Indian States
Jammu
& Kashmir
Kashmir
(
Pilgrimage
)
(
Amarnath )
One
of the holy Trinity, Shiva is a living God. the most sacred
and the most ancient book of India, the Rigveda evokes
his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, rituals and even
astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time.
But Shiva, Destroyer, the mendicant, is undefinable :
He is a great yogi. Legend has it that Shiva recounted
to Parvati the secret of creation in a Cave in
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| Amarnath.
Unkown to them a pair of mating doves 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 doves pair when they trek the ardous
route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam. |
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 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
descendents of Malik, and the remaining to trust which manages
the shrine.
Ye
another legend has it that when Kashyap Rishi drined the Kashmir
valley of water the cave and lingam were discovered by Bregeish
Rishi who was travelling the Himalays. When people heard of lingam
Amarnath for the became Shiva's abode and a centre of pilgrimage.
Pahalgam
Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley,
Amarnath stands at 3888 mtrs and 46 Kms from Pahalgam and 141 Kms
from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage subscribe that Yatra
be undertaken from Srinagar , the more common practice is to begin
journey from Chandanwari and cover the distance to Amarnath and
back in 5 days. Pahalgam is 96 Kms from Srinagar. the trek from
Chandanwari to Cave is on an ancient peregerine route. pilgrims
camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night out.
The
first day's trek of 12 Kms from Chandanwari is through spectacular
primeval country side and the main centre of attraction is Sheshnag
a mountain which derves its name from seven peaks resembling the
head of mythical snake. A cascading stream accompanies you with
wild scenery untouched by modern civilzation. The second night camp
at Wavjan overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake and glaciers
beyond it. The tales of love and revenge associated
with Sheshnag are recounted by campfires to the stillnes of pine
scented Himalyan night.
The
second day 12 km trek steadily gains height winding across Mahagunas
Pass at 4600 mtrs and then descendeing to the meadow land of Panchtarni
the last camp enroute to Amarnath Cave.
From
Panchtarni to Amarnath the distance is 6kms and an early morning
start is recommended for there is long queue awaitning entry at
the cave. The same day devotees after darshans can return to Panchtarni
in time for lunch and continue upto Sheshnag for night halt.
From
Baltal
The second approach to Amarnath is from Sonamarg via Baltal
alt. 3000 mtrs. . Sonamarg is situated on Srinagar-Leh road north
east from Srinagar. About 15 kms ahead lies Baltal which is charming
little valley lying in the foothills of Zojila Pass. The holy cave
is just a days journey from here. At domail 2 kms from Baltal free
langar(community Kitchen) facility is available. The trek from here
is very steep and therefore needs great caution and care. Some teastalls
are available at Brarimarg and Sangam top. Several snow bridges
on the fast flwing streams are to be crossed and during rains the
road becomes slippery. At sangam top the road meets Pahalgam route.
At Baltal Ponies/Dandies/Pack ponies /porters are available on Govt.
approved rates.
The
nearest Airport is away in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected
with major cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which
is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the
Kashmir valley with country.Every sort of transport to suit every
budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around
10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some
beautiful spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley
with country.
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