The Holy Amarnath

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The Holy Amarnath

 

A visit to Amarnath leaves an indelible mark in the hearts of the

pilgrims. This cave situated on the narrow openings between the

mountains of Lidder valley is on a height on 3,888 mts. The yatra

can begin either from Srinagar or Pahalgam from where Amarnath is

141 km or 44.8 km respectively. Pahalgam is 96 kms from Srinagar.

>From Pahalgam the journey to Amarnath is 5 days. The treks are

generally during Shravan (July-August).

 

According to our legends shiva narrated to Parvati the secret of

creation, in the caves of Amarnath. Without their knowledge a pair

of mating doves eavesdropped on their dialogue. Having learnt it,

they are reborn again and again, and have made this cave their

eternal abode. These doves have been spotted by many trekkers on

their way.

 

This incredible shrine is flocked with devotees to worship the image

of Shiva, in the lingam form. The lingam is formed naturally of an

ice- stalagmite which waxes and wanes with the moon. Beside it are

two more splendid ice-lingams that of Parvati and their son Ganesha.

 

The cave is accessible only during the period of July and August and

at that time a pure-white lingam comes into being, in the caves. It

is a mystic experience to see water droplets trickling slowly from

the top of the caves and freeze into ice when they fall. First a

solid base is formed and then the lingam begins to rise on it. On

Purnima it slowly acquires full form. According to the legends it is

on that day, when Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of life to the

beautiful daughter of Himalayas, Parvati.

 

It is incredible, how the ice-lingam is formed on the ice-base and

how on the Purnima day it attains its full formation. The pair of

pigeons appearing on the scene add to the mystery and makes anyone

believe that these occurences are not merely coincidental.

 

According to an event tales, once a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik

was given a sack of coal by sadhu, when he reached home the sack

contained gold. static, when he rushed to thank the Sadhu, he

discovered a cave at their place of meeting, which later become a

place of pilgrimage for the believers. The descendants of Malik are

given a percentage of donations even today while the remaining goes

to the trust managing the shrine.

 

Another legend depicts that when Kashyap Reshi drained Kashmir

Valley of water, which was once believed to have been a vast lake,

the cave and the lingam. It was after this that the Amarnath became

Shivas abode and a pilgrimage centre.

 

The Holy Amarnath

 

The trek to Amarnath caves is a 45 km distance, which can be covered

in 4 days with halts during the night times at Chandanwari, Sheshnag

(Wawjan) and Panchtarni. The 6 hr long trek to Chandanwari (12.8 km

from Pahalgam) runs along with meandering Lidder river with the

breathtaking beauty of the hills and sparkling waters.

 

The scenic beauty of the 2nd day's trek is mind blowing. 13 km away

is Sheshnag, mountain which derives its name from its seven peaks,

which resemble the heads of a legendary snake. The virgin lands

besides the cascading stream and ancients countryside, have a

mesmeric charm.

 

At the days halt at Wawjan you have a spectacular view of the deep

blue waters of Sheshnag lake. The legends of love and revenge

associated with this place can be felt by you, as the popular pine

trees stand motionless and during the campfires

 

On the 3rd day we go up across the Mahagunas pass at 4600 m and turn

descend to the meadow-lands of Panchtarni. From here Amartnath is

only 6 kms. An early morning start is recommended due to the long

queues. The devottees can return the same day in time for lunch to

Panchtarni.

 

The journey along these thick and green woodlands is a divine

experience. The devotees sing bhajans and Kirtans invoke the

blessings of Shiva, who is both destroyer and healer, the greatest

of the Hindu deities.

 

The holy cave is one of the purest and firmest peaks of the

Himalayas. The pilgrim feels a serene and soft impact of the Lord

which leaves an inspiring impression on him. The serenity, strength

of the great 'silvery mountains' of the Himalayas have a close

relationship with Lord Shiva. Sankara in his words has expressed "oh

Shiva". Thy body is white, while it is thy smile, the human skull in

Thy hand is white. Thy axe, Thy bill, Thy earrings are all white.

The crescent moon on Thy brow is white, oh, all white shiva, give us

the boon of complete sinlessness in our lives".

 

A sense of fulfillment is sensed by the Yatri and all weariness of

the Yatra vanishes away. The Faith is so strong that the yatris take

both in almost freezing rivulet of Amravati even at zero degree

celsius. A unique satisfaction washes the yatri which take his souls

to soaring heights and he witnesses unbounded spiritual passions,

as he takes in the image of Mahadeva and his finest abode.