Amarnath Temple History: Know about the legend related to Amarnath cave and the importance of the journey
Amarnath Temple History: One of the holiest and most spiritual pilgrimages of Hinduism, Amarnath Yatra 2025 attracts millions of devotees every year to the Amarnath cave, which is located atop the snow-capped Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir. The yatra is a unique experience of bravery, determination, and the pursuit of salvation, besides representing unshakable devotion to Lord Shiva. Do you want to know about the start date of Amarnath Yatra in 2025? Are you excited to know about the rich religious significance and legend of this yatra? Do you want to know why the Amarnath Yatra takes place and why devotees find it so unique?
Amarnath Yatra 2025: What is it?
Amarnath Yatra 2025 is a famous Hindu pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave, also known as Amarnath Cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Situated 12,756 feet (3,880 meters) above sea level, the cave houses a naturally formed Himling or Shivling of ice, which is considered a symbol of Lord Shiva. Every year, lakhs of devotees travel through challenging mountain routes to have a darshan of Baba Barfani. This journey symbolizes bravery, commitment and spiritual peace. The two main routes used for the trek are the 14-km Baltal route (shorter but steep and challenging) and the 48-km Pahalgam route (longer and traditional). The yatra is organized by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). Registration for 2025 opened on April 14. For devotees, this yatra offers a unique and spiritual experience.
When does the Amarnath Yatra start?
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 will begin on July 3 and end on Raksha Bandhan day, i.e., August 9, 2025. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has released the official schedule, stating that this holy yatra will last for a total of 38 days. Officially it is valid from July 3 to August 9, while some unofficial sources state it is between June 29 and August 19. At this time thousands of devotees gather at the holy Amarnath cave, which is surrounded by the Himalayas, to have a darshan of Baba Barfani. The yatra is already underway, with the registration process commencing on April 14, 2025. Every pilgrim has to register in advance and undergo necessary health checks, as 15,000 devotees are allowed to visit each day.
Why do people undertake the Amarnath Yatra?
The most loved pilgrimage of Hinduism, Amarnath Yatra, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every year a Shivlinga spontaneously emerges from the snow in a sacred cave situated at a very high altitude in Jammu and Kashmir. It is said that in this cave, known as the “Amar Katha,” Lord Shiva told the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. This story is considered liberation from the cycle of life and death. Devotees undertake this pilgrimage with faith and devotion during the month of Shravan (July-August), when the ice linga is in its most spectacular form. This challenging journey demonstrates the devotion and commitment of the devotees, besides their spiritual strength and sense of togetherness.
What role does Amarnath Yatra play?
Path to Salvation and Spiritual Purification: Amarnath Yatra is a unique spiritual experience that leads to spiritual purification on challenging mountain routes. Apart from purifying the inner self of the devotees, the darshan of the ice linga is considered a fortunate first step towards salvation. It is said that Goddess Parvati learned the secret of immortality from Lord Shiva in this holy cave.
Shiva and Nature are One: The Amarnath Yatra symbolizes the union of Shiva and nature. The naturally formed ice Shivlinga in the cave represents a singular fusion of Shiva’s divinity and the power of nature. The Himalayan backdrop of this yatra instills in the followers a sense of reverence for the natural world and the need to preserve it. The formation and melting of the Shivlinga ice every year symbolizes the transience of existence.
A celebration of community spirit and devotion: The Amarnath Yatra represents both community unity and devotion. The yatra attracts thousands of devotees from different geographical locations, languages and cultural backgrounds. The yatra brings devotees together, where they suffer together and become completely absorbed in devotion to Shiva. During the yatra, the devotees’ camaraderie and support for each other promote social peace.
Legend of Amarnath Yatra
According to the legend, Goddess Parvati once told Lord Shiva that she wanted to know the secret of immortality. Parvati asked him about the reason for his immortality and the key to it. Lord Shiva, who loved his wife Parvati very much, agreed to answer her question. However, the sanctity and privacy of this secret demanded a sacred and remote location for its hearing. Shiva decided to take Goddess Parvati to a place where other beings could not hear.
Shiva chose a remote and mysterious place within the Himalayan hills, now known as the Amarnath cave. It took Shiva and Parvati a long time to reach this cave. To protect the secret of immortality, Shiva ensured that no living being accompanied him on this journey. During this journey, Shiva performed many symbolic acts. The Amarnath Yatra still begins from Pahalgam, where he first left his sacred chariot, Nandi (bull). At Chandanwari, he tore open the belly of his moon, which is now inscribed on his forehead. He then left his serpents wrapped around his neck near the Sheshnag lake. He then left his son Ganesha on the Ganesh mountain. At Panchtarni, he abandoned the five elements of creation—earth, water, fire, air, and sky. As a result, Shiva and Parvati arrived at the Amarnath cave alone.
Shiva also ensured that there were no other animals in the cave before going inside. According to legend, a pair of pigeons near the cave unintentionally overheard Shiva and Parvati’s conversation. The pigeons begged Shiva to give them life as he opened his third eye and tried to burn them. After hearing their plea, Shiva blessed them with eternal abode in this cave. This story explains why a pair of birds, which devotees worship as eternal pigeons, can still be seen in the Amarnath cave today.
When they reached the cave, Lord Shiva told Mata Parvati the key to immortality. He narrated Amar Katha, which explains the deep mysteries of salvation, death and life. In this tale, Shiva explained that the body is mortal and the soul is eternal. He elucidated the methods of achieving salvation through meditation, yoga, and penance. Mother Parvati would sometimes fall asleep while listening to this tale, as it was very sacred, but the two pigeons kept listening attentively. As a result, the pigeons also received the boon of immortality.
Conclusion: History of Amarnath Temple
Apart from being a symbol of respect for Lord Shiva, the Amarnath Yatra 2025 is also a spiritual quest for inner strength and purification of the soul. The challenging, snow-clad mountain paths serve as a testament to commitment, bravery, and faith. The sight of Baba Barfani fills life with new inspiration and peace, making this yatra a spiritually memorable experience for every follower.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the 2025 Amarnath Yatra?
A: To reach the natural ice Shivling in the Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir, pilgrims travel through challenging terrains during the famous Hindu pilgrimage known as Amarnath Yatra 2025.
Q: When does the Amarnath Yatra start and end?
A: The Amarnath Yatra 2025 will take place over 38 days, starting on July 3 and ending on August 9 on the day of Raksha Bandhan.
Q: What are the main routes of the Amarnath Yatra?
A: There are two main routes for the Amarnath Yatra: the 48-km Pahalgam route and the more challenging 14-km Baltal route.
Q: When did Amarnath Yatra registration start?
A: The Amarnath Yatra 2025 registration process, which requires identity cards and health certificates, began on April 14, 2025.
Q: What is the role of Amarnath Yatra in mythology?
A: According to mythological beliefs, Lord Shiva imparted the knowledge of immortality to Mata Parvati in the Amarnath cave. It is this mystical conversation known as ‘Amar Katha’ that gives this yatra a unique spiritual meaning.
Q: How many pilgrims can participate in the Amarnath Yatra each day?
A: According to the registration, Baba Barfani is open to a maximum of 15,000 pilgrims each day during the Amarnath Yatra.
