अमरनाथ यात्रा 2013 (Amarnath Yatra 2013)

सर्वविदित है कि प्रतिवर्ष हजारों की संख्या में श्रद्धालुजन अमरनाथ की यात्रा करते हैं। इस वर्ष अर्थात् सन् 2013 की अमरनाथ यात्रा Amarnath Yatra 2013 Dates have been announced and the Registration for the yatra is going to start from 18th March, 2013.The 55-Day long Amarnath Yatra in 2013, is going to commence from 28th June, 2013 and will conclude on  21st August 2013 on the eve of Raksha Bandhan. अर्थात् रक्षा बन्धन के दिन समाप्त होगी। उल्लेखनीय है कि अमरनाथ यात्रा हिन्दुओं की सुविख्यात एवं लोकप्रिय धार्मिक यात्रा है जो प्रतिवर्ष दो माह तक चलती है



अमरनाथ यात्रा चन्दनबाड़ी (पहलगाम) तथा बालताल से आरम्भ होती है। बालताल वाला मार्ग लम्बाई में कम है किन्तु इस मार्ग में चढ़ाई अधिक कठिन है जबकि पहलगाम वाला मार्ग अपेक्षाकृत सरल चढ़ाई वाला है। अमरनाथ यात्रा के लिए पंजीयन अमरनाथ यात्रा के लिए यात्रियों को पंजीयन करवाना आवश्यक होता है जो कि अमरनाथ श्राइन बोर्ड के द्वारा की जाती है तथा इस कार्य के लिए जम्मू एण्ड कश्मीर बैंक की 121 शाखाओं को अधिकृत किया गया है। यदि आप अमरनाथ यात्रा के लिए पंजीयन करवाना चाहते हैं तो जम्मू एण्ड कश्मीर बैंक की किसी भी शाखा में जाकर अपना पंजीयन करवा सकते हैं।


 पंजीयन करने के लिए फॉर्म आनलाइन उपलब्ध है जिसके लिए लिंक है http://shriamarnathjishrine.com/application_form.pdf पंजीयन कार्य जून 2011 से आरम्भ होकर जुलाई 2011 तक चलेगा। ज्ञातव्य है कि पंजीकरण के लिए भक्तों से कुछ शुल्क जमा करना पड़ता है़। स्यंभू हिमानी शिवलिंग उल्लेखनीय है कि अमरनाथ गुफा में प्रतिवर्ष प्राकृतिक रूप से हिमलिंग का निर्माण होता है जिसके दर्शन हेतु श्रद्धालुजनों की भीड़ उमड़ पड़ती है। बताया जाता है कि अमरनाथ गुफा के भीतर प्रतिवर्ष आषाढ़ पूर्णिमा के दिन से प्राकृतिक हिमलिंग का निर्माण होना प्रारम्भ हो जाता है जो कि श्रावण पूर्णिमा के दिन अपना पूर्ण आकार ग्रहण कर लेता है। स्वयमेव निर्माण होने के कारण इसे स्वयंभू हिमानी शिवलिंग भी कहा जाता है। हिम से बना यह शिवलिंग वर्षपर्यन्त बने न रह कर कुछ माह में ही पिघल कर समाप्त हो जाता है।

 आश्चर्य की बात यह है कि यह शिवलिंग बिल्कुल ठोस होता है जबकि इसके आस-पास जमा हुआ बर्फ कच्चा होता है। यही कारण है कि अमरनाथ गुफा में आकर ईश्वर के प्रति आस्था प्रगाढ़ हो जाती है। अमरनाथ धाम की कथा (Story of Amarnath Dham) पौराणिक कथाओं में वर्णन है कि एक बार देवी पार्वती के मन में अमर होने की कथा जानने की जिज्ञासा हुई तथा उन्होंने भगवान शंकर से इस कथा को सुनाने का अनुरोध किया। चूँकि अमर होने की कथा अत्यन्त गुप्त है और इस कथा को सामान्य प्राणियों को सुनाने का निषेध है, कथा सुनाने के लिए शिव ऐसे स्थान की खोज में लगे जहां कोई जीव-जन्तु न हो।


