Online Registration Fourm Amarnath Yatra 2012

We have good NEWS for all those Amarnath Yatris, who are still waiting to get themselves Registered for the Amarnath Yatra 2012.In a welcome step, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) had released the additional Quota for Online Registration.This means those who are yet to Register for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, can get their Yatra Permit Cards Online via Online Registration Facility provided by SASB.

In the Recent years, to be exactly Since 2010 SASB had started the Online Registration for Amarnath Yatris and this method turned out to be the most convenient, effective and Favoured method for registering yatris.The whole process can be completed with in a fraction of minutes that involved  few number of Clicks and is mostly suitable for those yatris who have to travel miles for registration.For more details on the Online Registration, yatris can check the link given below

Amarnath Yatra 2012 Online Registration

It had been informed by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board CEO Navin K Choudhary that 3.5 lakh yatris have registered for the Amarnath Yatra by Designated Banks Branches' Post Offices and through Online Registration at JK Bank's Website.

Key Points to Note for Those who will be performing Amarnath Yatra in 2012

• Medical Certificate issued be RMP is required and the same can be checked at the Base Camps before proceeding for the yatra.
• Helicopter Ticket will serve as yatra Permit for those who wish to perform Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter.However, such yatris are required to produce Medical Certificate.
• Without Registration, No Yatri will be allowed to proceed for the yatra from Baltal and Nunwan Base Camps.
• It is appealed to yatris to reach the base camps only on the specified dates and for the route for which they are registered

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Amarnath Yatra 2012 Online Registration Fourm

The Registration for the annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnath Ji  is all set to start from 7th May, 2012.In 2012, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board had expanded the yatra registration counters this year, the yatra registration will be done by 274 registration counters, that includes JK Bank Branches, Yes Bank, 4 district Co-operative banks and 100 post offices.This year, the yatra registration counters have been increased from 149 in 2011 to 274 in 2012.

Online Registration for Amarnath Yatra 2012 

Apart from the Offline Registration, the Online Registration for Amarnath Yatra 2012 will start from 7th May, 2012.The Registration will be done at the JK Bank's Official Website.If you are interested to get yourself or your friends registered for Amarnath Yatra 2012 using the Online Registration method, then you are advised to go through the steps given below:

• Registration Date: The Starting Date for Online Registration is 7th May, 2012.So yatris are advised to registration Online for Amarnath Yatra only on or after 7th May, 2012.

• Where to Register : The Online Registration will be done only at the JK Bank's Official Website (www.jkbank.net) .

• How to Register ? : Yatris who wish to use the Online facility for Amarnath Yatra 2012 Registration must follow the below mentioned steps at the time of Online Registration.

1. On the Online Registration Page, yatris will first have to select the Yatra Route (Either through Baltal or Chandanwari , Yatra Date, Number of Persons.
2. The maximum number of yatris that can be registered per booking is Five.
3. The Registration charges for every single yatri is Rs 15 only.
4. Yatris are advised to fill Individual Details of yatris as required.
5. Payment for Online Registration will be done by Credit Cards / Debit Card and Internet Banking .
6. After successful Payment and Confirmation, the system will generate Yatra Permit Card, that must be printed and preserved till the completion of Yatra.
7. The Yatra permit card is to be produced at the time of performing yatra
8. Yatris are required to note down the Transaction ID, Yatra route and Yatra date as they may be required to Re-Generated Yatra Permit cards.

•  Medical Certificate is Compulsory: After the successful Online Registration, yatris must note that the that will have to submit the Medical Certificate certified by an Registered Medical Practitioner.The Medical Certificate form can be downloaded from this link.

     It is worth mentioning here that the Yatra Permit cards that were generated using Online Registration method will be valid only if the Yatris will submit the prescribed Medical Certificate at the Baltal / Chandanwari Routes and get their E Yatra Permits Stamped there by the Officials of Shrine Board, only then they will be allowed to proceed for the Holy cave and carry on with the Yatra.

Update: We will update this page, if there is any change in the Online Registration process and will soon provide the Direct link for of JK Bank Website for Yatra Registration. Till then stay tuned.

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Amarnath Yatra Guide Line

About Amarnath Yatra 2012

Prepare for Yatra by achieving  Physical fitness 

In order to perform smooth and trouble free  yatra, it is advisable to  start preparatory morning  / evening walk of about  4 - 5 kms per day atleast a month prior to Yatra. Apart from above If you can have  daily massage of your body with body oil, preferably mustard (sarson) oil and  bathe in the lukewarm water , this will  help your body to become flexible and you will not feel tired. Moreover the effect of sudden change in temperature & climate on you  will be reduced to a large extent . As oxygen gets rare some times , It is better to improve your physical fitness  .  To increase your body efficiency of oxygen , it is very good to start deep breathing exercises . The Yoga exercise like Prana Yam can be learnt.

