Dr Rajendra Mishra
Since times immemorial, the Himalayas have been regarded as the Abode of the Gods. Whenever the humans have been in need of special divine assistance in their worldly or spiritual struggles, they have proceeded towards the lofty hoary heights. Its awe-inspiring,sky-hugging peaks, deep caverns, and chilly deep valleys both conceal and reveal untold secrets. Since the hoary past, the mankind has felt an irresistible lure of the mountains. That is why, the Himalayas, especially its southern flank, are replete with holy places of pilgrimages.
In this regard, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, too, has been quite lucky. It is home to a number of religious shrines which attract lakhs of pilgrims every year to come and pay obeisance. Among them, Shri Vaishno Mata ji is famous the world over, while in Kashmir, Shri Amarnath ji’s Cave Shrine is the most attractive.
According to Hindu Scriptures, Shri Amarnath cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in the Hindu religion. The cave holds a great importance in Hindu mythology and is considered to be one of the most sacred sites in India.
According to the Scriptures, Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, imparted the secrets of immortality to His Divine Consort Devi Parvati in this cave. It is believed that during the Treta Yuga, the sage Bhrigu approached Lord Shiva and asked for the secrets of the universe. Lord Shiva was pleased with Bhrigu’s devotion and revealed the secrets of immortality to him in the Amarnath cave.
This holy cave and the legends associated with it find mention in various Puranas and other significant Sanskrit texts.
Padma Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas, also mentions the Amarnath Yatra and Lord Shiva’s lingam at the Amarnath Cave. Here are some of the references from Padma Purana:
* “In the delightful mountain of Himalaya, there is a splendid region named as ‘ Kashmir’. The people of the region adore the Shiva- Linga at the splendid place of Amarnath” (Padmapurana, Uttar Khand, 41.20)
* ” In the region of ‘Kashmir’, there is a cave that is held in high regard by the Gods. It is named as Amarnath, and it is the abode of Shiva. The Lord grants blessings to his devotees here, and thus, it is renowned in all the three worlds” (Padma Puarana, Shrishti Khand, 27.14)
* ” Lord Shiva himself resides in the Amarnath Cave. The devotees who worship him with a pure heart and mind are blessed with all their desires” (Padma Purana, Shrishti Khand, 27.15)
* ” In the Amarnath cave, Lord Shiva appears in the form of an ice-lingam during the summer season. He grants the wishes of all his devotees who visit him there” (Padma Purana, Shrishti Khand, 27.17)
In the Mahabharata, it is said that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of immortality and creation to his consort, Goddess Parvati, in a cave in the Amarnath region. This cave is believed to be the Amarnath Cave, and the story is recounted in the Mahabharata’s Anusasana Parva, Section XXXIII. In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas are said to have visited the Himalayas to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is believed that they traveled to the Amarnath Cave as well.
The Skanda Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas, also mentions the Amarnath Cave and its association with Lord Shiva. According to the legend, Lord Shiva took refuge in the Amarnath Cave to escape from the demon Bhasmasura, who had been granted a boon that allowed him to burn anyone he touched to ashes. Lord Shiva then created a Shivlinga in the cave and meditated there for thousands of years. The Skanda Purana contains several stories related to Lord Shiva and his various manifestations. One of the chapters is dedicated to the Amarnath Cave, and it describes how Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of immortality to Goddess Parvati at this location.
The Bhagavata Purana, also known as Srimad Bhagavatam, is one of the eighteen major Puranas of Hinduism. It contains various stories and teachings related to Hindu Gods and Goddesses, including Lord Shiva. In the Puarana, there is a mention of Amarnath cave, which is considered to be one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. In the 2nd canto, 6th Chapter, 14th verse of the Bhagvata Purana, it is mentioned that Lord Shiva had revealed the secret of immortality to his consort Parvati inside a cave situated in the Himalayas. This cave is believed to be the same Amarnath Cave where the Shiva Lingam naturally forms during the annual pilgrimage.
The Rajatarangini, a Sanskrit text written by Kalhana in the 12th century, also mentions the Amarnath Cave and the pilgrimage to it. The Rajatarangini states that the Kashmiri King Awantivarman (855-883 CE) was the first to discover the Amarnath Cave and to undertake the pilgrimage. The text also describes the Visit of Queen Suryamati, wife of King Ananta (1028-1063 CE), to the cave, where she prayed to Lord Shiva for the welfare of her Kingdom.