इसके लिए उन्होंन श्रीनगर स्थित अमरनाथ की गुफा को उपयुक्त पाया। पार्वती जी को कथा सुनाने के लिए इस गुफा में लाते समय शिव जी ने एक स्थान पर माथे से चन्दन उतारा इसलिए उस स्थान का नाम चन्दनबाड़ी हो गया। शिव जी अनन्त नाग में नागों को एवं शेषनाग नामक स्थान पर शेषनाग को ठहरने के लिए आदेश देकर पार्वती सहित अमारनाथ की गुफा में प्रवेश कर गये। गुफा के भीतर पहुँच कर भगवान शिव माता पार्वती को अमर होने की कथा सुनाने लगे। कथा सुनते-सुनते देवी पार्वती को निद्रा देवी ने घेर लिया और वे सो गईं। शिव जी अमर होने की कथा सुनाते रहे, इस समय दो सफेद कबूतर शिव की कथा सुन रहे थे और बीच-बीच में गूं-गूं की आवाज निकाल रहे थे जिसे शिव जी माता पार्वती की हुँकार समझ रहे थै।. इस प्रकार से दोनों कबूतरों ने अमर होने की पूरी कथा सुन ली।

 वास्तविकता ज्ञात होने पर शिव जी कबूतरों पर क्रोधित हुए और उन्हें मारने के लिए तत्पर हुए। इस पर कबूतरों ने शिव जी कहा कि हे प्रभु हमने आपसे अमर होने की कथा सुनी है यदि आप हमें मार देंगे तो अमर होने की यह कथा झूठी हो जाएगी। इस पर शिव जी ने कबूतरों को जीवित छोड़ दिया और उन्हें आशीर्वाद दिया कि तुम सदैव इस स्थान पर शिव पार्वती के प्रतीक चिन्ह के रूप निवास करोगे। माना जाता है कि आज भी इन दोनों कबूतरों का दर्शन भक्तों को यहां प्राप्त होता है।


 अमरनाथ गुफा की भौगोलिक स्थिति अमरनाथ धाम श्रीनगर से लगभग 135 किलोमीटर दूर है. यह स्थान समुद्र तल से 13, 600 फुट की ऊँचाई पर है। ध्यान रखें कि इस स्थान पर ऑक्सीजन की कमी हो जाती है। अमरनाथ यात्रा हेतु विशेष सावधानी पंजीयन केवल अधिकृत स्थान अर्थात् जम्मू एण्ड कश्मीर बैंक की शाखा से करवाएँ। नेट में उपलब्ध साइट्स, जिनमें अनेक ठगी करने वाले भी हो सकते हैं, पर निर्भर न रहें।

अस्वस्थ तथा कमजोर व्यक्ति अमरनाथ यात्रा न करें। यात्रा के दौरान केवल आवश्यक सामग्री ही साथ रखें, अनावश्यक सामान रखकर अपना बोझा न बढ़ाएँ। गर्म कपड़ों की पर्याप्त व्यवस्था रखें। सम्पूर्ण यात्रा के दौरान शालीनता का परिचय दें और जरूरतमन्दों की यथायोग्य सहायता करें।

Amarnath Yatra Packages 3 nights / 4 days

www.kashmirtourpackage.net

Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter From Baltal

Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter From Baltal

Duration : 2 Nights / 3 Days 

Places Covered : Sonmarg, Holy Cave

Day 01: Arrive at Srinagar - Transfer to Sonmarg
Our services start with your arrival at Srinagar Airport. Meet and greet by our airport representative. Transfer to Sonmarg. On arrival check-in at Hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight stay in Sonmarg. 

Day 02 : Shree Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter & back to Srinagar.
Early morning at 5.00 AM transfer to Baltal Helipad (16 Kms – 45 Minutes). The Helicopter start operating at 06.00 Hrs (Weather Permitting). Get your boarding pass at Helipad and depart for Panjtarni by Helicopter from Baltal. Panjtarni is approx 6 Kms from Holy Cave, you can go there by Foot or can hire Palki/Pony at your own cost. After darshan return back to Panjtarni to board helicopter back to Baltal. On return you will be met by our driver. Transfer from Baltal to Srinagar. On arrival check-in at Houseboat. Dinner and Overnight stay at Srinagar. 

Day 03: Depart from Srinagar 
After breakfast time free till departure. Transfer to Srinagar Airport for your flight to next destination.

Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter
Package Cost Per Person Basis : ` 14999 
Based on Min 2 Adults traveling and on twin/triple share basis

Hotel Used

City	Standard
Sonmarg	Hotel Snowland / Sonmarg Glacier
Srinagar	Deluxe Houseboat

Inclusions

Return airport transfers at Srinagar by Non A/C Car 02 nights & 03 days accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis 02 breakfasts & 02 dinners at houseboat / hotels NON AC Car from Srinagar Apt - Sonmarg - Baltal - Srinagar - Drop at Srinagar Apt All applicable hotel taxes

Exclusion

Any air or train fair Any camera fees, entrance & monuments fees Govt Service Tax @ 3.09% Meals other than specified Guide charges Anything which is not mentioned "cost includes

Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter - Terms & Conditions Extension Night at Sonmarg:  In case the Helicopter does not operate due to bad weather, technical or any other unforeseen reasons, the helicopter operator will offer the seats for the next day. In such cases you may require an extension night in Sonmarg. The extension night charges including Vehicle retention will be Rs. 2900 per person (with breakfast & dinner). The booking of extension night will be subject to hotel availability at that time. We will try our best to get you accommodated in Sonmarg but if there is no availability guest has to make their own arrangements for night stay. However vehicle retention cost for an extra day of Rs. 1400 will have to be paid directly. There can also be a scenario where the client is able to travel to Panjtarni but due to bad weather, unable to come back. Then the clients have a choice to either climb down or stay an overnight at Panjtarni and return the next morning. In such cases our driver will wait for you in Baltal (also you should take his phone number). However vehicle retention cost for an extra day of Rs. 1400 will have to be paid directly. Service tax: Government service tax 3.09% will be Charged on the package. Payment Terms  We require 50% payment as advance by the time of booking and balance payment after confirmation of the package. Payments can be made in cash at our office or by credit card (2.95% Bank Charges) or in ICICI Bank account.  Tour Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your booking at any time prior to commencement of the tour by notifying us in writing, subject to applicable cancellation charges as mentioned below: Amount Of Cancellation Charges: Package once confirmed and tickets issued 25% of the package cost Less than 14 days and upto 7 Days before arrival date 50% of the package cost Less than 7 days and upto 72 hrs before arrival 75% of the package cost Less than 72 Hrs before arrival NO REFUND No Refund Important Info:  1. In case the Helicopter does not operate due to bad weather, technical or any other unforeseen reasons, the helicopter operator will offer the seats for the next day. In such cases you may require an extension night in Sonmarg. The extension night charges including Vehicle retention will be Rs. 2900 per person (with breakfast & dinner). The booking of extension night will be subject to hotel availability at that time. We will try our best to get you accommodated in Sonmarg but if there is no availability guest has to make their own arrangements for night stay. However vehicle retention cost for an extra day of Rs. 1400 will have to be paid directly. Only the Chopper Ticket cost in such cases will be refunded as per the helicopter company/Shrine Board policy.  2. There can also be a scenario where the client is able to travel to Panjtarni but due to bad weather, unable to come back. Then the clients have a choice to either climb down or stay an overnight at Panjtarni and return the next morning. In such cases our driver will wait for you in Baltal (also you should take his phone number). However vehicle retention cost for an extra day of Rs. 1400 will have to be paid directly. Only the Chopper Ticket cost in such cases will be refunded as per the helicopter company/Shrine Board policy. 3. The Helicopter travel is subject to all the terms and conditions mentioned on the Helicopter ticket. Passengers are requested to read them carefully.  4. At the time of booking we require following details:  a) Full Name, Age, Gender & Weight of all passengers b) Full address and phone no. of all family members travelling. c) Details of ID card that would be carried by each passenger has to be provided at the time of booking. Every passenger must ensure to carry the same ID card without which the boarding will not be allowed under any circumstances.  5. Following documents are accepted as valid Photo IDs: Valid Passport/Driving License/Election Card/Pan Card/Photo Id issued by Govt./PSU or School Photo ID .

