One of the 52 legendary Shakti Peethas is located at Amarnath cave, in Kashmir, India. The holy place is dedicated to divine powers Goddess Durga? and Lord Shiva? are worshipped by a large number of Hindu devotees as Mahamaya?. It is believed that Devi Satis Throat fell here.
Shrine’s History
There are references to the legendary king Aryaraja (ascribed dates 300 BCE) who used to worship a lingam formed of ice in Kashmir.[citation needed] The book Rajatarangini (Book VII v.183) refers to Amareshwara or Amarnath. It is believed that Queen Suryamathi in the 11th century AD gifted trishuls, banalingas and other sacred emblems to this temple.[8] Rajavalipataka, begun by Prjayabhatta has detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave. Other than this, there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.
It is believed that after the Middle Ages, this cave was forgotten by people before it was discovered by a shepherd in the 15th century once again. Another story relates to Bhrigu Muni. Long time ago it is believed that The Vale of Kashmir was submerged under water and Kashyapa Muni drained it through a series of rivers and rivulets. Therefore, when the waters drained, Bhrigu Muni was the first to have Darshan of Lord Amarnath. Thereafter, when people heard of the Lingam, it became an abode of Lord Bholenath for all believers and a pilgrimage which is done by lakhs of people each year.
As we well know Francois Bernier, a French physician accompanied Emperor Aurangzeb during his visit to Kashmir in 1663. In his book Travels in Mughal Empire? he writes while giving an account the places he visited in Kashmir that he was pursuing journey to a grotto full of wonderful congelations, two days journey from Sangsafed? when he received intelligence that my Nawab felt very impatient and uneasy on account of my long absence?. The grotto? he refers to is obviously the Amarnath cave as the editor of the second edition of the English translation of the book, Vincient A. Smith makes clear in his introduction. He writes: The grotto full of wonderful congelations is the Amarnath cave, where blocks of ice, stalagmites formed by dripping water from the roof are worshipped by many Hindus who resort here as images of Shiva?..?
Legends Associated with This Shrine
A marvellous power of the Universe – Amarnath shakti peetha? of the great fantasy is one of the historic places in India, where the divine power is worshipped as a Devi Shakti -Mahamaya? by Hindu devotees. According to the Hindu myths, it is whispered that Devi Satis Throat?fell here. The main idols of this legendary divine place are Devi as Mahamaya? and Lord Shiva as Trisandhyeshvar? in Amarnath. The holy place is dedicated to Shiva Ice Lingam. Besides, it is also believed that the Amarnath shrine is entirely surrounded by Snowy Pile, which swells with the season.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Devotees travel on foot, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam. The latter journey takes approximately 5 days. 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. 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 Domial, 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 Amaravathy (It is more like a tributary of Chenab) which originates from Amarnath Glacier
Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road. Buses and Taxies are available for this part of the journey. These can be hired on daily as well as on full tour basis.
By Rail
Jammu is the nearest Railway Station. Jammu is the winter Capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Also known as “CITY OF TEMPLES”, one may visit old temples such as Raghunath Temple, Mahadev Mandir and other temples. The railway station is very well connected and there are lots of express trains to various towns in India.
By Air
Srinagar, the nearest aerodrome, has world famous sights to see, such as Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Shankaracharya Temple and Mughal gardens like Shalimar, Nishat and Cheshma-shahi. Known as “Paradise on earth” and being the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, the city is well connected by air and road. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu. On certain weekdays flights also pick up passengers from Chandigarh and Leh.
Extra Information About this Shrine
Two places are considered for maha Maya Sakthipeeth
a) Amarnath yatra is very famous, done in July/ August, only when Amar Shivling is available to humans. We can join the yatra either from Delhi or from Srinagar. Helicopter service is also available.
b) According to some people, it is the Maha Maya temple located at about 5 K.m from Jammu on the by-pass road, behind Bahu Fort, near river Tawi.
Other significant adjacent places: Here, several other momentous places are situated near holy temple ? Martand temple , Chandanwadi Sheshnag Lake, Pishu Ghati and Pahalgam .
