Amarnath Temple – Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Temple – Amarnath Yatra

The July-August popular annual Hindu pilgrimage, undertaken by up to 600,000 or more pilgrims to the 130 feet (40 m)-high glacial Amarnath cave shrine of iced stalagmite Shiva Linga at 12,756 feet (3,888 m) in the Himalayas, is called Amarnath Yatra. Amarnath Yatra is one among the four major pilgrimages of India, and devotees trek through the south Kashmir Himalayas to the holy cave shrine of Amarnathji every year. 1500 pilgrims are allowed per day and they should fall in the age of 14 to 74 years. The peak pilgrimage occurs when the iced stalagmite Shiva Lingam reaches the apex of its waxing phase through the summer months. 

It begins with a 43 kilometres (27 mi) mountainous trek from the Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps at Pahalgam and reaches cave-shrine after night halts at Sheshnag Lake and Panchtarni camps. The yatra is both a way of earning revenue by the state government by imposing tax on pilgrims, and making living by the local Shia Muslim Bakarwal - Gujjars by taking a portion of revenue and by offering services to the Hindu pilgrims, and this source of income has been threatened by the Kashmiri militant groups who have harassed and attacked the yatra numerous times, causing killings and massacres.

The Harkat-ul-Mujahideen group had in the past imposed what it called a ban on the yatra in 1994, 1995 and 1998 while threatening the pilgrims of serious consequences. The Amarnath pilgrimage was suspended in July 2016 due to the Kashmir unrest. A section of Sufis and Shias later demanded resumption of the Yatra. Kalbe Jawad, a Shia cleric and general secretary of Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Hind and Sufi Cleric Syed Hasnain Baqai expressed concern that the tradition had been suspended because of upheaval in Kashmir. The number of pilgrims to the site has risen from around 12,000 in 1989 to over 400,000 in 2007.

This popular yatra destination for Hindus, received about 634,000 people in 2011, the highest recorded number for the site. The number was 622,000 in 2012 and 350,000 in 2013. Pilgrims visit the holy site during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in July–August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shraavana. The beginning of the annual pilgrimage, called Amarnath Yatrais marked by Pratham Puja to invoke the blessings of Shri Amarnathji. In olden days the route was via Rawalpindi (Pakistan) but now a direct train is there connecting rest of India to Jammu, the winter capital of the State.

The best part of journey is between Guru Purnima and Shravan Purnima. But the highly unpredictable weather of the mountains should be more obliging before Guru Purnima as rains would not start. There is a bus service from Jammu to Pahalgam (7,500 ft.). The State Road Transport Corporation and Private Transport Operators provide the regular services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Also, privately hired taxis are available from Jammu & Kashmir. At Pahalgam the pilgrims arrange for coolies or ponies to carry gear of food and clothes etc.

Pahalgam in Kashmiri means the land of shepherds. The shorter northern route is just about 16 km long but has a very steep gradient and is quite difficult to climb. It starts from Baltal and passes through Domel, Barari, and Sangam to reach the cave. The northern route is along the Amarnath valley and all along the route one can see the river Amaravati (a tributary of Chenab) which originates from Amarnath Glacier.

Trekking Routes:

Jammu – Pahalgam – Amarnath Cave Route:

The distance between Jammu to Pahalgam (315 Kms) can be covered by taxi / buses which are available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K Govt., Raghunath Bazaar only early in the morning. Pahalgam is situated at about 96 Kms from Srinagar. Reach Srinagar by air and then proceed to Pahalgam by road. Pahalgam is the base camp for Amarnath Yatra. Accommodation and free langars are available at Pahalgam. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam for the first night. The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16 kms. Mini buses run from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari.

The trail runs along the Lidder River. As the Yatra proceeds further from Chandanwari, one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top and further proceed to Sheshnag for the second night's camp. From Sheshnag, one has to climb a steep height across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 metres (14000 ft) for 5 Kms and then descend to the meadow lands of Panjtarni at a height of 3657 metres (12000 ft). Pilgrims should wear proper winter gears to protect them from cold harsh winds.

Few pilgrims would be affected by high altitude sickness. Dry fruits, sour and sweet eatables like Lemon appear to control these symptoms but it is best to contact the nearest medical post immediately. Pilgrims camp at Panjtarni on the 3^rd night. From Panjtarni, proceed to Amarnath Cave. One comes across the Sangam of Amravati and Panjtarni rivers. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near the holy cave before going for Darshan. It may be noted that after having early Darshan of the Shiva Linga at Holy Cave, one can return to Panjtarni well in time the same day.

Jammu – Baltal – Amarnath Cave Route:

From Jammu, one has to go by road to Srinagar or reach Srinagar directly and proceed to Baltal via Sonamarg. This is a 14 Kms steep trek (one way) to reach Amarnath Cave from Baltal. This route is for the fit persons. It is possible to hire ponies or palkis. Baltal is, more popular because of its shorter distance.

Facilities:

En route the cave, various non-profit organizations have set up food supply and resting tents called pandals which are available for free to the pilgrims. Near the shrine, hundreds of tents which are erected by locals can be hired for a night's stay. Helicopter services from base camp to Panjtarni (6 km from the cave) are also available from various private operators.

Security:

Every year, thousands of central armed forces and state police personnel are deployed to provide security to pilgrims from potential terror threats. The forces position at various halts and also in the perimeter of the shrine.

Organizers:

Officially, the Yatra is organised by the government in collaboration with the Shree Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). Various agencies provide necessary facilities all along the route during the Yatra period, which includes provision of ponies, supply of power, telecommunication facilities, firewood and setting up of fair price shops.

Health Advisory:

The Pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave involves trekking at altitudes as high as 14000 feet. Pilgrims may develop High Altitude Sickness. If high altitude sickness is not treated timely, it may be lethal in a matter of hours.

Dos for prevention of High-Altitude Sickness:

1. Do prepare for the Yatra by achieving Physical Fitness – it is advisable to start a preparatory Morning/ Evening walk, about 4-5 km per day, at least a month prior to the Yatra.

2. Start deep breathing exercise and Yoga, particularly pranayama for improving oxygen efficiency of the body.

3. Do check with your physician prior to travelling to higher elevations, if you have any existing pre-existing medical conditions.

4. Do walk slowly while ascending and take time to acclimatize-relax for a short while on steep inclines.

4. Do avoid exerting beyond your normal capacity.

5. Do take compulsory rest at various locations and ensure time logging and take ideal walking time mentioned on the display boards while moving towards next location.

6. Do check with your physician prior to taking any medications.

7. Do drink lots of water to combat dehydration and headaches–about 5 litres of fluid per day.

8. Do follow the prescribed food menu available at Shrine Board’s website (shriamarnathjishrine.com) when having food in the Yatra area.

9. Do consume plenty of carbohydrates to reduce fatigue and prevent low blood sugar levels.

10. Do bring portable oxygen with you as it is helpful in case you have difficulty in breathing.

11. Do descend immediately to a lower elevation, if you start having altitude illness symptoms.

12. In case there is any change in the status of your health after having obtained Compulsory Health Certificate some weeks earlier, do consult your doctor before embarking on the pilgrimage.

13. In case of any signs of High-Altitude Sickness or any other discomfort, immediately contact the nearest medical facility located at every 2 kms.

Don’ts for prevention of High-Altitude Illness:

1. Don’t ignore the symptoms of high-altitude illness.

2. Don’t drink alcohol, caffeinated drink, or smoke.

3. Don’t ascend any further if you have altitude illness. Instead, descend immediately to an elevation where you can acclimatize.