Kashmir, the crown of India is an epicenter of tourists from all around the globe. But the difference which one could feel here is the art of hospitality of the people. The beauty of meadows isn’t the only aspect to attract tourists from different corners of the world. It is the center of spirituality for many people. Kashmir is considered as one of the important places from a religious point of view. It is a land with religious and historic reference to both Hinduism and Muslims. Some of the important temples are Shankracharya Temple, Kheer Bhawani temple, Amarnath Cave and the ancient Martand Temple. Kashmir is one of the areas dominated by Muslim population since medieval times, with a large number of religious spots which engrave a high sense of spirituality in one. Some of these spots are Jamia Masjid, Aish Muqaam Dargah, Charar-e Sharief, Ziyarat Dastgir Sahib. But Amarnath Cave attracts the most number of people amongst all. Amarnath cave is located 141km from Srinagar and at an altitude of 12700 ft, which makes it challenging for most of the pilgrims. The Yatra starts from the last week of July till the day of Chadi Mubarak (it is celebrated on the Day of Raksha Bandhan). According to stats of recent years around 4-6 lakh pilgrims visit and complete the Yatra every year.
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, popularly known as Baba Barfani by the locals. There are a multiple number of legends and stories but the most famous amongst all is, it is believed that Mata Parvati intended to hear Katha (story) of immortality from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, who wanted to narrate the katha without anyone’s presence around took Mata Parvati to a quiet place. It is believed that Lord Shiva left his Moon at Chandanwadi, Lord Ganesh at Mahagunas Parvat, his Sheshnag at Sheshnag lake, 5 elements at Panchtarni. Further, they found a cave where Lord Shiva narrated his Katha to Mata Parvati. But after his Katha he saw two pigeon eggs who also listened to the Katha. It is believed that the pair of a white pigeons also got immortal after they were born out of their eggs and can still be seen flying around in the cave.
Except this story, a Shivalinga is also got formed from the icy cold dripping water through some cracks of the cave. This Shivalinga made of ice remains frozen for the first month during the Yatra. Religious preachers pray twice a day, once in the morning at 6 AM and then in the evening at 5 PM. On the foothills of Machoi Glacier, a pond known as Amar Kund is of important religious significance. The dip in this pond with shiny green water and ice floating all over is considered to wash away the sins of a human.
There are two different routes to reach the Holy Cave. The first route starts from the place called Baltal, 15 KM from Sonmarg. From Baltal after walking 2 km we reach a place called Domail where Yatris are screened by the security forces. A steep climb of 5 km starts from Domail till Brarimarg, situated a highest point while walking through the route with an amazing view. It takes another 7 km to reach the cave. This route is shorter but with a steep climb and very less religious reference. The other route is taken by pilgrims who want to explore more along the trek. It covers other temples on the way as well as Sheshnag lake. This route starts from Chandanwadi, trekking through Mahagunas Parvat, Sheshnag lake, Panchtarni and Sangam before you reach your destination. This route is about 12 km longer than former route. It stretches upto 26 km.
Over a span of 2 months (July-Aug), pilgrims from different corners of the country reach here to pray. Pilgrims sing devotional songs and trek the whole route with the devotion. The period from Jun-Aug is a golden period for the local people. With the flourishing tourism in the valley comes a source of occupation and financial aid to many local families. During this period the locals opt to be tour guides, porters and help people with animal transport. This opportunity even helps them to graze their cattle along with the seasonal job. They even support the security forces in loading heavy loads to the inaccessible areas.
The responsibility of organizing the event is of Shree Amarnath Shrine Board along with the help of Government. The board along with the Non-Governmental Organisations provide the basic facilities to people along the routes which include food, drinking water, washrooms, and medical aid by the appointed Doctors for the event. It also helps the yatris to halt at Panchtarni in Pandals(tents). Various security forces also get deployed to run the event smoothly. It includes Indian Army, BSF, CRPF, NDRF and J&K Police. These security forces ensure route clearance, law and order, outer periphery protection, to save pilgrims from any natural calamity and to provide protection from any terrorist attack. Ever since this event has started, the security forces have proved themselves each and every time.
This event could be a lifetime experience for everyone fillings one’s mind with positivity. It is packed with scenic beauty, devotion towards Lord Shiva, a great trek and the shining sky at night.
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