Amarnath Yatra

During the Amarnath Yatra, in the month of Shravan (July - August), the devotees visit this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice - stalagmite, and which waxes and wanes with the moon. By its side are, fascinatingly, two more ice - lingams, that of Parvati and of their son, Ganesha.

time. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons 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 pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).

According to other legends, 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 the 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. Today, as well a percentage of the donations made by pilgrims are given to the descendants of Malik, and the remaining to the trust which manages the shrine. According to another legend, when Kashap Reshi drained the Kashmir valley of water (it was believed to have been a vast lake), the cave and the lingam were discovered by Bregish Reshi who was traveling in the Himalayas. When people heard of the lingam, Amarnathji became Shiva's abode and a centre of pilgrimage. Whatever the legends and the history of Amarnathji's discovery, it is today a very important centre of pilgrimage and although the route is still difficult to negotiate but it is still very exciting. Every year, thousands of devotees come to pay homage before Shiva in one of his famous Himalayan abodes.

Since the base point for the pilgrim's trek is picturesque Pahalgam, a large tented township springs up to accommodate the pilgrims. The conduct of the Yatra is a gigantic task in which the State Government takes the assistance of the security departments for providing security and helping to keep the route open. All intermediate halting places have the same kind of facilities as are provided at Pahalgam, and a Yatra Officer is appointed to conduct the pilgrimage.

bag or blankets, umbrella, waterproof boots/shoes, walking stick, torch etc. Ladies are advised not to go on the trek in saris, instead pants or Salwar suits with drawers should be used.

Medical posts manned by qualified doctors and nursing staff are established en route to cater to the needs of the pilgrims, free of cost. However, pilgrims are advised to carry along any medicines specifically prescribed for them.

Essential rations are available at fair prices from the specially established Goverment Depots at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni. Numerous wayside tea-shops and small restaurants are set up by private parties. However, pilgrims are advised to carry with them biscuits, toffees, tinned food etc. to cater to their immediate needs. Firewood or gas can be obtained at Chandanwari, Sheshnag (Wawajan), Panchtarni and near the Cave.

In view of the hazardous nature, pilgrims are advised to insure themselves before proceeding on the Yatra.

Good tented accommodation with allied facilities are set-up during the Yatra period by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism and private parties. These are provided on the basis of payment of rates fixed by the State authorities. Facilities for booking of such accommodation will be available at the base camps.

Registration of pilgrims are undertaken about a month ahead of the date fixed for commencement of Yatra. The dates are generally notified through press advertisements. No Yatri will be allowed to proceed on the journey without a Registration Card.

Pilgrims are advised not to pay more than the specified rates for either services or their provisions.

It is important to observe discipline on the trek and keep moving slowly and steadily. Adhere to the instructions issued by the Yatra Officer from time to time. Officials of the State Police, Health, Tourism, Food and Supplies and other concerned Departments are deployed on duty to help the pilgrims.

You must also ensure that you are physically fit for the journey, and have yourself medically examined. Remember that you have to cross Mahagunus pass which is at an altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level.

Please ensure that ponies carrying your luggage and eatables remain with you at all times. Also ensure that the Pony Walla, labourer or Dandiwalla is properly registered and carries a token. You can get these allotted at fixed rates at the base camps.

Do not overstrain on steep gradients: do not relax at points where there are warning notices; don't break traffic discipline or try to overtake other on difficult stretches.

Aged, infirm, ailing and insufficiently clothed persons will not be permitted to proceed beyond Pahalgam.