Shri Amarnath Yatra 2013

Sri Amarnath Yatra 2013

Yatra Date : 

An Introduction Of Sri Amarnathyatra
Amarnath Yatra : Holy Amarnath Cave ( Temple) is situated 144 kms east to Srinagar - Jammu & Kashmir state. Lord Amarnath is in the form of an ice Silva-lingam. On the full moon day the lingam is approx 6 ft high. In Rigveda it is said "Ekam Sat" means "There is one Being, whom sages calls by many names. The Supreme Power (Parmeshwar) has three deities who carry on the world called - The Trinity . Lord Brahma - creator of World, Lord Vishnu - Perpetuator of life and Lord Shiva (Mahesh) - the purifier and perpetuator of good and destroyer of evil. Lord Shiva is known as Rudra in Rig Veda as in its following verse. " We Worship Tryambaka (Rudra), Who spread Fragrance and Increases Nourishment, May He release me, like the cucumber from its stem , From Mortal Life , But not From Immorality . "

Amarnath - One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknown to them, a pair of doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learnt the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Yajur veda refers lord Shiva as an ascetic warrior Whose robe is of Deer Skin and carries Damru and Trishul. As referred by the verse "Satyam - Shivam - Sundaram, one life must have three facets Satyam - Truth, Shivam - Good and Sundram - Beautiful. 

Lord Shiva is immortal god who lives on Kailash ( Himalayas). Rig Veda - one of the famous four Veda's as per hindu mythology narrates lord Shiva existance in the hymns. Vedic myths, astronomy and hindu rituals testifies to lord Shiva existence from the dawn of time .The Mohenjo daro and Harapa exclavation confirm Lord Shiva worship in ancient India. With reference to older books and scriptures, lord Shiva residence is at three places - The Kailash Parvat , Lohit Giri where Brahamputra flows and Muzwan Parvat in Kashmir

Amarnath Yatra tour Packages

It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus - about 400,000 people visit during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in July-August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shravan.

For Amarnath Yatra devotees generally take the 42 km (26 mi) pilgrimage on foot from the town of Pahalgam, about 96 km (60 mi) from Srinagar, and cover the journey in four to five days. There are two alternate routes to the temple: the longer and more traditional path from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of Baltal. Some devotees, particularly the elderly, also ride on horse-back to make the journey. Chopper is now the most convineant way to visit the holy place. Choppers are available from Baltal and Pahalgam

How to Reach

Holy Shrine of Shi Amarnath is Located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The main routes for yatra are by Pahalgam and Baltal. Yatris can perform yatra by trek and by Helicopter both from these places. The baltal route is shorter for trek and takes around 24 Hrs bothways. From Pahalgam the journey is around 33 Kms and takes around 3 Days via Chandanwari – Sheshnag – Panchtari – Hioly cave and back via same route. 

By Air: Devotees can reach Srinagar by Air. Srinagar has now brand new Airport and all the domestic airline operator have daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi, Jammu and Mumbai. (Indigo, Kingfisher,Jet Airways, Air India, Go Air, Spicejet)

By Train: Jammu is the nearest train station to Kashmir which is 290 kms from Srinagar. Jammu is a well connected to the major cities of India. Regular buses and taxi operates from Jammu to Srinagar and Pahalgam. 

By Road: Srinagar is connected by major cities by Bus. During Yatra luxury buses also operates from Delhi / Chandigarh / Jammu and other neighbouring cities.

