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One of the most well known pilgrim places in India include Amarnath cave- located around the city of Pahalgam. The cave is situated at a height of 12,729 feet and is about 144 km from Srinagar and 48 km from Pahalgam. It measures 60 ft. in length, 30 ft. in breadth and 15 feet in height. Thousands of devotees flock to Amarnath cave to worship Baba Pashupatinath i.e. Lord Shiva every year on the day of Shravan Purnima, (day when "Rakshabandhan" festival is celebrated).
Inside the cave, the holy ice-lingam is a natural creation. It is believed that water from Shri Ramkund (Pond) which is situated above the cave falls drop by drop on the holy Shivlingam. There is a story associated that tells how the cave was discovered. The Amarnath Cave was found by a muslim shepherd boy named Buta Malik. One day, he met a monk who gave him a bowl full of coal. When he returned home, the coal was converted into gold. He was surprised and returned back to that monk; but instead of the monk, he saw a holy cave. From that day, the cave became a place of pilgrimage.
The Journey: The journey starts with a holy stick which is called "Shree Chadi Mubarak". The first stop of holy stick is a place named Paompur, next is Brijbehara then Aishkumar & from Aishkumar, it reaches to Pahalgam.
Pahalgam is the place where thousands of devotees join the journey to visit Baba Amarnath. The next stop is Chandanwadi which is 16 k.m. away from Pahalgam. Onward journey abound with ice valleys, water falls, ice covered Ponds etc.
Chandanwadi is a beautiful valley situated at a height of 8,500 feet from sea level. The centre of attraction in Chandanwadi is an ice bridge on Lidder river. Restaurants and hotels are also available here. Distance from Chandanwadi to Shesh Nag is 13 km.
From Shesh Nag, the second phase of journey starts towards Panchatarani which is 13 k.m. away. After crossing the Panchgunas mountain which is 14,500 feet in height, pilgrims reach Panchtarani which is a meeting point of 5 rivers.
Panchtarani is the last stop before Amarnath Cave, which is just 6 k.m. ahead.
Some Tips
The cave is open from 1st week of July till the end of Aug.
It is necessary for a Pilgrim to take woollen clothes, raincoat, umbrella, stick, torch, candle, polythene bag, thermos etc.
Food is available on the way to Amarnath Cave at different places but it is better to take some light food with oneself.
Tourist Information is available at
Director of Tourism, J&K Government, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar- 190001.
Tel :- (0194)-72449, 73648, 77224
Director of Tourism, J&K Government, Residency Road, Jammu- 180001.
Tel :- (0191)-180001
J&K Tourist Office, 201-203, Kanishka Shopping Plaza, 19, Ashok Road, New Delhi.
Tel :- (011)-3345373
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