Pilgrimage In Jammu & Kashmir
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Amarnath
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One of the holy Trinity, Shiva is
a living God. the most sacred and the most ancient book
of India, the Rigveda evokes his presence in its hymns.
Vedic myths, rituals and even astronomy testify to his
existence from the dawn of time. But Shiva, Destroyer,
the mendicant, is undefinable : He is a great yogi.
Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret
of creation in a Cave in Amarnath. Unkown to them a
pair of mating doves eavesdropped on this conversation
and having learned the secret, are reborn again and
again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many
pilgrims report seeing the doves pair when they trek
the ardous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam.
According to an ancient
tale, there was once a Muslim Shepherd named Buta Malik
who was given a sack of coal by a sadhu. Upon reaching
home he discovered that the sack, in fact, contained Gold.
Overjoyed and overcome, Buta Malik rushed back to look
for sadhu and thank him. But on the spot of their meeting
discovered a cave, and eventually this became a place
of pilgrimage for all believers. To date , a percentage
of the donations made by pilgrims are given to the descendents
of Malik, and the remaining to trust which manages the
shrine.
Yet another legend has
it that when Kashyap Rishi drined the
Kashmir valley of water the cave and lingam were discovered
by Bregeish Rishi who was travelling the Himalays. When
people heard of lingam Amarnath for the became Shiva's
abode and a centre of pilgrimage.
Pahalgam:
Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder
valley, Amarnath stands at 3888 mtrs and 46 Kms from Pahalgam
and 141 Kms from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage
subscribe that Yatra be undertaken from Srinagar , the
more common practice is to begin journey from Chandanwari
and cover the distance to Amarnath and back in 5 days.
Pahalgam is 96 Kms from Srinagar. the trek from Chandanwari
to Cave is on an ancient peregerine route. pilgrims camp
at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night out.
The first day's trek
of 12 Kms from Chandanwari is through spectacular primeval
country side and the main centre of attraction is Sheshnag
a mountain which derves its name from seven peaks resembling
the head of mythical snake. A cascading stream accompanies
you with wild scenery untouched by modern civilzation.
The second night camp at Wavjan overlooks the deep blue
waters of Sheshnag lake and glaciers beyond it. The tales
of love and revenge associated
with Sheshnag are recounted by campfires to the stillnes
of pine scented Himalyan night.
The second day 12 km
trek steadily gains height winding across Mahagunas Pass
at 4600 mtrs and then descendeing to the meadow land of
Panchtarni the last camp enroute to Amarnath Cave.
From Panchtarni to Amarnath
the distance is 6kms and an early morning start is recommended
for there is long queue awaitning entry at the cave. The
same day devotees after darshans can return to Panchtarni
in time for lunch and continue upto Sheshnag for night
halt.
From Baltal
The second approach to Amarnath is from Sonamarg via Baltal
alt. 3000 mtrs. . Sonamarg is situated on Srinagar-Leh
road north east from Srinagar. About 15 kms ahead lies
Baltal which is charming little valley lying in the foothills
of Zojila Pass. The holy cave is just a days journey from
here. At domail 2 kms from Baltal free langar(community
Kitchen) facility is available. The trek from here is
very steep and therefore needs great caution and care.
Some teastalls are available at Brarimarg and Sangam top.
Several snow bridges on the fast flwing streams are to
be crossed and during rains the road becomes slippery.
At sangam top the road meets Pahalgam route. At Baltal
Ponies/Dandies/Pack ponies /porters are available on Govt.
approved rates.
The nearest Airport
is away in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with
major cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu
which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway
NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with country.Every sort
of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis
ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to
cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful
spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley
with country.