Route Map of Amarnath Yatra 2013

Route Map

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of the Lidder Valley, Amarnath Holy Cave stands at 3,888 mtrs. and is 363 kms. from Jammu Via Pahalgam and about 414 kms. from Jammu Via Baltal. The detailed description of the two routes to the Holy Cave is given below:  How to Reach                  One can reach the first part of journey through ;   Air:          The nearest aerodrome is Srinagar. Srinagar is a beautiful valley having world famous sights to see, such as Dal Lake, Nagina Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, Mughal Gardens and what not. It is the most sought after  tourist place. It is also known as "Paradise on earth". Srinagar is summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu. On some week days flights also pickup  passengers from Chandigarh and Amritsar .  Rail:            Jammu is the nearest Railway Station . Jammu is winter Capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu is a beautiful city and is also known as "CITY OF TEMPLES". One may  visit old temples such as Raghunath Temple , Mahadev Mandir and other temples . It is well connected with all stations of India.The various trains coming to Jammu are listed here below.   Road :           Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road. Buses and Taxies are also available for this part of the  journey .These can be hired on daily as well as full tour basis. How to Reach Amarnath Holy Cave :           Though it is tough route still nearly one and a half  lac pilgrims visit  every year . The number of pilgrims is increasing every year. The journey from Jammu onward is by road and there are two routes . The details are given here. 1) JAMMU – PAHALGAM – HOLY CAVE. (Traditional Route) Jammu to Pahalgam (315 km) – The distance between Jammu to Pahalgam can be covered by Taxi / Buses. These are  available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K Govt., Raghunath Bazaar only early in the morning. But one can also come to Srinagar by air and then move to Pahalgam by road PAHALGAM  – HOLY CAVE. PLACE ALTITUDE DISTANCE FROM MTRS FEET CHANDANWARI 2895 9500 16.0 KM PAHALGAM PISSU TOP 3377 11000 3.0 KM  CHANDANWARI SHESHNAG 3352 11730 11.0 KM PISSU TOP MAHAGUNAS 4276 14000 4.6 KM SHESH NAG PANCHTARNI 3657 12000 9.4 KM MAHAGUNUS TOP SANGAM  - -  3.0 KM PANCHTARNI HOLY CAVE 3952 13000 3.0 KM SANGAM 1. PAHALGAM :           It is 96 KM from Srinagar .This distance can be covered by car,bus or taxi. Pahalgam is  known all over the world  for its beauty. It is small town situated on the banks of Lidder River. It is surrounded by high mountains. All essentials can be bought here. Good Hotels are  available for accommodation. However the arrangements for stay and Langar are also made  by the Non Government  Service Organisations. 2. CHANDANWARI:           The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16km. The route is good .It can be covered by road transport also. Mini buses are also available from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The trail runs along the Lidder River . The route is scenic. Food is available here. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night .  3. PISSU TOP :            As the Yatra proceed further from Chandanwari one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top. It is said  that to be first to reach for darshan of  Bhole Nath Shivshankar there was a war between Devtas and Rakshas . With the power of Shiv , devtas could kill the rakshas in such large number that the heap of their dead bodies has resulted in this high mountain.  4. SHESHNAG:           This second day’s trek of 12 kms  from Chandanwari is through Pissu Top and   spectacular, primeval countryside, and reaches Sheshnag – a mountain which derives  its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake. The Journey to Sheshnag follows steep inclines on the right bank of a cascading stream and wild scenery untouched by civilisation. The second night’s camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond it. There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Sheshnag, and at the camp these are narrated by campfires . The stillness of a pine scented Himalayan night increases your inner joy. Yatris can take bath and get their fatigue alleviated. It is beautiful and scenic.  5.PANCHTARNI:          From Sheshnag one has to climb steep height up across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs.(14000 ft) for 4.6 KM and then descending to the meadow lands of Panchtarni at a height of 3657 mtrs (12000 ft). The last camp enroute to the Holy Cave is made here on third day. Here one faces cold winds which cause the  skin to crack . Hence cold cream / Vaseline arevery useful for protection of skin. Some Yatris are also effected by deficiency of oxygen .Some may get the feeling of vomiting . So dry fruit like Allu Bukhara ,sour and sweet  eatables like Lemon are useful to control these symptoms .  The route to Mahagunas is full of rivulets , water falls , springs .Panchtarni is a very beautiful place in the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT. Five Rivers flow  here . It is said that the five rivers origanated from Lord Shiva's Hairs (Jataon). Pilgrims camp at Panchtarni on the 3rd night.  6. THE HOLY CAVE SHRI AMARNATH:   The Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath is only 6 kms from Panchtarni. As there is no place to stay hence the pilgrims start in the  early hours of the morning after their stay at Panchtarni. On the way to The Holy Cave one comes  across  the Sangam of Amravati and Panchtarni. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near holy cave  to become pious before going for Darshan. Near the cave is found white soil known as Bhasam. It is the most beloved soil of Shiv ji . The pilgrims apply this Holy soil to their body and then go for Shivlingam Darshan. There are two smaller Shivlings one of Maa Parvati and other of Shri Ganesh. It may be noted that after having  early Darshan of the Shivlinga at Holy Cave one can return to Panchtarni well in time the same day . Some pilgrims camp at Panchtarni while others continue their journey and reach back Sheshnag by the same  evening. 2) Jammu – Baltal – Holy cave (414km)  Jammu – Baltal (400km). –  The distance between Jammu and Baltal can be covered by Taxis / Buses available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K / bus stand or one can come to Srinagar by air and then reach Baltal by road. The road route followed is :  JAMMU – Udhampur – Kud -  Patnitop – Ramban – Banihal – KaziGund – Anantnag – Srinagar - Sonamarg – Baltal. The journey from Jammu to Baltal which is about 400 kms. is full of beautiful Sites and one can experience of being in Heaven , a  Paradise on earth. Passing through beautiful valleys, steeped mountains, one is sure of forgetting , oneself as a person ,for a while . A thrill, which is obviously there in every pilgrim gets enhanced while passing through this way owing to the Darshan of Holy Cave. In nutshell, a journey which can go down to your memory throughout the lifetime. Baltal to Holy Cave  From Baltal Holy Cave is just 14 Kms. This distance can be covered by foot / Ponies. However, Dandies are also available for handicapped and old aged pilgrims. The width of the pebbled (kuchha) road is a bit narrow as compared to the Chandanwari-Holy Cave route, moreover , there are some steep rises & falls on the way , as compared to the Chandanwari route, but pilgrims can return back to base camp Baltal through this route only in one day.

