Amarnath, In the holy cave of in Jammu and Kashmir the Shivalinga is a snow-built natural one. The Devi is also snow-built and is near this Shivling. She is called Mahamaya Shakti and also called Parvati so it is also called Parvati Peeth. It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of Devi where her throat fell.
As per legend,Sage Bhrigu is said to be the first one to discover Amarnath. It is said that the Kashmir Valley was submerged underwater, and the great Sage Kashyapa drained it through. And when the waters were drained, Rishi Bhrigu had the first of Lord Shiva of Amarnath.
Amarnath Shrine Board organises Pujas for devotees. You can also book Puja online.
The usual time to Visit Amarnath is between May to September. Best time is between Guru Purnima and Shravan Purnima – July to August, the Indian month of Shraavana. But the weather is very unpredictable and on some occasions caused deaths due to avalanches and you need to check when the journey is permitted. But the journey through the Himalayan mountains is very beautiful and refreshing.
Age and health restrictions: As it is at 12,756 ft altitude and the journey is strenuous, people bellow 16 and 75 are not permitted. Those who have heart, BP or asthma problems have to consult their doctor.
How to reach Amarnath: It is better to take the help of a travel agent.
Nearest airport is Srinagar airport. It is 70 km from Pahalgam 156 km from Amarnath – about 7-1/2 hours by road.
By helicopter: From Srinagar Airport helicopter services to Panjtarni which is 2km from Amarnath.
By rail: The nearest railway station to is Jammu, 315 km from Pahalgam.
By road:
- The Pahalgam route (46 km): From Jammu, buses and cabs are to Pahalgam. Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave takes about 5 days to reach and people can take ponies to reach there.
- Baltal to Amarnath Cave route (14 km):
Take a bus or cab from Jammu tio Baltal and from there you can treck to the Amarnath cave. It is just a day’s trek but a steep one.
