Amarnath Cave
Label : Top Attraction
Tags : Cave
Timings : Dates vary every year between Last week of June to Mid August.
Time Required : 3-4 hrs
Entry Fee : Free
Amarnath Cave, Amarnath Overview
Amarnath Cave is a holy shrine that houses the Shiva Linga, made out of ice (an accumulation of droplets of water that freezes upon touching the floor of the cave). It is this Shiva Linga that devotees come to see and seek blessings from. It is accessible only during the Sharavan months of July-August.
The shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is almost 5000 years old. It holds an important place in Hindu Mythology. Inside it is an ice stalagmite which resembles Lord Shiva and waxes during the months of May to August. The water seeps into the rocks and soon wanes after that. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva explained his consort Goddess Parvati about the secrets of life and eternity.
There are two other ice formations which represent Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva's son Lord Ganesh. People visit here during the Shravani Mela which is a 45 day season in July-August. It takes five days for the devotees to reach the destination on foot from either Srinagar or Pahalgam.