To reach Jammu from different parts of country : Car Services :Govt. Bus Services are available from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal to Jammu Car Fare : Please visit : http://www.jammucarrental.com Schedule of Trains to Jammu Tawi from various Stations please visit  :                                                http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_metro_trns.html

The Legend of Amarnath Cave

The Legend

There is famous Rigvedic Verse that says "Ekam Sat " that is "There is one Being ,the sages call Him by many names." The  God (Parmeshwar) has three deities who carry on the world .This is Known as Holy Trinity. Brahma- the creator, Vishnu - the perpetuator of life and Shiva (Mahesh ) -the purifier and perpetuator of good and destroyer of evil. Rig Veda refer Shiva as Rudra as in its following verse .  "We Worship Tryambaka (Rudra) , Who spread Fragrance and Increases Nourishment , May He release me ,like the cucumber from its stem , From Mortal Life , But not From Immorality . "(Rig Veda Mandal VII Sukta 59 and Mantra 12)      The Yajurveda describes Shiva as ascetic warrior Whose robe is of Deer Skin  and He carries Trishul .   According to the verse Satyam, Shivam ,Sundaram ,the life is described as having three facets Truth (Satyam), Good (Shivam) and the Beautiful (Sundaram).          Shiva is a living God. The most Sacred and  ancient books of India, the Rig Veda narrates His presence in the hymns. Vedic myths, rituals and even astronomy testifies to His existence from the dawn of time .The Mohindaro and Harapa findings confirm Shiva worship in the ancient India. According to the older scriptures, He has three places  of His residence. One is  Kailash Parvat another  is Lohit Giri under which Brahamputra flows and third is Muzwan Parvat .     The Amarnath Cave has special significance .      The  Legend about the  importance of Amarnath Cave is as follows :-        This is The Cave which was chosen by Bhole Shankar  for narrating the secrets of immortality and creation of Universe  to Maa Parvati ji .   The story goes like this  .   Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked Shiv ji  to  let her know why and when  He  started wearing the beads of heads ( Mund Mala)  .   Bhole Shankar replied when ever you are born  I add one more head in my beads .  Maa Parvati said ,"  My Lord, my body is destroyed every time  and I die again and again, but you are Immortal. Please let me know the secret of this ." Bhole Shankar replied that it is due to Amar Katha ."           Maa Parvati insisted that she may be told that secret.  For long Shiva ji continued postponing .   Finally on consistent demand from Maa Parvati He made up his mind to tell the immortal secret . He started  for    lonely  place  where  no living  being  could  listen  it .  He choose Amarnath Cave .  In preparation to that He left His Nandi ( The Bull which He used to ride )  at Pahalgam (Bail gaon) .  At Chandanwari He released Moon from his hairs (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag He released the snakes .  He decided to leave his Son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill ) . At Panjtarni, Shivji  left the Five Elements behind (Earth , Water, Air , Fire and Sky)  which make living being . He is the Lord of these elements.  It is believed that as a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world , Shivaji and  Maa Parvati  had Tandav Dance . After leaving behind all these, Bhole Shankar enters theHoly Amarnath Cave along with Parvati Maa . Lord Shiva takes his Samadhi on the Deer Skin and concentrate . To ensure that no living being is able to hear the Immortal Tale , He created Rudra named Kalagni and ordered him  to spread fire to eliminate every living  thing in and around the HolyCave . After this He started narrating  the secret of immortality to Maa Parvati . But as a matter of chance one egg which was lying beneath the  Deer skin remained protected . It is believed to be non living and more over it was protected by Shiva -Parvati Asan (Bed) .  The pair of pigeons which were born out of this  egg became immortal  having listened the secret  of immortality (Amar Katha).    Many pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons  when they trek the arduous route to pay their obeisance before the Ice-Lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva). Discovery of Holy Cave  The story narrated by people about the discovery of this Holy Cave  is of  a Gujjar ( shepherd) Buta Malik . He is given the credit of discovering this HolyCave  . Story goes like this , that a saint gave Buta Malik a bag full of Coal. On reaching his home when he opened the bag , to his  utter surprise the bag was full of gold coins . This made him overwelmed with joy. He  ran to thank the Saint . But,  what he found was that  the  Saint had disappeared . Instead , he found  The Holy Cave and Shiv Lingam there in . He announced the discovery of this  to the Villagers. Then onwards this has become the sacred place of Pilgrimage .      The ancient epics narrate an other  story which  goes like this. The valleyof Kashmir was under water .It was a big lake. Kashyap Rishi drained the water through number of rivers and rivulets . In those days Bhrigu Rishi came that way on a visit to The Himalyas. He was the first to have Darshans of this Holy Cave . When people heard of the Lingam, Amarnath for them  became Shiva’s abode and a Centre of pilgrimage . Since then Lacs of devotees perform the pilgrimage through tough terrain and avail eternal happiness.  The trek to Amarnath, in the month of sharavan ( July–August) has the devout flock to this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the form of a Lingam, is formed naturally of an Ice Stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the Moon's cycle . By its side are fascinating, two more Ice Lingams, that of  Maa Parvati and of their son, Ganesha .

