Amarnath Yatra: A Pilgrimage of Immortality and Divine Blessings

An ethereal pilgrimage site nestled high in the Himalayas. Trek through challenging terrains to reach the mystical cave where Lord Shiva’s divine revelation to Goddess Parvati echoes through the ages

By Mool Raj

India, a sacred land steeped in spirituality, boasts an abundance of pilgrimage sites scattered throughout its vast expanse. These hallowed grounds have long been the focal points of faith and devotion for the Indian populace. Amongst these revered sites, the pilgrimage destination known as “Amarnath,” nestled in the picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir, holds a place of special significance. In ancient texts such as Kalhan’s “Rajatarangini,” this sacred site is referred to as “Amareshwar.” Apart from being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva dispersed across India, Amarnath stands out as a unique and prominent location associated with the revered deity, making it worthy of the title “pilgrimage of pilgrimages.” Amarnath Yatra: A Pilgrimage of Immortality and Divine Blessings

Perched at an awe-inspiring altitude of 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) above sea level, approximately 141 kilometers northeast of Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, lies the ethereal Amarnath Cave. This natural wonder stretches 19 meters deep and spans 16 meters in width, covering an area of around 150 square feet and towering 11 meters high, providing ample space for countless devotees to seek solace. Within this majestic cave, devout followers of Lord Shiva find a major religious site, where, according to mythological tales, the divine secret of immortality was revealed by Lord Shiva to his consort, Goddess Parvati. As the conqueror of death and embodying the essence of immortality, Lord Shiva earned the name “Amareshwar.” Devotees also lovingly refer to him as Baba Amarnath or Barfani Baba.

The name “Amarnath” derives from the amalgamation of two Hindi words: “Amar,” signifying “immortal” or “imperishable,” and “Nath,” denoting “Lord” or “God.” The legend unfolds when Goddess Parvati beseeched Lord Shiva to share the secret of immortality, a closely guarded knowledge he finally divulged within the secure confines of the Amarnath Cave, hidden away amidst the Himalayas, where no prying ears could intrude.

Due to the freezing temperatures inside the Amarnath Cave, water droplets crystallize into a magnificent ice formation resembling a divine idol, revered as the Shiva Lingam by followers of the Hindu faith.

Historians assert that the Amarnath Yatra, the annual pilgrimage to this holy site, has persisted for thousands of years, its importance chronicled in ancient scriptures like the Bringeh Samhita, Nīlamata Purāṇa, and Kalhana’s Rājataraṅgiṇī. References to this sacred journey date back as far as the 6th and 7th centuries, as documented in the Nīlamata Purāṇa. Even the great Kashmiri ruler, ‘Zainulabuddin’ (1420-1470), fondly known as ‘Badshah,’ is said to have undertaken this revered pilgrimage, as mentioned by the historian Jonaraja. In the 16th century, Abul Fazl, a historian during Akbar’s reign, documented the sanctity of Amarnath as a revered pilgrimage site.

Swami Vivekananda, an iconic spiritual leader, visited the Amarnath Cave on August 8th, 1898, and was profoundly moved by the sight of the ice Lingam, which he perceived as the embodiment of Lord Shiva himself. Overwhelmed by its beauty and spiritual significance, he expressed unparalleled joy and emotion, proclaiming Amarnath as an unparalleled destination amongst all religious and holy places.

The annual Amarnath Yatra commences from the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar on the auspicious Panchami Tithi (Fifth day) of the Shravan month and culminates in Pahalgam. The return journey begins on the Dwadashi Tithi (Twelfth day). During the month of Shravan, droves of people from diverse regions undertake this sacred pilgrimage to seek the blessings of the holy ice Lingam.

There are generally two routes to reach the Amarnath Cave: the Pahalgam route and the Sonamarg-Baltal route. The Pahalgam route, covering around 45 kilometers, is the more accessible and commonly traversed path. Along this pilgrimage route, pilgrims find respite in three major overnight stops: Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. The initial halt at Chandanwari, situated 12.8 kilometers from Pahalgam, allows pilgrims to rest after their first day’s journey. The next leg involves a challenging hike to Pissu Ghati, where Sheshnag awaits 13 kilometers further, with its stunning lake sprawled over a kilometer and a half, providing a haven for overnight rest. The subsequent day demands traversing the Mahagunas Pass, characterized by steep slopes and the presence of several small rivers, eventually leading to the famous Panchtarni. Situated 6 kilometers from the holy Amarnath Cave, Panchtarni holds historical significance due to the convergence of these five streams. Upon reaching the vicinity of the cave, pilgrims consider their journey complete and partake in religious rituals and worship. The darshan (vision) of the ice Lingam of Lord Shiva bestows divine blessings upon the devotees.

As previously mentioned, the teachings of immortality bestowed by Lord Shiva to Parvati in this sacred cave were overheard by a pair of doves (two pigeons), who became immortal as a result. These doves, known as Amarapakshi, are revered, and those fortunate enough to witness them during their pilgrimage are considered to have received the direct darshan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The Amarnath Yatra, a cherished annual event, is believed to confer numerous blessings upon devotees. The pilgrimage grants liberation without requiring stringent sensory control, as the journey exposes pilgrims to various worldly hardships, mixed experiences of joy and sorrow, and the disciplined heart obtained through darshan of the ice Lingam of Lord Shiva.

Moreover, the Darshan of Amarnath, or Amreshwar, is believed to alleviate all physical, spiritual, and divine sufferings, as indicated in ancient scriptures. An essential and practical aspect of the Amarnath Yatra is its role in fostering mutual harmony among people. The diverse pilgrims, converging to witness Lord Shiva, engage in conversations in various languages, promoting a sense of equality and brotherhood while exchanging knowledge about their respective geographical regions. Thus, in addition to being a pilgrimage site, Amarnath stands as a convergence of faith, knowledge, and harmony, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who undertake this spiritual odyssey.