Amarnath - Popular Shrine

Amarnath Temple is located in the State of Jammu and Kashmir and situated on Mount Amarnath. It is one of the famous shrines in Hinduism which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shrine forms an important part of Hinduism and is said to be 5,000 years old. There is ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter. The Lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of moon, reaching its height during the summer. This is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to Parvati according to the Hindu mythology. There are two other formations representing Parvati and Shiva's son Ganesh.

The cave is situated at an altitude of 12,756 ft from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. A strong presence is maintained by Central Reserve Police Force, Indian Army and Indian Paramilitary Forces due to the security concerns.

Amarnath Temple is the famous Yatra destination for Hindus which is organized every year through Jammu and Kashmir State Government during July and August (Shravan month). The beginning of annual pilgrimage known as "Amarnath Yatra" to the Himalayan cave shrine is marked by Pratham Pujan to invoke the blessings of Shri Amarnathji. A devotee generally covers the journey in four to five days and takes 42km pilgrimage on foot from the town of Pahalgam, about 96kms from Srinagar. One can reach Srinagar via Road, Rail or Air. Various Non Government Charitable Organizations provide free accommodation. J&K Tourism Development Corporation also provides tented accommodation and shelters at nominal charges.