Thursday, 17 October 2013

Amarnath Yatra - Dip Into The Matchless Divinity

One of the most famous pilgrimages in India, Shri Amarnath Yatra starts on the panchami day of the bright half of 'Shravan' month. This annually held Yatra is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and has a great religious importance for Hindu Pilgrims. Thousands of Hindus come from different parts country, and join the journey that leads them to the holy Amarnath Cave. Every year in month of July/August, when ice at Himalaya begins to melt down, Shri Amarnath Yatra begins, because this is the time when a giant iced Shiva-lingum takes place in the holy cave. It's believed that those who complete the journey and catch glimpse of the Shiva-lingum get 'Moksha' and will have no re-birth.

Amarnath Cave is located in a narrow gorge at the end of Lidder Valley amidst the cloud-kissing peaks of Himalaya. It's situated at an elevation about 14,000 ft and virtually 140 km from Srinagar - the capital of Jammu & Kashmir state. The place remains obscure for the most of the years, and can be accessed only in months of July and August. This amazing place is believed to be an adobe for lord Shiva for a short period of time. It's the spot where the lord narrated the story to his consort Parvati that could grant immortality to its listener. The cave and Shiva-lingum were detected by Bregish Rishi while wandering around the Himalayas. When people came to know about it, they began to visit this sacred place to pay homage to great deity Shiva. The best time visit this place is the full moon day of Shravan month, according to Hindu panchang.
Undoubtedly, journey to Lord Shiva's adobe is a rewarding experience full of thrills, joy and religiousness. The 45 km distance from Pahalgam to Amarnathji is filled with various wonderments exploring them can leave anyone spellbound. However, Amarnath Yatra registration in Shrinagar is mandatory for pilgrims to be part of this holy Yatra. It takes usually 4 days to reach the Amarnath Cave through this route after necessary rests and night halts on the way. One will find many base camps offering the pilgrims night stay with all required facilities.


During the Yatra, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni are the main destinations for night stay. The first halt at Chandanwari is about 16 km from the Pahalgam that comes after a number of enchanting landscapes being crossed. Breathtaking natural beauty and alluring serenity leave long-lasting impression on travelers' heart, mind and soul. Sheshnag, a beautiful lake whose name comes from the seven surrounding peaks which resemble the heads of Sheshnag (a mythical snake) is the major attraction of Shri Amarnath Yatra. Deep blue water of this lake looks stunning and beauty of surrounding peaks is beyond any imagination. Camps here offer nice stay with all required facilities.
After trekking 12 km to steady height and then descending to the meadow, you will reach to land of Panchtarini. This is the last camp en route to the Amarnath Temple. The holy Amarnath Cave is just 6 km from Panchtarini, so you can return back here after getting darshan on the same day. Throughout the journey, you would meet a number of destinations with heavenly beauty and religious grandness. Being physically and mentally fit, you could enjoy this pilgrimage to the fullest.


Amarnath Yatra - A Test of Endurance But Worth The Trouble

The Amarnath Yatra is organized every year for pilgrims who wish to visit the holy cave of Baba Amarnath, the other name of Lord Shiva. Located at a height of 14,500 ft, Amarnath is a picturesque Himalayan valley that offers a great feast for the senses. The duration of pilgrimage is usually between 45- 60 days. The Amarnath cave beholds the holy Shiva Ling which forms for a few weeks every year. It is the only stalagmite Shiva ling in the world. Lord Shiva is said to have made his home in the Himalayas and these valleys attract huge number of tourists every year.