Carry needful warm clothings and wind shield and proper shoes. 

You have to trek through  high mountains and there are  cold winds blowing . So  during the Yatra,  take Woollen Clothings, Small Umbrella (only Head Cover with Elastic around Forehead and supported by strap around the chin),  Wind shield, Raincoat, Waterproof Shoes ( Preferably Hunter Shoes), Torch, Stick, Cap (preferably Monkey Cap), Gloves, Jacket, Woollen Socks and Trousers. These are 

essential as the climate   is unpredictable and changes abruptly  from sunny weather to rain and snow. The temperature may abruptly fall even up to -5 degree C.

Keep a slip  with your Name, Address and the name of accompanying yatri  in your pocket

Take  water bottle , dry fruit,  and baked  grams with you during journey.

Keep some cold cream or vaseline with you to protect skin from cold winds

Take a little relaxation on steep inclines and don't exert yourself too much . 

Yatris are advised to follow the instructions issued by Yatra Administration.

It is requested that do provide all needful help to the co-devotee travelling with you.

Perform yatra with a pious mind and keep enchanting "Om Namah Shivay" all the way.

During  the Yatra from Pahalgam onward , keep your clothes and eatables in plastic bag to avoid the things being drenched during the rain

Carry some common medicines such as Glucose, Disprin etc. with you for immediate relief.

Sari is not suitable dress for the Yatra .Ladies should not wear saris as it may be very inconvenient. Salwar kameej, pant shirt or Track suit will  be very comfortable.

Keep the horses / ponies with your luggage  and Coolies  along side as it is difficult to trace them in case you are separated from them. More over you may need some of those useful items from luggage any time at a short notice.

Best suitable shoes are Hunter shoes and most comfortable Dress is woollen track suit.

The best way to perform Yatra is to keep a steady and slow  pace. Don’t exert more by fast walking . The moral of the story of Hare and tortoise is best applicable here.  

Don'ts

Don't stop at such places which are marked by  warning notices 

Don't take drugs during Yatra.

 The children and  aged  persons are advised not to perform yatra ,keeping in view the tough nature of the yatra.. 

Donot take oily / greasy / fried food during yatra.

Don't use Slippers because of  the steep rises and falls on the route  to the Holy Cave. 

Don't attempt short cuts on the route as it is very dangerous.

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How to Go Amarnath Yatra 2012

Baba Amarnath Wallpaper

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.

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How to Reach Amarnath Holy Cave

Amarnath Road Map

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.

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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 : 

---

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 are very 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 :

Bus Services :Govt. Bus Services are available from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal to Jammu

Rail Service schedule for Jammu is as under :

Train No & Name	Dep  N.Delhi/Delhi	Arv. Jammu	Stations Between
4645 Shalimar Express	16.10hrs	06.30 hrs	N.Delhi-Jammu Tawi Via J.City
2425 Rajdhani (Thurs)	08.50 hrs	0545 hrs	N.Delhi-Jammu Tawi Via Ldh
3151 Sealdah Exp	not via Delhi	9.20 hrs	Sealdah-Jammu Tawi via J.City
4033 Jammu Tawi Mail	21.10 hrs(Delhi)	11.00hrs	Delhi -Jammu Tawi Via J.City
2403 Pooja Express	03.40 hrs (Delhi)	09.00hrs	Delhi-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt.
1077 Jhelum Express	21.50 hrs	11.20 hrs	Pune-Jammu Tawi Via J.City
6317/6787 Him Sagar (Thurs)	08.05 hrs	15.05 hrs	Kanyakumari/Madurai-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt
6031 Madras Exp (Mon, Thur,Sun)	08.05 hrs	15.05hrs	Madras-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt
6687/6787 Navyug Exp (Mon)	08.05 hrs	15.05hrs	Mangloor/Madurai-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt
2471 Super Fast (Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat)	04.15 hrs	15.30 hrs	Bombay-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt
2477 Jamnagar (Wed)	04.15 hrs	15.30  hrs	Jamnagar-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt
2473 Sarvodya Exp (Sat)	04.15 hrs	15.30  hrs	Ahemdabad-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt
2475 Jamnagar Exp (Tue,Wed)	04.15 hrs	15.30 hrs	Rajkot-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt
9367 Malwa Express	8.10 hrs via Nizamuddin	18.45hrs	Indore-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt
3073 Himgiri Exp(Tue,Fri,Sat)	Starting Days From Howrah Via Lucknow	12.55 hrs	Howrah-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt
5087/5097 Amarnath Exp(Mon,Thurs,Fri)	Starting Days From starting station	12.55 hrs	Gorarkhpur/Baurauni-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt.
5651 Lohit Exp (Mon)	Starting from Gohati on the day	12.55 hrs	Gohati-Jammu Tawi Via J.Cantt

For More Details about Trains to Jammu Please Visit at : www.india-travel.com

Airline Services :

You can reach Jammu, Srinagar by Air from different parts of the country. For latest information please contact the Indian Airlines office. From Srinagar you can go to Pahalgam / Baltal  by Bus /Taxi. 

