Sri Amarnath Cave Temple- Jammu and Kashmir

Address

Sri Amarnath Cave Temple, Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Pahalgam,Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir 192230 Phone: 0194 231 3146

Diety

Amarnath (Shiva), Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• Location: Jammu and Kashmir, India, at an altitude of 3,888 meters (12,756 ft).
• Distance from Srinagar: Approximately 141 km (88 mi) via Pahalgam.
• Significance: One of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, surrounded by snow-clad mountains, with the cave accessible only during summer.
• Pilgrimage: The annual pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees, who journey through challenging mountainous terrain to visit the cave.

Puranic Significance

• Historical References:
  • The Rajatarangini (Book VII v.183) mentions Amarnath as “Krishaanth.”
  • Queen Suryamati gifted sacred emblems to the temple in the 11th century AD.
  • Ancient texts like the Rajavalipataka and others contain references to the pilgrimage.
• Discovery by Sage Bhrigu:
  • According to legend, Sage Bhrigu discovered Amarnath after Kashmir Valley was drained by Sage Kashyapa.
  • It became a sacred site for devotees to worship Lord Shiva, especially during the Hindu Holy month of Savan (July-August).

Beliefs

• Spiritual Importance:
  • Amarnath is one of the Char Dhams in Hinduism, considered a sacred pilgrimage site where millions visit to worship Lord Shiva.
  • Devotees from all over the world come to experience the spiritual energy of the shrine and seek blessings.
  • The Amarnath shrine transcends religious boundaries, welcoming people of all faiths.

Special Features

• The Shiva Linga:
  • Inside the 40-meter-high (130 ft) cave, a stalagmite forms due to the freezing of water droplets, believed to represent the Shiva Linga.
  • The lingam waxes and wanes with the seasons, reaching its height during summer and is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon.
  • According to Hindu beliefs, this is where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati.

Festivals

Maha Shivratri: Celebrated with great fervor, this festival honors Lord Shiva and attracts many devotees to the Amarnath shrine.

Century/Period/Age

15th century

Managed By

Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Nearest Bus Station

Amarnath

Nearest Railway Station

Jammu

Nearest Airport

Srinagar

lightuptemple