The yatra to attain "Moksha" or salvation is believed to be very adventurous and full of joy and thrill. People from all over the world, travel to this sacred destination to perform prayers before the shivalinga. Amarnath yatra is a journey that cleanses the body, mind and soul. As you travel through the pure and pollution free environs to see the holy ice formation, you experience a purity of soul that cannot be expressed in words.
The climate in the region is very erratic and rain or snowfall can occur at any time or place during the journey. The lowest temperature can go below upto -5 degree Celsius and a sunny weather can suddenly turn into a rain or snowfall in a very short time.
Devotees, who wish to go for this holy journey, need to fill up the yatra registration form which is issued by Sri Amarnathji Shrine board, under the government of Jammu and Kashmir. The registration usually starts 40 to 45 days before the actual yatra is set to commence. Devotees who are traveling for the first time are often in a dilemma as to how to obtain the Amarnath Yatra registration form. There is a complete procedure, issued by the government, for helping the devotees understand the details of registration form process.
Lately, the government has also started to issue online registration forms for the convenience of devotees. This form can be downloaded from Sri Amarnathji Shrine board's official website. The centers for registration are designated counters of J&K bank branches and a few other banks. The Amarnath yatra registration form is the only document that allows one to register for the Yatra. After filling up the form, it needs to be submitted to the counters that are specified for the registration, along with the fees. The devotees will be issued a permit called the Yatra permit, which they have to carry along during their pilgrimage.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir offers Amarnath yatra helicopter service. This service was launched in 2004. There are different packages for the holy Amaranth yatra helicopter service and you can choose the package that suits your needs. The Amarnath yatra helicopter service is recognized by the Ministry of Tourism in India and is the shortest way to travel to the holy shrine. The packages include pick up from Srinagar airport, overnight stay and then proceeding to the holy cave. Some packages include priority darshan, excursion to Srinagar and sightseeing in the local areas.


Helicopter Booking For Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath location is not straight linked to road or rail. The 145 km Srinagar , Which is connected to Delhi and various Indian cities is at the close by airport. Frequently the starting up point for the Amarnath Yatra nearly300 J and road, rail and is connected by air to significant Indian cities. Amarnath improve for hassle-cost-free with climatic conditions and the Himalayas is hard due to the steep climb. Porters, horses (Chairs by porters) are all available via the route.
Northern route is modest and only sixteen km, it is possible to visit the temple and again in one particular day. Lack of time a lot of pilgrims favor this route. The route starts from Baltal and the Amarnath cave close to Amaravathy River originates from glaciers and downstream flows is as follows. This route is really tough as the slope is really steep. Also climbing is absolutely connected to the pilgrims on their own have an uphill climb. About 4-5 hrs in a moderately in shape person ought to be able to drive it.
Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir more than Amarnath shrine in the Himalayas, for God is an annual pilgrimage. This temple is situated at an altitude of thirteen,000 feet, so the results of higher altitude and excessive chilly circumstances are really typical right here. During these situations, the variety of fatalities are due to really a handful of. In 1996, about 200 pilgrims died of hypothermia because of to excessive chilly here.Consequently it is essential to be informed of the truth that safety measures are taken versus these disorders.
The cave, nine toes large Shivling created of crystalline ice is most famous for. It is a all-natural stalagmite in the form of a penis and it is considered that the composition of the phases of the moon waxes and wanes. The Shiva Lingam in the shrine is meant to signify. As the stating goes, as soon as Shiva asked Parvati the top secret of immortality.It is considered that the wisdom of this tale, you will obtain immortality. Stayed for more than two months, I think about myself to have authority in excess of the Amarnath Yatra. Of approximately 45 meters large and nearly90 ft extended, Amarnath cave faces south. Within the cave, there are roughly four to 5 ice configurations are similar to photographs of a variety of gods.
Based on the tale, the annual Amarnath Yatra follows the same path as talked about in the narrative. Pahalgam passengers traveling from the start and chandanwadi, seshnag, Ganesh Leading, panchtarani wander by means of to achieve the Amarnath cave. Full distance is about 42 km is lined both on foot or by pony. Helicopter assistance has been launched just lately. This is a strictly no using tobacco or alcohol consumption is recommended. Alcohol lead to reduction of entire body warmth and can lead to hypothermia can.


Amarnath Yatra Tour Package - Where to Eat And Shop?