Approximate fare from Jammu to Srinagar is Rs.1300.00 per Person by Jet Airways. 

For further Information regarding flights visit at : www.jetairways.com

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Amarnath Yatra 2012 Route

Amaranath Route Image

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.

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Amarnath Yatra 2012

Amarnath Cave Wallpaper

When To Take UP Yatra 

The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the J &K Govt. during  the month of sharavan ( July and August); the dates  however , vary every year looking  at the weather  conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sharavan (Vikrama Samwat). This year yatra will be taken up from 5th July, 2001 to 5th August, 2001. The first convey of yatries shall leave Jammu on 2nd July, 2001 and last on 1st August, 2001

     Yatra to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave for which one has to trek a height of  about 14,500 ft  is full of thrill and joy .The  feeling  of divine which is always beneath  ones' heart ,  burst out and one realises ‘Moksha’  as one attends  the Cave   and   perform the  prayer  before the  Shivlinga . Surrounded by beautiful valleys, mountains , one  will  always  feel  His presence on the paradise of the earth, the memory of which hardly vanishes with time    A  journey  which  will  rediscover the nature and its love  which  is always  inside but one has never felt.

CLIMATE 

The climatic conditions are very uncertain . Rain or snowfall may take  place  at any time  or  place during the Yatra . It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur . Sunny weather may turn into rain / snow fall in  a short time .  The temperature may fall upto -5 degree C . 

How to Perform Pilgrimage 

For performing this Yatra, one is required to get registered . The registration is done by J &K Govt. Tourist Offices, located at Delhi , Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Jammu and Srinagar.

Applications for registration in the prescribed format which is reproduced here .You can get  the print out of this form and this can be used for registration .The filled in form  should be sent to the registration office nearest to you , along with two passport size photographs duly affixed at the indicated places, a self addressed pre stamped envelope (for speed post) and a medical fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor .   Each yatri has to submit a seperate application for registration.   Every yatri will be issued a registration-cum-identity slip  by the registration authority. Yatris are advised to  carry this identity slip   during the  Yatra period to ensure a smooth passage . 

Travelling Expenditure:

Bus Fare (Per Person)

  DELUXE SEMI-DELUXE ORDINARY ARTP

Jammu To Pahalgam Rs. 200.00 Rs. 155.00 Rs. 130.00 Rs. 220.00

Jammu To Baltal Rs. 240.00 Rs. 200.00 Rs. 160.00 Rs. 270.00

Taxi Fare (Per Person)

  TATA SUMO ( 7 Seater ) AMBASSADOR / VAN ( 5 Seater )

Jammu To Pahalgam Rs.360.00 Rs. 520.00

Jammu To Baltal Rs. 550.00 Rs. 760.00

Other Expenditure:

Chandanwari to Holy Cave 

Rates as per  J&K Government (up & down) 

Coolie Labour Rs. 1100.00

Dandi Rs. 7000.00

Ponny Rs. 2300.00

Baltal to Holy Cave 

Rates as per  J&K Government (up & down) 

Coolie Labour Rs. 700.00

Dandi Rs. 3500.00

Ponny Rs. 1100.00

The above  rates are fixed by J & K Tourism .These are maximum rates. However , Yatris can avail the above facilities at lower rates depending upon their bargaining power.

All Yatris are advised  the following : 

Insurance : In view of the hazardous nature of the Yatra, pilgrims are advised to get themselves insured  suitably. It is  advisable  that insurance cover  may be got done before leaving their place of residance. 

Accommodation : 

Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust  provides  tented accommodation & Community Kitchen (Langar) to  the pilgrims TOTALLY FREE OF COST. This year this service will be made available at Panchtarni . Your valuable suggestions are solicited  by  filing  up the form  provided here on the website .

Free accommodation is also  being provided by other  Non Government Charitable Organisations. However, J&K Tourism Development Corporation too  provides tented accommodation and shelters at nominal charges. 

Personal Tips : 

Because of the unpredictable  weather conditions, which  often are  wet and extremely cold during the Yatra period, pilgrims are advised to carry rain coat, woollen clothing, small umbrella (with head elastic band and strap around chin), walking stick , dry fruits, torch and  personal medical kits etc.

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Baba 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. "(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 Mohinjodaro and Harappa 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 Panchtarni, 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).

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 Holy Cave. 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 in there. 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 valley of 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 .

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