List of designated Branch of Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd.,

Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad – Pather Ghatti, J.N.Road Bihar   Patna – Phulwari Sharief Chandigarh (Union Territory)  Sector 17 Delhi  Azadpur; Chandni Chowk; Naraina; Navin Shadara; Okhla; Rohini; South Extenison; Sarita Vihar; Vasant Vihar Goa  Panaji Gujarat  Ahmedabad; Baroda (Lal Bagh); Surat Haryana  Ambala Cantt; Gurgaon; Hissar; Karnal; Panipat;Rohtak Himachal Pradesh  Dharmshala; Kullu; Shmla Karnataka  Bangalore – SPJ Road; Infantry Road; Mysore Kerala Kochi; Ernakularm; Thriuvananthapuram Maharashtra  Mumbai; Andheri (East); Kalbadevi, Mira Road, Vashi; Aurangabad; Nagpur; Pune  Madhya Pradesh  Bhopal; Indore Punjab   Amritsar - Shastri Market; Majith Mandi; Batala; Bathinda; Ferozepur; Jalandhar; Ludhiana; Khanna; Moga; Mohali; Mandi Gobind Garh; Mansa; Pathankot; Phagwara Rajasthan  Jaipur Tamil Nadu  Chennai – Mount Road; Parrys Uttar Pradesh  Agra; Aligarh; Allahabad; Bhadoni; Greater Noida; Kanpur; Lucknow; Meerut; Muradabad; Noida; Varanasi West Bengal  Kolkata- R.N. Mukherji Road, Mullick Bazar Jammu & Kashmir Jammu – TRC Extension Counter; Rajori Jawahar Nagar ; Poonch – Main Branch; Kathua-Main Branch; Udhampur-Shakti Nagar ; Doda-Pul Doda Srinagar  TRC Extension Counter

All Intending yatries should take special note of the Following Points

Insurance: In View of the hazardous nature of the yatra, all yatries are advised to insure themselves, preferably before departure from the home stations. However, arrangements  for insurance will also be available at the two base-camps during the yatra period.

Accommodation: In order to cater to the requirements of all yatries, tented accommodation with bedding facilities is being set-up by the J&K Tourism Development Corporation and private parties during the yatra period for use on payment basis. Facilities for booking such accommodation  at rates approved by the State Tourism Department will be available at the base-camps.

Personal effects: Because of the weather conditions, which can often be wet and cold  during the yatra period, yatries are advised to carry rain coats, woollens , umbrellas, walking sticks , personal medical kits etc.The details are given in the Yatra Information Pamphlet.

Note : No yatri shall touch or tamper with Holy Lingam or/& place or throw anything on the Holy  Lingam.