Amarnath- Jammu Kashmir: The Ice Linga
Amarnath, located 145 kms to the east of Srinagar, the capital of the northern Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir is among the most important Shiva Lingas in Hinduism. The story narrated is the most peculiar aspect of Amarnath; the Shiva Linga here is a naturally occurring ice formation that changes its size with the seasons. Further, it is said that the size of the Amarnath Shiva Linga also changes with the waxing and waning of the moon. When the moon is waxing, the Linga increases in size, and when the moon is waning, the Linga’s size reduces. Shiva Linga reaches a height of six feet during new moon days and attains its maximum height of the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month of Shravana (usually occurring during the months of July/August). It is on this day that a major festival is held in the cave temple, as it is believed that this is the day when Lord Shiva first appeared.
Located in a glacial valley, Amarnath cave is situated at an altitude of 4,175 meters (13,700 feet). The cave is about 150 feet high and 90 feet long and contains four or five ice formations that are considered to resemble different gods. The central formation, which is also the biggest, is regarded to be that of Lord Shiva. The one on the left is of Ganesha, while the figures on the right are considered to be those of Parvati and Bhairava. The region is covered with snow from September to June, and the cave is accessible only in between July to August. However, this is the time of the monsoon and the weather of the region is very unpredictable. Annually around 25,000 pilgrims visit the cave shrine every year.
Places in Amarnath
Due to Amarnath spiritual prominence, there are many ashrams and meditation centres around this ancient temple shrine and famous pilgrimage centre. The state of Jammu & Kashmir is full of historical temples and tourist attractions.
Amarnath Hill Station- TRAVEL TIPS
- Languages: Hindi and English are widely spoken.
- Climate & Clothing: Note that temperatures in Amarnath drop to –5 degrees Celsius even during the relatively safe months of July/August when the Yatra is usually held. Further, this period also sees the region witness heavy rainfall. Hence, it is essential that travellers carry cold-weather wear and appropriate rainwear.
- Cuisine: Cuisine would largely be vegetarian. Note that Amarnath tours are offered by all leading tour operators of India.
- Tip: One can also hire ponies and dandies for the trip.
Amarnath is a must-stop for any temple tourism initiative or temple tour in India.
BEST TIME to visit Amarnath
The famous cave shrine of Amarnath cannot be visited during the peak winter season. The main cave is only open during the months of July & August. The Amarnath Yatra takes place during the months of July & August, and this is perhaps the best time to visit the Shiv Linga made from ice. Find Travel Agents suiting your travel on Tripraja.com
BEST WAY to reach Amarnath
- By Air: Srinagar, located 48 kms away, is the nearest airport.
- By Rail: Currently, the nearest railway station is Jammu. However, with the ongoing work at the Kashmir Railway, this is likely to change.
- By Road: Srinagar, the nearest major city to the shrine, is well connected to all the important cities in the region. Buses are plenty from all towns/cities in the region.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels and rooms are available to suit all budgets. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via temple pilgrimage tours and temple trips and also on Amarnath package travel tours.