subject: Significance Of Amarnath Yatra [print this page] Amarnath, the holy place of the Hindus and the dwelling of Lord Shiva is positioned 145 km from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. To be found at the height of nearly3888 m higher than sea level.
As per the myths, Shiva was requested by Parvati to enlighten her with the undisclosed reason of immortality. He was reluctant for a long while, but due to her frequent persistence he agreed to expose the secret to her. They moved to a remote site in the Himalayas, where no one could eavesdrop there. He freed the moon from his hair at Chandanwari. At Sheshnag peak, he left his snakes and Ganesh was left last in front at Mahagunas Hill. At Panchtarni, Shiva parted with his five fundamentals that is Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky and along with Parvati cross the threshold of the cave. Here he sat for meditation on his deer hide and fur. To make certain that no living thing listened to the secret he formed a fire to devastate all life around him and then started to reveal the secret of immortality to Parvati. Nevertheless a pigeon's eggs concealed underneath Shivas deerskin stayed unharmed by the fire. A pair of pigeons, who listened to the secret of immortality, took birth from this egg and till today pilgrims who stopover at the holy cave can view a pair of pigeons residing here. Since the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) was exposed inside this cave, it came to be recognized as Amarnath.
The cave of Amarnath
Approximately about 45 m high and nearly90 feet long, The Amarnath cave faces south. Within the cave, there are nearly four to five ice configurations similar to images of different gods. As per the tradition, the chief one is worshipped as Amarnath or Shiva, one on the left side of the lingam is an ice structure worshipped as Ganesha, and on the right side is an ice shape worshipped as Parvati. Surrounded by the Amarnath cave is an additional tiny cave to the left of the figure, from which a chalk-like material is handed out to devotees as Vibhuti or sacred ash.
How to reach
The destination Amarnath is not directly connected by road or rail. The nearby airport is at Srinagar which is just 145 km, which is linked to Delhi and various Indian cities. Jammu is nearly300 km is the frequent starting point for the Amarnath Yatra and is linked by road, rail and air to all most important Indian cities. Getting to Amarnath is not a trouble-free hike owing to the tricky climatic conditions and the vertical climb up all along the Himalayas. Porters, horses and Dandies (Chairs carried by porters) are obtainable all through the route.
by: alivia.martin@yahoo.in
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