Pilgrimages, like other religious penances, are the ways the devout seeks to purify his body and mind through physical hardship. That is the reason that most of the Hindu pilgrimages are conducted in the very difficult icy mountainous terrains and are fraught with risk and Shri Amarnath Yatra is no exception. But, undertaking this Yatra can be a life-changing experience. Here, one comes across the nature at its grandest and the mightiest. One is awestruck with Nature’s grandeur and power, feels humbled in its presence, but also feels himself one with it. That is the moment of the realization of God and his amazing playground. In this arena of Death and Immortality, Horror and Beauty, one has the darshan of Shiva – the Most Beneficial and the Ultimate Destroyer. Driven to the extremes of human endurance, one realizes the insignificance of Death and the eternity of the Spirit – this experience contains the seeds of the Intimations of Immortality.
It is the craving for this indescribable experience that inspires thousands of pilgrims every year to undertake such a difficult pilgrimage to the Holy Cave to pray at the feet of Ice Shivalingam.The arduous pilgrimage involves a strenuous trek through rugged terrain, and pilgrims must be physically fit and well- prepared as the Amarnath cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres (12,756 feet) above sea level at the confluence of Amravati and Panjtarni rivers.
Despite the challenges involved, the Amarnath Yatra remains a popular and deeply spiritual pilgrimage for Hindus around the world.
Since the pilgrimage is a significant religious occasion, a large number of sadhus also arrive to participate. They begin their journey from the Dashnami Akhada Temple at Srinagar along with the Holy Mace (Chhadi Mubarak). This group is led by the Mahant of Dashnami Akhada is regarded as the official yatra group. This journey is regulated by the spiritual leaders (sadhus) and follows all the rituals and traditions associated with the pilgrimage. Chhadi Poojan (worship of the Holy Mace) at the Amarnath Cave on the Raksha Bandhan day marks the formal conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra. No pilgrim is allowed to the shrine after that.
After performing their ablutions and prostrations at Ganesh Bal, in the Lidar valley, the pilgrims proceed to Pahalgam, and hence follow up the defile to the right to a place in the forest called Chandanwari. Afterwards the path, though worn by the pilgrimages through the ages, is rocky and fatiguing, but usually is no way dangerous. A second and steep ascent begins from Chandanwari, after which pilgrims find themselves in a long open valley formed between the mountain peaks rising to a thousand feet above it on each side, the valley itself being elevated above the limit of forest.
Having performed their ablutions in the Shisha Nag, they encamp on the grassy plain to the north of the lake.In the next stage of the pilgrimage, they cross another ridge by an easy pass to the north-east of the Sachkach Mountain, and descend into the grassy valley of the five streams, encamping for the night at the foot of the spur forming the southern boundary of the Amarnath valley. Next morning, long before day-break, the camp is astir, and old and young of both sexes, hale and decrepit, begin their last and by far the most toilsome ascent. The long train of pilgrims winds slowly over the lofty spur, descending its steep side into the narrow valley at the foot of the Amarnath mountain, and performing their ablutions in the Amar Veyut, the stream which flows at the bottom, the pilgrims climb the steps to the cave. When the pilgrims reach the cave, they commence shouting, “Jai Baba Barfani, Bhookhe ko bhojan, pyase ko pani”, “Har Har Mahadev” etc. clapping their hand, and calling upon the deity.This is the universal and simultaneous exclamation and prayer of prostrate thousands.
The celebrated Holy Cave is an enormous fissure on the south side of the mountain, situated in a deep and narrow valley, which is bounded by steep and lofty mountains, and traversed by a torrent which flows from a very large glacier at its upper end. The opening of the cave is about 200 or 300 feet above the torrent, and the path leading up to it is steep and rocky; it passes straight inwards for about 75 feet, and then turns to the right for about 125 feet; the height of the cave varies from 10 to 50 feet, and large drops of water are constantly trickling down from its roof.
The inner portion is intensely cold, and contains two large Shivalingams of transparent ice, which are formed by the freezing of the water which oozes through the rock. Here, the pilgrims throw their offerings, consisting usually of money, fruit, gram and flowers. A Nandi, carved in stone, is placed in the middle of the cavern. The great festival takes place in the Hindu month Saawan and concludes on Shravan Poornima, they also celebrated all over India as Raksha Bandhan.
The cave is much frequented, by rock pigeons. The Shastras say that Parvati had asked Shiva to reveal to her the secret of Immortality and Shiva obliged. But, as He was revealing to her the esoteric knowledge, Parvati fell asleep. But Shiva continued, as there was a couple of pigeons in the cave who continued to make sounds which Shiva regarded as coming from the attentive Parvati. Having learnt the secret of immortality, the pigeons to became immortal. It is believed the same pair of pigeons gives darshan to the pilgrims even to the present times. It is considered a miracle because normally it is highly unlikely that pigeons would select an icy cavern in a dreary solitude, far removed from human habitations in which to make their nests.
