Amarnath Cave Temple

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.

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

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).

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.

Is there an entry fee at Amarnath Cave Temple?

Entry to the main shrine of Amarnath Cave Temple is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.

What is the dress code at Amarnath Cave Temple?

Amarnath Cave Temple follows the traditional dress code observed at Jammu & Kashmir temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.