Amarnath Yatra 2024 Dates:
Registration Start Date : 15th April 2024
Yatra Start Date : 29th June 2024
About Amarnath Yatra
Spirituality and Lord Shiva has impeccable connection considered in Indian religion. Amarnath Yatra holds a high position in mind of Hindus and Indian pilgrimage. Amarnath shrine is situated at 3,880 meters above sea level, in Jammu and Kashmir State. Amarnath Yatra is a yearly pilgrimage arrangement to be held in early July to early August and ends with the Shraavan ends according to the Hindi Calender.
Required for Yatra
There is an interesting spiritual belief that the sacred Shiva Lingam here formed by ice from water drops falls from above the cave considered Ramkund Lake is situated above the cave. The holy cave pilgrimage starts from July-August, as from that time the lingam shape starts gaining the shape, rising to reach the apex on a full moon night. Amarnath Yatra needs a pre-registration which starts almost 3-4 months before the yatra dates. The pilgrims wishes to visit the holy Amarnath Shrine, needs to get their registration done before hand for a last minute hassle and enjoyable journey.
- Medical Certificate is required for registration
- Bank Registration Slip for yatra on Specific date
- Police Clearance Certificate (For Sewadars only)
Amarnath Yatra Starts from
Amarnath Yatra starts with the Pratham puja to pray for the blessings of Lord Shiva to complete the difficult Yatra and give Sacred Darshan. Amarnath Yatra has three beginning points named Baltal, Pahalgam and Chandanwari. Out of the three, Baltal is the major route due to the shorter distance from here to the Amarnath Shrine. There are many public and private transport system to reach these three Yatra points majorly state and private run buses. Pahalgam is 315 kms far from Jammu and can be accessed by taxis or buses. Not to say, Amarnath Yatris witness many incredible scenic views of snow-capped ranges, mountains peaks and an abundance of natural beauty. Kashmiri Bakarwals and their ponies are accompanied the pilgrims for their trek convenience and help them by carrying their luggage. You can well find and see the yatris try to help each other to make the yatra stress-free and comfortable.
Journey to Holy Cave
Chandanwari is the first halt located at a height of around 2,895 meters being 16 Kms away from Pahalgam. Lidder River surrounds the Chandanwari with rising mountains and dense forests. At this point pilgrims stay for night in base camps. Free community kitchens are arranged at every camp, which provide langars (free meals) for the pilgrims during their stay.
Next day early morning, the journey from Chandanwari towards Sheshnag with the difficult trek of Pissu-Top. After covering few kilometers from Chandanwari, Yatris face the daunting challenge of Pissu-Top hill which is steep with distance to climb. From here many pilgrims need the help of the pony to make their trek easier. The trek of Pissu-Top is filled with excitement with scenic beauty of the great Himalayas, green meadows with wild Geraniums, buttercups and other Himalayas flora and fauna growing here in abundance, while a great ‘Om’ symbol adorns one of its slants.
History of Holy Amarnath Cave
After the difficult treks pilgrims reach the divine shrine of Baba Barfani Amarnath Shrine with loud chanting of “Om Namah Shivay”. As per Indian methodology Amarnath is the place where Lord Shiva narrated 'Amar Katha' or the secrets of the cosmos to his divine partner, Goddess Parvati in Shravan month. During the Shiva speech, Devi Parvati fell asleep, two pigeons heard Lord Shiva's entire sacred narrative and became immortal. Since then the holy place is known as Amarnath meaning the eternal god. Also, every year on the full moon day of Shravaan, a pair of pigeons enter the cave of nowhere and can be seen sitting inside. The holy Amarnath shrine today is believed to be source and blessings of Lord Shiva’s mythical powers.
