Amarnath Input Voltage: 220 Volt (V)

AMARNATH
YATRA
- Suggested
Itinerary
"The
Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organised travel system, evolved
over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit of wander, adventure
and spirituality"
Shiva,
in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice - stalagmite One
of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred
book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic
myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn
of time.
Shiva is known to have made his home
in the Himalayas. He built no house nor shelter, not for himself or his
bride. He was an ascetic, and yet married; he could be both for "he was
the wild god sporting in the forest or taking his ease on a cloud."

Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in
the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons
eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are
reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode.
Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous
route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of
Shiva).

The trek to Amarnathji, in the month of Shravan (July - August) has the
devout flock to this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in
the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice - stalagmite, and
which waxes and wanes with the moon. By its side are, fascinatingly,
two more ice - lingams, that of Parvati and of their son, Ganesha.

According to an ancient tale, there was once a Muslim shepherd named
Buta Malik who was given a sack of coal by a sadhu. Upon reaching home
he discovered that the sack, in fact, contained gold. Overjoyed and
overcome, Buta Malik rushed back to look for the sadhu and thank him,
but on the spot of their meeting discovered a cave, and eventually this
became a place of pilgrimage for all believers. To date, a percentage
of the donations made by pilgrims are given to the descendants of
Malik, and the remaining to the trust which manages the shrine.

Yet another legend has it that when Kashap Reshi drained the Kashmir
valley of water (it was believed to have been a vast lake), the cave
and the lingam were discovered by Bregish Reshi who was travelling the
Himalayas. When people heard of the lingam, Amarnathji for them became
Shiva's abode and a centre of pilgrimage.




 




THE
YATRA PROCESSION -
Whatever the legends and the history of Amarnathji's discovery, it is
today a very important centre of pilgrimage and though the route is as
difficult to negotiate as it is exciting, every year, thousands of
devotees come to pay homage before Shiva in one of his famous Himalayan
abodes.

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley,
Amarnathji stands at 3,888 m and is 45 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from
Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage subscribes that the yatra be
undertaken from Srinagar, the more common practice is to begin the
journey from Pahalgam, and cover the distance to Amarnathji and back in
four or five days. Pahalgam is 96 km from Srinagar.

Since the base point for the pilgrim's trek is picturesque Pahalgam, a
large tented township springs up to accommodate the pilgrims. The
conduct of the yatra is a gigantic task in which the State Government
takes the assistance of the security departments for providing security
and helping to keep the route open. All intermediate halting places
have the same kind of facilities as are provided at Pahalgam, and a
Yatra Officer is appointed to conduct the pilgrimage.


Trek to Amarnathji Cave -
"For those who journey with faith, it is a rewarding experience, this
simple visitation to a cave-shrine, the home of the Himalayan mendicant
who is both destroyer and healer, the greatest of the Hindu God"

The trek from Pahalgam to Amarnathji cave is on an ancient peregrine
route. The 45 - km distance is covered in four days, with night halts
at Chandanwari, Sheshnag (Wawjan) and Panchtarni. The distance from
Pahalgam to Chandanwari (16 km) is now covered by motor transport. The
pilgrims camp here or at Pahalgam on the first night out. 

The first day's trek of 13 km from Chandanwari is through spectacular,
primeval countryside. The main centre of attraction on this trek is
Sheshnag, a mountain lake which derives its name from its seven peaks,
resembling the heads of a mythical snake. The journey to Sheshnag
follows steep inclines up the right bank of a cascading stream and wild
scenery untouched by civilisation. The second night's camp at Wawjan
overlooks the deep blue water of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond it.
The lake is also associated with legends of love and revenge, and at
the camp these are recounted by campfires, to the stillness of a
pine-scented, Himalayan night.

The second day's 12 km trek steadily gains height, winding up across
Mahagunas Pass at 4,600 m and then descending to the meadow - lands of
Panchtarni, the last camp enroute to the holy cave.

