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Amarnath Caves Back
Amarnath Cave is a Hindu shrine situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft), located about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It can be reached through Pahalgam town.
Amarnath cave, 40 m (130 ft) high houses the ice stalagmite formed due to freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave on to the floor which grows up vertically and is worshiped as Shiva Linga by Hindus.
According to a legend here Lord Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, Parvati. There are two ice formations representing Parvati and Ganesha. Lord Shiva created "Kalagni" which burnt out everything around the cave to ensure secrecy.
On the way to the Cave Lord Shiva left Nandi, The Bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon), the Moon at Chandanwari, The Serpent on the banks of Sheshnag Lake , Lord Ganesha. at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), the five elements - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky at Panjtarni. Then Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Dance and Lord Shiva entered the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvathi.
The cave was said to be discovered by a shepherd in the 15th century. Another story relates to Bhrigu Muni. It is also believed that The Valley of Kashmir was submerged under water and Kashyapa Muni drained it creating rivers and rivulets. After the waters drained, Bhrigu Muni was the first to have Darshan of Lord Amarnath.
Amaranath Yatra: Surrounded by snowy mountains the cave itself is covered with snow most of the year except for a short period of time in summer when it is open for pilgrims, during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in July–August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shraavana. Lakhs of Hindu devotees make an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave on challenging mountainous terrain.
The State Government in collaboration with the Shree Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) organizes The Yatra and provide necessary facilities all along the route during the Yatra period, which includes provision of ponies, supply of power, telecommunication facilities, firewood and setting up of fair price shops.
Thousands of central police and state police personnel are deployed to provide security to pilgrims from potential terror threats.
By Air: Helicopter services from base camp to Panjtarni (6 km from the cave) are also available from various private operators. Air Travel Distance between Amarnath Temple and Srinagar is : 65.27 km / 40.55 miles
By Road: Devotees travel on foot, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam.(approximately 5 days)
Regular bus services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal or taxis are available
The shorter northern route starts from Baltal and passes through Domial, Barari, and Sangam to reach the cave. 16 km long, it is quite difficult to climb with very steep gradient. The northern route is along the Amarnath valley alongside the river Amaravathy ( tributary of Chenab) which originates from Amarnath Glacier.