The Legends of Amarnath Cave Unfurled

A pilgrimage of high importance and epitome of Hindu believe, Amarnath Cave is one such place that represents the presence of Almighty Lord Shiva. Known to be the Supreme God in Hindu mythology, he is intended to be the destroyer. He is the one, from whom the world originated and in whom the world will end itself. As it is associated with Lord Shiva, one can visit the place and pay respect to Lord Shiva in the Lingam Form made up of Ice. Positioned in the state of Jammu & Kashmir at a whooping height of more than 12,000 feet, Sri Amarnath Temple is flocked by thousands of devotees every year.

Mythological Significance:

As per the holy books are to be believed, it is said that Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about his immortality. Goddess Parvati further questioned that why she is always dies. To this, Lord Shiva told her about his position as the supreme god, who never took birth. Adding to the information, he also mentioned about the Amar Katha that makes a person immortal. And by listening this, she asked Lord Shiva to narrate Amar Katha to her. To this, Lord Shiva agreed. In order to recite Amar Katha to her, he was in search of a quaint and calm place devoid of any living being around.

And in this matter, Lord Shiva came across this cave that was famed as Amarnath Cave. Further to this, he took Goddess Parvati here. In his journey to the cave, Lord Shiva left his Nandi at Pahalgam, Chandra at Chandanwadi, his snake at Lake Sheshnaag, his son Lord Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat and five elements (Air, water, earth, fire and sky) at Panjtarini. Then, he asked the fire lord to destroy every living being surrounding the cave so that no one can listen to the legendary story. After doing all this, Lord Shiva entered the cave with Goddess Parvati and started reciting the story.

As the luck would have it, a pair of pigeons overheard the Amar Katha and became immortal. Well, at present, a pair of pigeons is still in the cave around Ice Lingam. Generally speaking, Amarnath Lingam is formed with the droplets of water falling over the ground. The beauty of the Amarnath Shrine is further enhanced by quaint atmosphere and rugged terrains. It is a magnificent place that always attracts tourists in thousands of number.

In order to reach here, one can take Pahalgam or Baltal with previous one to be the traditional route. Though a longer route, it is ideal for enjoying the surrounding nature. Apart from this, Baltal is the newest and shortest route to reach Amarnath Cave. Positioned at a distance of 14km, the travellers are free to climb on foot or a pony. This is the reason that Amarnath Caves and its significance is not hidden from the people. Each year, the extensive numbers of people visit the place to seek blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.