Amarnath Yatra
One of the holy Trin ity,
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.
Ye 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.
How to Reach ? From Pahalgam
Situated in a narrow gorge at the f arther
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 mo untain
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.
For those who journey with faith it is a rewarding
experience.
Amarnathji Yatra : - Baltal Route
Best time to visit : April to October
Baltal, 15 km from Sonamarg at an altitude of 2743 m , is
the base camp of Amarnathji yatra . The meandering trek of
14 k from Baltal leads to the Hol
Cave . You can easily return the same day by early evening
to Baltal where ample tents are available at affordable
cost. Panies and Danies from Baltal can also be hired at
fixed government rates. Now operate Helicopter Services for
Yatris from Baltal and Srinagar during the yatra period.
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. |