The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave, a cave located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The cave is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The yatra, or journey, usually takes place in the month of July or August and involves a trek through challenging terrain to reach the cave. Thousands of pilgrims participate in the yatra each year, many of whom are devotees of Lord Shiva. It is considered a great spiritual and physical challenge as the yatra takes place in high altitude and rough terrains.
At Panjtarni, Shiva left behind the five elements – Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Shiva performed the Tandava Dance. Then, finally, Shiva entered the Amarnath Cave along with Parvati and both of them manifested into a Lingam made of ice.
Pilgrims to Amarnath this year may be disappointed to learn that the shivling at the cave shrine is man-made and not naturally as usual. Pilgrims to Amarnath this year may be disappointed to learn that the shivling at the cave shrine is man-made and not naturally as usual.
Legends and Mythology of Amarnath Cave
There are numerous legends related to the Amarnath Cave. Among them, there is a most famous legend, which depicts that Lord Shiva has chosen this place to share the secret of immortality and the process of formation of the universe with Goddess Parvati.
He shared the story with Goddess Parvati about why he wears a bead of heads and what it implies. He told her that the head in the bead increases every time she is reborn. To this, Goddess Parvati asked about the reason behind Lord Shiva’s immortality.
He told her that she demanded to hear Amar Katha, which is a difficult task to listen for a human in one go and without sleeping.