Amarnath Gufa – Guide
The Amarnath Temple also known as the Amarnath Gufa is a major pilgrimage site for the devotees of Lord Shiva which is famous for the naturally formed ice Shivalinga of Lord Shiva. Amarnath cave is located at a distance of 135 kilometers near Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 13000 feet. It was at this place that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati. Let us tell you that Goddess Parvati Shakti Peetha is also situated in this cave, which is said to be one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of Mata Sati and here the throat of Mata Sati fell.
History of this Temple
History of the Amarnath Gufa says once Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati asked him why he wears the garland of heads, to which Lord Shiva replied that as many times as you have been born, I have worn as many heads. Have done It is said that at this place Lord Shiva narrated the immortal story to Parvati and told the secret of his immortality, hence this place is called Amarnath.
While narrating this story Lord Shiva also created a Rudra who set this cave on fire that no living person could find it but a pigeon had hidden its eggs there and later it turned into a pair of pigeons. It is said that after listening to the “Amar Katha” those pigeons became immortal.
The height of this holy cave is 19 meters, the depth is 19 meters and the width is 16 meters. The most special thing about this cave is that here a natural Shivling is made of ice. Due to the natural and miraculous formation of Shivling here, it is also called Barfani Baba or Himani Shivling.
Amarnath Gufa Timings
The best time to visit Amarnath cave is between May to September. The temperature here during summers ranges between 9-34 degrees and there is a lot of greenery at this time. The pilgrimage to Amarnath cave begins every year during July and August which is an ideal time.
Places to visit near this Temple
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is 140 km away from Pahalgam. Tourists often come here to enjoy the snow. It also has the highest golf course in the world.
Srinagar
Srinagar is located at a distance of 92 kms away from Pahalgam. Apart from Srinagar’s blue sky and Dal Lake, enjoy Mughal-style buildings and Kashmiri food here.
Sonamarg
This place is located at a distance of 178 km away from Pahalgam. This place is famous for Gadsar lake and Thajivas glacier.
Ladakh
Ladakh is located at a distance of 170 km away from Pahalgam. This place is famous for Pangong Lake, Shanti Stupa, Tso Moriri Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Magnetic Hill, Nubra Valley.
Jammu
Jammu is located at a distance of 260 kms away from Pahalgam. This place is famous for Shiv Khori and Amar mahal palace.
Also Read: Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple Guwahati, Timings, Story, Travel Guide and How to reach
How to reach Amarnath Gufa
By Air- The nearest airport from Amarnath Gufa is Pahalgam airport which is at a distance of 50 km away from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Train- The nearest railway station from Amarnath Gufa is Pahalgam railway station which is at a distance of about few kms away from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Road- Roads to this temple are not well connected with the other cities of the country so first you have to reach Pahalgam from any part of the country. Then from here you can go to this temple by trekking.
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