The Yatra takes place during the months of July and August, and is meticulously organised by the Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir, spearheaded by Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, under the able leadership of Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha ji, who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Shrine Board.
This year, the 62-day long Shri Amarnathji Yatra will commence on 1st July this year and culminate on 31st August. The registration through online & offline modes for the yatra has already started from 17th April.
At Panchtarni, due to harsh cold winds, the yatris may be affected by deficiency of oxygen. They may also experience nausea. One has to be careful otherwise there may be chances of heart attack. Cold weather conditions in high altitude sites, may cause the temperature to plunge to 2-5 degree Celsius, and the elderly people run the risk of hypothermia.
It would be a good idea to know before and the symptoms of hypothermia, so that necessary steps could be taken in time if they appear. The symptoms are –
Shivering
Slurred speech or mumbling
Slow, Shallow breathing
Weak pulse
Clumsiness or lack of coordination.
So, it is advisable to check medical conditions before coming to Yatra. However, the State Health Department provides The Base Hospital, Medical Aid Center (MAC) and Emergency Aid Center (EAC) at various locations during Yatra period for the pilgrims in case some medical emergency arises.
So, before proceeding to Amarnath Yatra, one should have two months preparation prior to Amarnath Yatra.
Before embarking on this challenging journey, it is recommended that pilgrims undergo at least 2 months of preparation. The preparation includes physical and mental training, as the trek is arduous and requires a considerable amount of stamina and endurance. Pilgrims are advised to engage in regular exercise and improve their fitness levels, with activities such as hiking, jogging, yoga. They are also recommended to follow a healthy diet and avoid foods that could cause digestive problems during the trek.
Apart from physical preparation, pilgrims must also obtain the necessary permits and gear for the Yatra. This includes registration with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), obtaining a health certificate and carrying appropriate clothing, shoes, and equipment for the journey. Pilgrims are also advised to carry a first aid kit, sufficient water and essential medications.
In addition to physical preparation, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with the route, weather conditions, and cultural practices of the region. One should research the necessary permits, accommodations and transportation options and plan accordingly.
Finally, mental preparation is equally important, as the Yatra requires patience, discipline and a positive attitude. Pilgrims are advised to practice meditation to stay focused and motivated during the journey. Overall two months of preparation before the Amarnath Yatra is essential for a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Yatra Trek
Route 1:- Jammu – Pahalgam – Chandanwari – Pissu Top – Sheshnag – Panchtarni – Holy Cave
The distance between Jammu to Pahalgam (315 km) can be covered by taxi/buses, available at Tourist Reception Centre, J&K Govt., Raghunath Bazar only early in the morning. Another option is going to Srinagar by air and then proceeding to Pahalgam by Road.
The distance between Pahalgam and Chandanwari (16 km) can be covered by mini buses. The langars are also available.
Pissu Top is said that to be the first to reach for darshan of Bhole Nath Shivshanker. The camps are available in Sheshnag.
From Sheshnag, one has to climb for 4.6 km a steep height across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 meters and then descend to the meadow lands of Panjtarni at a height of 3657 metres. There are Pilgrims camp at Panjtarni to stay in on 3rd night of the pilgrimage.
There are two smaller Shivlings – one is Maa Parvati and other is Shri Ganesh. It is observed that after having darshan of Shivlinga at Holy Cave, one can return to Panjtarni well in time the same day.
Route 2:-Jammu -Baltal – Holy Cave
Sonamarg – Baltal: – From Jammu, one has to go by road to Srinagar and then to reach Baltal via Sonamarg.
Baltal – Holy Cave: – This is a 14-km one way steep trek. -. Only the physically very fit persons can go and come back the same day after trekking for 28 kms. Baltal is more popular because of its shorter distance.
Prefabricated huts for pilgrims’ night-stay are available at Baltal Base Camp, Nunwan Base Camp, Sheshnag Base Camp and Panjtarni.
Although the pilgrims may undertake the journey on the officially provided buses or their own vehicles, they have to proceed from Jammu as a part of a convoy of vehicles escorted by police and the army. No vehicle is allowed to proceed independently. The convoy of public and private vehicles leave at scheduled time early in the morning so as to reach Pahalgam or Baltal in time. It is hoped and prayed that the weather remains favourable and the Yatra concludes safely for everybody concerned.
(The author is Professor, The Business School, JU)
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