. From Jammu there are direct trains to Bombay, Calcutta (Jammu Tawi Exp # 3152, daily, 6.15 pm, 46 ½ hr). Most buses leave between 6 and 7 am, in order to arrive before night. A ticket to Srinagar should be booked in advance.

There are buses to Delhi (14 hr), Amritsar (5hr), and Pathankot (3 hr). From Pathankot you can get a bus to Dharamshala and Dalhousie. Deluxe buses depart from the railway station, usually between 6 and 7 am

Best Season

Amarnath yatra is done only once in the month of July to August as it is totally cut off from the rest of the world during winter. The dates of the yatra varies every year due to the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sawan.