Introduction

The cave of Amarnath is held in considerable veneration by Hindus. Two stories are told about how the sacred cave of Amarnath was discovered. According to one version, there was a Muslim Gujjar herdsman named Buta Malik who was given a sack of coal by a sadhu. When Malik opened the sack he discovered that it was full of gold. Delighted, he rushed back to thank the sadhu, but at the spot where they had met, discovered a cave which then become a place of pilgrimage. Interestingly, even today, a percentage of the donations made by pilgrims are given to the descendants of Malik. The other version speaks of the time when all Kashmir was under a vast lake. Rishi Kashyap drained the water through number of rivers and rivulets and the mountains stood revealed. It was Rishi Bhrigu who was the first to have a ‘darshan’ of this holy cave where Lord Shiva was manifest in a lingam of ice that is believed to wax and wane with the moon's cycle.

There are two routes that are taken by the pilgrims, one is from Pahalgam and the other is from Sonamarg.

The route from Sonamarg is from Baltal, fifteen kilometers from Sonamarg and Baltal also serves is the base camp for the ‘yatra’. If you leave Baltal early, it is possible to return the same day from the shrine. Ponies and litters, ‘dandies’ are available at Baltal. Medical facilities, telecommunications and food camps are also organized by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board in association with the government and army. Helicopter services for the shrine are also available.

The ‘yatra’ is held around the Hindu month of Shravan – and broadly coincides with July and August. This is the time when thousands of pilgrims wind their way up to this holy cave.

Special Attributes

A holy cave where Lord Shiva manifests as a lingam of ice

Nuisance

None as such

Dressing restrictions

Clothing that do not retain water

Connectivity

Horse back, on foot or in litters

Enjoyed by

Religious folk

Exposure

Yes. Keep a raincoat handy. And a headgear.

Avoidable Season

December, January and February

Facilities

Food and medical camps

Things Not Allowed

No shoes in the shrine. Weapons of all description

Tip

It is advisable to carry some food and all prescription medicines along. Due medical cautions need to be taken

Type of site

Cave shrine