Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath is a popular pilgrim shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva reported to be around 5000 years old. Thousands of people from across the country make a pilgrimage, or yatra up to the cave shrine of Amarnath, located in the Kashmir Himalayas through rocky terrains, snowy mountains, rain-swollen streams and a glacier-fed lake under unpredictable weather conditions. The shrine is situated at a height of 3,888 metres (approx.12,700 feet) above sea level near Pahalgam in the mountainous area in south Kashmir, 141 kilometers from Srinagar. 

It is said that Lord Shiva explained the secret of salvation and the path to immortality to his consort Parvati in this cave which was overheard by a pair of doves who became immortal and made this cave their eternal abode. Pilgrims still report seeing these doves at the cave.

There are several legends behind this cave. According to popular belief, it was a Muslim shepherd, Buta Malik who discovered the cave and the natural Shivalingam of ice, (Symbolic of Shiva's role as restorer, the lingam is worshipped throughout India) more than a century ago. Buta Malik was given a  sack of coal by a 'sadhu'. But when he opened the sack at home, he found that it was full of gold. Overjoyed he went back to thank the sadhu but found the cave on the spot where they met. From then on, the cave was venerated as a pilgrim centre. A representative from the Malik family would be present at the holy shrine along with the Hindu priest during the time of the pilgrimage and a percentage of the donations is still given to Malik's descendants.

The cave which faces south is about 150 feet high and 90 feet wide and its walls are made with gypsum. Within the cave, there are two gaps. Of the two gaps, one is bigger and it is below this gap that the ice formation resembling Shiva- linga representing the main deity is formed by the drops of water dripping from the top of the cave. It is believed that the water is coming from the holy Ramkund Lake, situated above the cave. Devotees believe that one can get salvation by witnessing this 'Ice-Shiv lingam'. The full moon day in the lunar  month of July / August (Shravana month) attracts maximum number of pilgrims as the ice lingam attains maximum height during this time. On the left of this main linga there are two other ice - lingams, representing Parvati and their son, Ganesha.