Chander M. Bhat
Almost every part of India is known for many a sacred shrine, but the Amarnath Cave embossed in the snowy valley of Kashmir reveals the unique sight of natural Ice Linga of Lord Shiva perched on a glacial gorge which waxes and wanes with the movements of the moon. According to a common belief, it reaches the maximum height on Purnima in the month of Shravan (July-August), when Shiva is supposed to have divulged to Parvati the secret of salvation. On this day thousands of pilgrims negotiating the most difficult ridges arrive at the holy cave for Dharshan of the Lord. The pilgrimage of thousands of devotees to the far way cave of Amarnath, nestled in a glacial gorge of the western Himalayas, through some of the most charming scenery in the world, is fascinating in the extreme. One is stuck with wonder at the quiet and ordinary way in which a canvas town springs up with incredible rapidity of colours and of all shapes and sixes and broad streets running through the middle, and all vanishing as quickly at the break of dawn when the whole army of pilgrimages set out on the march again. The glow of countless cooking fires, the ashen smeared Sadhus under the canopy of discussing or meditating before the Dhunis, the Sannyasins of all orders in various garbs, the men and women with children, from all parts and their devote faces, the torches shimmering at nightfall, the blowing of conch-shells and horns, the singing of hymns and prayers in chorus………. all these are most impressive, and convey an idea of mastering passion of the race for religion.
Amarnath literally means the Immortal Lord. Lord Shiva stands for Deathlessness. He confers this boon on his devotees. Deathlessness is not trying to preserve the physical sheath forever but in growing so fearless as to look at death in its face! The truth of this will be evident to one who undertakes a pilgrimage to Amarnath……….the hallowed pilgrimage center of Kashmir.
In olden days the route was via Rawalpindi (Pakistan) but now a direct train is there connecting rest of India to Jammu, the winter capital of the State. The best part of journey is between Guru Purnima and Shravan Purnima. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir makes all arrangements for the comfort of the pilgrims for undertaking the ritualistic journey for visiting the shrine on Shravan Purnama. But the highly unpredictable weather of the mountains should be more obliging before Guru Purnima as rains would not start. There is a bus service from Jammu to Pahalgam (7,500 ft.). At Pahalgam the pilgrims arrange for coolies or ponies to carry gear of food and clothes etc. Everybody remains busy making arrangements for the Yatra. The golden glow of, the sun falls on the turbulent river at Pahalgam. Pahalgam in Kashmiri means the land of shepherds.
The journey from Pahalgam commences towards the first halting station Chandanwari (8,500 ft.) is ten miles away. With the bright sunlight reflected in silvery snow-clad peaks above, and gurgling river meandering through the valley below, the pilgrim already is in a different, world. The trekking undoubtedly is slow but not, boring as the scenery alongside is most picturesque.
Early the next morning the caravan again proceeds further towards a straight two mile climb towards Pisutop (12,200 ft.). From Pisutop one has to cover seven miles to reach Seshnag (13,148 ft.) next halting station. Ascent is stiff and steep, climbs are difficult to negotiate. The path is clear but at some places the glaciers become slippery. It is here where a stick carried by a pilgrims become useful and in some cases savers ones life. Before entering the small pilgrim camp one gets the enchanting sight of blue still waters of Seshnag Lake. One has to walk a mile to take a refreshing bath. The lake is very deep and is fed by the melting snow of the glaciers above and water is bluish green below. It is believed that some one has seen Adishesha………. the many hooded serpent streaking through these waters. Whatever may be the explanation, it is true that one experiences an invisible presence of some super power near the lake. The mountains are fully covered with snow and its peaks resemble the seven heads of the mythical snake. The quiet place looks so thickly populated, then, that everybody, despite intense cold, appears in high spirits, probable feeling proximity to the diving. The roaring sound of gushing streams, the gigantic snow clad mountains, the moonlight beaming through foggy enclosure, the neighing horses and the dim tent-tops all around presents an indelible impression. One feels nearer to God and in such a blissful environment.
From Sheshnag one reaches Panchtarni, the valley cress-crossed by five rivulets. The journey is most difficult as one has to climb to a height of 14,500 ft. and then to descend. The highest point is Mahagunus, which means the great serpent. There is no vegetation at this height and one begins to feel lack of oxygen. It is said that the fragrance of the herbs in Mahagunus is so alluring that the pilgrims are warned not to have any rest at this place and Ponywallas are very careful not to allow their horses to graze here which otherwise, is fatal for these animals. The four miles descent from Mahagunus to Panchtarni is slippery especially after a rain, which is a common occurrence. The night is spent is great expectation so reaching the cave in the morning. The journey starts early in the morning. Again a steep ascent to Sant Singh Top (13,500 ft.) and a slippery descent until one reaches the low-lying glaciers over which are seen the pilgrims walking in a row. At last one reaches the Amar Ganga where one takes his bath in ice-cold water and climbs up the steep to the cave. This bath and steep climb are final tests of devotion.
The holy cave is approximately 50′ long 25′ wide and 15′ high. When one reaches the cave, he becomes over struck at the sight of Ice Linga completely filling the right corner of the, cave, the top of the Linga touches the root of the cave. The base of the cave is also covered with ice, like a carpet. Here Shiva is worshipped by nature in the purest way. The cave is the nature’s temple and is undefiled, by human touch. Shiva is snow-white and pure. Linga is formed by drops of water falling from the top of the cave and two other small ice Lingas are also formed, believed to be the symbols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. On early morning a white pair of doves (believed to be Shiva and Parvati) appear at the cave corner. Austerity and strenuous mountain climbing with all its attendant risks are soon forgotten and one gets a sense of grand fulfillment here.
After having darshan one climbs down with a heavy heart casting “a longing lingering look behind” and slowly starts returning. The river Amar Ganga flows with a gentle murmur Shiva, Shiva and the tall peaks echoed it, to be heard by the Heavens. Himalayas around Kashmir have their special grandeur. Even a loud shout is sufficient to dislodge a huge boulder or rock precariously handing on the tip of the mountain and bring it hurtling down leveling everything, pilgrims and all. Rarefied atmosphere again burns the exposed skin of the face with its ultra violet radiation. At every step death stares in the face! But who cares? One can return through the same route or by a different route, which takes a short time but is very risky.
Despite innumerable difficulties and hindrances the pilgrimage to Amarnath provides not only adventure and spiritual solace, but also an ineffable experience that abides with one for ever.