Amarnath temple is an auspicious place and one of the most popular pilgrim destinations in India. An Amarnath yatra is organized every year during the summer months when the weather is congenial and when it is possible for tourists to travel to the region without facing too many difficulties. It is believed that this cave temple is more than five thousand years old. While modern day man cannot vouch for the certainty of this statement, but it is true that it has been the favorite haunt of pilgrims for a really long time.
Usually, helicopter bookings need to be done for accessing this temple. It is located at a steep altitude of over 4,000 m. Besides, this temple cum cave is very remote in location and is deprived of any roadway or railway linking it directly. The most feasible way to make the journey is through helicopters or ponies which can take you to the exact point. It is essential to make a registration for the trip of amarnath yatra by helicopter. You can buy a tour package and get registration under it. You can also buy a package which would involve accommodation and meals.
When it comes to eating out at Amarnath, then you will have to resort to nearby towns. Pahalgam, for instance, is a town in the vicinity and has some good restaurants and hotels. You can have your fill there and head to some top-class eateries. Amarnath itself is a secluded mountainous area where no food chain or restaurant can be made available. The temple has to be accessed through trekking or through ponies. So, you are strongly advised to carry some dry fruits and snacks in your pockets or in a container.
It is therefore quite wisely advocated that the first-time tourists who do not have a good amount of idea about the territory should seek the help of travel guides or tour agents. These professional people can direct you about the places, attractions and restaurants.
The Amarnath Yatra basically commences from the town of Pahalgam. It is the point at which you embark on the spiritual journey. Though the capital of the state is Srinagar and is much more luxurious in comparison, it is over 140 km away from Amarnath. Pahalgam being very close is fit to play the role of a stopover destination. It has some well-known eating points like Nathu Rasoi, New Poonam Restaurant, Punjabi Rasoi and Dana Pani. Besides, there are some excellent hotels which have good restaurants. Some of the hotels recommended by travelers for eating are Mir Lodge, Hotel Rahat, Swarg Palace and Mantoo Cottages.
Apart from eating, you can also do some shopping at Pahalgam. This is a busy town which is extremely famous amongst the general tourists. So, it is so surprise that there are some good shops and stores from where you can buy the necessaries. Alternatively, you can also take something for a memento. One can always pick up accessories which are cheap and easily available. If you are looking for something expensive, then there are jewel stones or embroidery that can be purchased.


Tips for Pilgrimage to Amarnath Yatra

If you are going for a pilgrim destination, then you will have to follow some special tips so that you can have a safe journey and make the most of your trip at the same time. Amarnath and chardham are both very pious and popular pilgrim destinations in India. There are certain kinds of preparations which one requires to do before heading to these venues. Here are some special tips by travel experts:

Plan in Advance: When you are going for chardham yatra or Amarnath yatra, you ought to make plans in advance. It is not desirable to make last-minute arrangements since these destinations are different from your usual beachside or hillside holiday locales. One has to make registrations and check the tour timings. So, it is very essential that you chalk out a plan at least 3-4 weeks in advance.
Buy a Travel Package: It is also important to note that most pilgrims can save a lot of money by opting for a travel package. For instance, using a pilgrim package, you can head for a budget Amarnath yatra at the minimum of expenses. Another benefit of buying a package is that one saves a lot of time, and he is not at all hassled.
Make Yourself Physically Prepared: Chardham and Amarnath are destinations which are situated in the high hills of Himalayas. They have to be accessed on foot through trekking. Even though, one can take some help of ponies and palanquins, nevertheless, the steep climb can make you lose your breath. So, it is very important that you physically prepare yourself before starting your journey. By doing some exercises at home or in parks, you can increase your fitness and improve the functionality of the heart.


Get Yourself Medically Examined: It is always advisable to get yourself medically examined before going for these yatras. This point is especially valid for people who have reached advanced age and are more likely to get affected by the rigors of the journey. In case, you are not medically fit to make the journey, then your physician would inform you about the same. Besides, if you are yourself dubious about your ability to make the journey, then you can consult him on this matter and seek advice.
Travel in Group: It is preferable to travel in a group instead of traveling alone or in small numbers. These mountainous regions are not very densely populated and some of the tracks can pose physical or climatic adversity. Therefore, it helps if you have people to accompany you since you can help each other. Under budget Amarnath yatra package and chardham yatra packages, pilgrims are usually placed in small gatherings so that they can make the holy journey collectively.
Pay Special Attention to Packing: These regions have harsh climatic conditions and the temperatures can be very cold even during the summer. Rain is also a common occurrence between July and September. So, you must place greater emphasis while packing your bags, and carry woolens and raincoats mandatorily.