Irresistible Spiritual Charm of the Holy Amarnath Yatra 2017

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For those with faith in Hindu mythology, the annual Amarnath Yatra has an irresistible appeal. Thousands of devotees embark on this week-long annual expedition, which pasts through arduous mountains and unbearably chilly weather. It is just to pay homage to an ice formation in a cave amidst the rugged Himalayas. Isn't the faith personified!

Why so many people take such as hard expedition? This ice formation that takes place in the cave resembles Shiva-lingam, a part of Lord Shiva. It is also believe that the shape of ice formation changes with the movement of moon.  Those who see this miracle is believed to get lord Shiva's blessings and achieve salvation after the death.  

The pilgrimage takes place every Shravan month (July-August), and is definitely an interesting voyage through the rich Hindu culture.

In this blog, we offer you a vignette of the grand Amarnath Yatra that every Hindu dreams to go on, at least once in his lifetime.

About Amarnath Cave



At a jaw-dropping altitude (13,700 feet above sea level), amidst the mountains of Lidder Valley in Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, lies Amarnath Cave which is considered one of most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations on the earth. It is said that this ancient cave temple (about 130 ft high) was the secret abode of lord Shiva. According to Hindu Mythology, this cave is the very place where Lord Shiva narrated the secret of immortality to his better-half, Parvati.

Now, a natural ice sculpture takes place here. What may surprise you is the fact that this ice establishment remains in shape of Shiva-lingam. Every year in Shravan month (July-August), thousands of Hindu devotes flock to the cave to get darshan of the divine sculpture. The voyage is called Amarnath Yatra. The way to this sacred cave is very baffling and passes through rugged, snow-clad mountains.

Approximately 141 km from Srinagar, the cave is accessible by two ways: either via Phalagam town or through the Baltal route. The shrine is surrounded by snowy mountains and the distance from Pahalgam to Amarnath cave (about 26km) is covered on feet mostly. The shorter route via Baltal is about 16kms long, yet very steep and quite difficult to scale.

source - www.kalipath.com


Significance of Amarnath Yatra
There is a soft and serene impact of Lord Shiva on everything associated with the Yatra. On the way, visitors get to explore incredible bounties of nature. They get to pass through snow-capped mountains, beautiful lakes, deep colorful valleys and calm mystic glaciers. In fact, the journey offers a hearty mix of natural beauty and spiritualism.



Dates for Amarnath Yatra 2017 

 This year, Amarnath Yatra will start from 29th June 2017 and is expected to last till 7th August 2017. 

 Safety Tips for Yatris

Tough trekking route and inclement weather make Amarnath Yatra a difficult excursion. Not every person can visit the place, due to health and security reason. First you need to pass through a medical check up and then get approval from the concerned authority. Those visiting should keep some important points in mind.

  • Pack warm woolen clothes, as temperature at night reaches below freezing level.
  • A medical test is mandatory. Remember that at high elevations, it becomes difficult to restore energy and even breathe. You would better be following your doctor’s prescriptions
  • Try to stay close to your group
  • Don’t show any disrespect to local cultures or hurt anyone’s religious sentiment
  • Be quick and cooperative
  • Don’t argue with security staff. At some place photography is prohibited, due to security reason. Please don’t surpass over the rules.

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