Amarnath

Amarnath, located in union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most important pilgrimage in India for the worshippers of Lord Shiva. The Amarnath cave has an enshrined Shivaling formed naturally with ice, which resembles Lord Shiva. Amarnath Cave is accessible only during the Sharavan months of July-August. There are two routes available for undertaking the Amarnath Yatra - via Baltal or Pahalgam.

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.