A visit to the Amarnath temple is a journey of faith. An ice Shivling is naturally formed inside the holy Amarnath cave, hence Baba Amarnath is also known as Baba Barfani. Inside the cave, water droplets fall from above and freeze into ice. It first forms a solid base and then miraculously becomes a lingam. Reaching the cave like many other pilgrimages in India is not an easy task. The Bhagwan certainly wants to test His devotees before they arrive.
When does Amarnath Yatra start?
Amarnath Yatra will generally start from June 25 - 28 in 2022. This year, June/July 2022 is the inaugural month of
Amarnath Yatra. It is the auspicious day of
Skanda Shashthi on which the gates of the holy cave will remain open for the devotees. This yatra will continue for about two months and will end on
Shravan Purnima.
How to reach Amarnath Cave?
A pilgrimage to this cave takes place when the snow-capped Shivaling reaches the top of its waxing phase during the summer months. Though explained scientifically, the formation of Baba Amarnath is nothing short of a divine miracle. The Shravan months of July-August are popularly known for this annual Hindu pilgrimage month. It is during this time that around 600,000 pilgrims visit the celestial temple of Bhagwan Shiva built in a 40 m high cave.
The distance of Amarnath Cave from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is about 140 km. It is believed that the divine journey starts from Srinagar, but there are two different routes to reach the holy cave. The natural beauty echoes with spirituality in this area, before reaching the cave, the northern route is along the Amarnath valley. On this route the Amravati, a tributary of the Chenab, flows along with you towards the cave.
How to register for Amarnath Yatra?
To register, it is necessary to submit the online application form and Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued by the institutions/doctors authorized by SASB. For more details on booking and registration, visit the official site of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, which is shriamarnathjishrine.com.
Beautiful views of the mountains, ringing of temple bells, icy cold winds and loud chants of "Har Har Mahadev" describe the atmosphere of the holy Amarnath Yatra, which leads to the revered pilgrimage site of Amarnath. Every year thousands of pilgrims climb to the heights to worship the Shivling made of ice.
Har Har Mahadev !