Amarnath Yatra is one among the four major pilgrimages of India, and flock of devotees trek through the south Kashmir Himalayas to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji every year.
This year the Yatra was started on 28th of June and it will end on 26th of August that is for 2 months. 1500 pilgrims are allowed per day and they should fall in the age of 14 to 74 years. Read about the Nitty gritty of the Amarnath temple before planning your visit.
Amarnath temple is located in Kashmir, 145 km east of Srinagar and the trek begins on the panchami day of the bright half of the month at Srinagar. The first halt of the trek is at Pampur which is nine miles away from Srinagar in the South East direction. The next stop is at Brijbihara, Avantipur and Martand which is famous for its great ancient temple dedicated to God Sun. Other subsequent halts in the way are Aishmukam and Pahalgam. Pahalgam is reached on the day of Dasami and is the confluence of rivers Liddar and Seshnag. The next halt is Chandanwadi and Pishu Ghati. Pishu Ghati is believed to be the place where demons were killed by Gods. Moving further up, at a height of 12000 feet, there is Seshanag lake from where Seshanag River flows. After that, at a height of 14000 feet there is Mahagunus paas, which slopes down leading to Panchatarni. And finally on the full Moon day the Amarnath cave is reached.
Helpful Advices
The journey is not at all easy and people with some physical disability or kids and even the elderly people are advised not to take on the journey. On the way to the Amaranath Yatra, for the convenience of the visitors the local people have organised tents which can be hired for taking rest. One should carry with themselves high calorie food and chocolates along, so as to be protected against cold and get adequate supply of energy.
It’s only the faith and the devotion towards God that makes this journey possible, else it’s neither comfortable nor easy!!