From Panchtarni to Amarnathji is only 6 km, but an early morning's
start is recommended for there is a long queue awaiting entrance to the
cave. The same day, following darshan, devotees can return to
Panchtarni in time for lunch, and continue to Wawjan to spend the
fourth night out; or continue further to Zojibal, returning to Pahalgam
on the 4th day.

Entrance to the cave is regulated, and darshan a hasty affair for there
are many others waiting outside to pay homage before the awesome
Shivalingam. The devotees sing bhajans, chant incantations, and priests
perform aarti and puja, invoking the blessing of Shiva, the divine, the
pure, the absolute. 
Useful Tips on the Yatra
-
The Yatra is organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Govt., in the month
of Shravan, and commences mainly from Pahalgam on specified dates. In
recent years the route from Baltal has also been thrown open for the
pilgrims to approach the holy Cave.

Dress: Pilgrims are advised to carry sufficient wollens such as
sweaters, drawers, wollen trousers, monkey cap etc. Other items could
include wind cheaters, rain coat, sleeping bag or blankets, umbrella,
waterproof boots/shoes, walking stick, torch etc. Ladies are advised
not to go on the trek in saris, instead pants or Salwar suits with
drawers should be used.

Medical Assistance: Medical posts manned by qualified doctors and
nursing staff are established enroute to cater to the needs of the
pilgrims, free of cost. However, pilgrims are advised to carry along
any medicines specifically prescribed for them.

Provisions: Essential rations are available at fair price rates from
the specially established Govt. Depots at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and
Panchtami, Numerous wayside tea-shops and small restaurants are set up
by private parties. However, pilgrims are advised to carry with them
biscuits, toffees, tinned food etc. to cater to their immediate needs.
Firewood or gas can be obtained at Chandanwari, Sheshnag (Wawajan),
Panchtami and near the Cave.
Insurance: In view of the hazardous nature, pilgrims are advised to
insure themselves before proceeding on the Yatra.

Accommodation: Good tented accommodation with allied facilities are
set-up during the Yatra period by the J&K TDC as well as private
parties. These are provided on the basis of payment of rates fixed by
the State authorities. Facilities for booking of such accommodation
will be available at the base camps.

Registration: Registration of pilgrims are undertaken about a month
ahead of the date fixed for commencement of Yatra. The dates are
generally notified through press advertisements. No Yatri will be
allowed to proceed on the journey without a Registration Card.




 





SIGHT
SEEING & EXCURSION :

Amarnath Cave :
The cave is a large hemispherical hollow wedged into a cliff of white
Mesozoic dolomite. At the rear of the cave are several frozen springs.
It is these springs that melt ever so slowly to form the ice lingam.
And it is for darshan of this lingam that pilgrims brave every hazard.
The size of the lingam waxes and wanes according to the season, and its
peak, reaches a height of almost 13 to 14 feet. The cave is about 60
feet in length, 30 feet in width and 15 feet in height.

Chandanwari :
16 Km from Pahalgam is Chandanwari, a small valley bout 6,500 feet
above sea level, and the starting point of the Amarnath yatra. The
climb to Pissu Top is steep. One is usually on the pony during this
initial climb. Thereafter, the trek is on fairly level ground nd only
very slightly steep. Good shoes are a prerequisite here. Army jawans
are everywhere and very helpful.

Sheshnag :
13 Km from Chandanwari and about 11,330 feet above sea level. The sight
of the Sheshnag Lake from the top is spectacular. Sheshnag is the name
of the mountain where the cave lies and derives its name from its seven
peaks that resemble the head of the mythical snake. Here, tents,
bedding and food for the travellers are provided. Free kitchens
provided hot fresh food. Free medical camps are also found at several
places along the way. 

Sonmarg - Baltal :
Sonmarg at an altitude 3000 meters is situated on the Srinagar-Leh
Highway, 85 km northeast of Srinagar. 15 Km ahead of here lies the base
camp, Baltal from where the holy cave is just day's journey away. There
are free food facilities at Domail, 2 Km from Baltal. The trail from
Domail to the Holy Cave navigates very steep hillsides. One has to be
very careful while trekking here.