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Om Namah Shivay !!

Yatra 2024

• For yatra in 2024, one needs to register online or offline and obtain a permit or a registration card, before the sots are full. This registration online /offline process for 2024 will commence on the schedule set by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB).
  You can check their official website for updates and guidelines
• Yatra 24 can be started from two base camps, Nunwan Camp, Pahalgam or Baltal. Yatra covers a trek of appx. 48 km from Pahalgam or appx. 14 km from Baltal to the shrine holy cave, it is located at an altitude of 3,888 m. One can also opt for a helicopter service from either base camp to the nearest point of the holy cave.
• The pilgrimage of the yatra is to finally view of the natural white snow lingam that forms inside the holy cave and it represents Lord Shiva. The natural white snow lingam attains its maximum height during the full moon of July-August and gradually vanishes afterwards. There are also two smaller lingams that symbolize Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
• Yatra is tempting and challenging and risky journey that requires physical fitness, mental strength, and spiritual devotion. Yatri should strictly follow the do’s and don’ts issued by the JK-SASB and carry a compulsory health certificate from an authorized doctor or hospital or CHC or medical institution. Yatri’s should also be prepared for un-favourable weather conditions, high altitude sickness, and other health hazards.

History 

The Amarnath Holy Cave is believed to be one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Hinduism. According to some literary sources, the holy cave was the place where Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of immortality to Goddess Parvati.

• Legends:
• There are many legends associated with the Amarnath Yatra, such as the one that says Lord Shiva left behind his Nandi (bull) at Pahalgam, his moon at Chandanwari, his snake at Lake Sheshnag, his son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat, and his five elements at Panchtarni before entering the cave. Another legend says that a pair of white pigeons overheard Lord Shiva’s secret and became immortal, and can still be seen inside the cave. No wonder by Shivas blessings they thrive in such extreme cold weather.
• Rituals:
• The devotees who undertake the Amarnath Yatra perform various rituals along the way, such as just before starting, they take a dip in the holy Amrit Kund at Pahalgam,
• Offering prayers at the shrines of Srinagar, paying homage to the martyrs at the Baltal base camp, and chanting
  ‘Har Har Mahadev’
  and
  ‘Bam Bam Bhole’
  throughout the trek. The main ritual is to have a darshan (sight view) of the ice lingam and offer water, milk, flowers, and fruits to Lord Shiva
• Nearby Attractions:
• The Amarnath Yatra also offers an opportunity to explore the scenic beauty and cultural diversity of Kashmir. Some of the nearby attractions that you can visit at Srinagar are Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, and Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar;
• Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Baisaran in Pahalgam; Thajiwas Glacier, Zojila Pass, and Kheer Bhawani Temple in Sonmarg; and Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, and Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg
• Time to Visit :
• The best time to visit Amarnath is during the official yatra period, which usually falls between July and August. This is when the weather is relatively favorable and the ice lingam is at its peak. However, you should also be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, rainfall, landslides, and roadblocks that may occur during this time. You should also check the weather forecast and the security situation before planning your trip . SASB websites also provides details in a timely manner ref link https://jksasb.nic.in/.