Amarnath Cave Temple

The Amarnath Cave stands at 3,888 metres in the mountains of Kashmir, and it is among the most demanding Hindu pilgrimages. Inside the cave, a lingam of ice forms each summer, rising from a stalagmite that grows as water drips from the roof. Devotees see it as Shiva himself, and its size is said to change with the phases of the moon.

The associated legend says that Shiva chose this cave to tell Parvati the secret of immortality, and that a pair of pigeons overheard it and have been immortal ever since. Pilgrims occasionally report seeing a pair of pigeons at the cave.

First literary reference appears in the Nilamata Purana (c. 6th–7th c. CE). The 12th-century Rajatarangini of Kalhana records Queen Suryamati of Kashmir installing trishulas and banalingas at the site. The Ain-i-Akbari (16th c.) describes the waxing and waning of the ice lingam. The French traveller François Bernier visited the cave in 1663 with Aurangzeb's court. The modern yatra was systematised by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) in 2000 after a fatal stampede highlighted the need for regulation.

There is no built temple here: the shrine is a natural cave, about 40 metres high, in a narrow valley. The ice lingam stands at the centre of the cave, and two smaller ice formations nearby are worshipped as Parvati and Ganesha.

Everything else is temporary. Tented camps, langars (free kitchens) and medical posts are set up along both routes each season by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and by volunteer organisations.

The yatra is held for around 45 to 60 days each summer, ending on Raksha Bandhan (Shravan Purnima). The ceremonial Chhari Mubarak, a sacred mace carried by sadhus, leads the final procession to the cave.

Pilgrims chant "Bam Bam Bhole" and offer prayers at the lingam, and the cave is opened with ritual worship at the start of the yatra season.

• Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (45 days, July–August)
• Maha Shivaratri at base

Registration with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board is mandatory, with a compulsory health certificate, and age and health restrictions apply. Carry warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes and a walking stick, and train in advance for the trek.

The Pahalgam route is about 43 km and takes several days, while the Baltal route is around 13 km. Helicopter services run from both bases. Weather changes quickly at high altitude, and the yatra can be suspended due to rain or security.

TWO ROUTES. (1) Pahalgam route (traditional, 43 km trek via Chandanwari → Pissu Top → Sheshnag → Panchtarni → cave; 3–5 days). (2) Baltal route (shorter, 13 km via Domail → Barari → Sangam; 1–2 days return). Helicopter services available from both Pahalgam and Baltal. Base camps at Pahalgam (~95 km from Srinagar) and Baltal (~16 km from Sonamarg). Nearest airport: Srinagar (SXR).

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Where is Amarnath Cave Temple located?

Amarnath Cave Temple is located at Amarnath Cave, Pahalgam tehsil, Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir, in Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Who is the presiding deity at Amarnath Cave Temple?

The presiding deity at Amarnath Cave Temple is Shiva (also known as Mahadev, Bholenath), worshipped in the Shaiva tradition.

What are the timings of Amarnath Cave Temple?

Amarnath Cave Temple is generally open Open only during yatra season — typically late June / early July to mid-August (around Raksha Bandhan), lasting ~45 days. Shrine closed rest of year due to snow.. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.

When was Amarnath Cave Temple built?

Amarnath Cave Temple was established References in 6th–7th c. Nilamata Purana; 12th c. Rajatarangini inscriptions; present form 20th c.. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.

What is the architectural style of Amarnath Cave Temple?

Amarnath Cave Temple is built in the Natural cave shrine (no built architecture); 40 m high ice stalagmite lingam at 3,888 m altitude style, characteristic of Shiva shrines of this region.

Which festivals are celebrated at Amarnath Cave Temple?

The principal festivals celebrated at Amarnath Cave Temple include Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (45 days, July–August), Maha Shivaratri at base. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Jammu & Kashmir and beyond.

How can I reach Amarnath Cave Temple?

TWO ROUTES. (1) Pahalgam route (traditional, 43 km trek via Chandanwari → Pissu Top → Sheshnag → Panchtarni → cave; 3–5 days). (2) Baltal route (shorter, 13 km via Domail → Barari → Sangam; 1–2 days return). Helicopter services available from both Pahalgam and Baltal. Base camps at Pahalgam (~95 km from Srinagar) and Baltal (~16 km from Sonamarg). Nearest airport: Srinagar (SXR).

Why is Amarnath Cave Temple significant?

Amarnath Cave Temple in Jammu & Kashmir marks where Shiva is believed to have revealed immortality to Parvati, its ice lingam waxing with the moon.

What is the best time to visit Amarnath Cave Temple?

Only during the summer yatra, typically from late June or early July to August, announced each year by the Shrine Board.