Shri Amarnath
Shri Amarnath
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.
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.
Amarnath Cave
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 whenever 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 Nandi 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 the Holy 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 Holy Cave. 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).
Tour Program: -
Start your spiritually enlightening journey to the holy cave of Amarnath with your arrival in Srinagar. Be greeted by a Tour My India representative/driver who will assist your transfer to the houseboat.
After the check- in, proceed for sightseeing in Srinagar. Visit the world-famous Mughal Gardens – Nishat Bagh (The garden of pleasure), Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love), and Chasme Shahi Garden, and also pay visit to the Shankaracharya Temple. Later in the evening proceed for shikara riding in Dal lake.
Overnight Srinagar Houseboat.
Early morning, check out from the houseboat and drive to Sonmarg. From the houseboat, embark on an approx 3-hour ride in a car to reach Baltal. On arrival at Sonamrg, drive to Baltal to board on a helicopter to the Holy Cave which will take you to Panchtarni (Helicopter is subject to weather condition). On arrival at Panchtarni, you have to trek approximately 6 kms to the holy caves. (You can hire palki / horses). After the darshan, trek back to Panchtarni for your helicopter ride back to Baltal where our driver will meet you and then drive to your hotel in Sonmarg.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
After the breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Srinagar. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. After some rest and refreshment, you can choose to spend your half day shopping or relaxing as it will be free for leisure.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Srinagar.
Post breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed to Srinagar Airport to board a flight for thee onward destination.
