Amarnath Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. It is said that, the throat of Maa Sati fell here, when Lord Vishnu in order to relieve Lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise Maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of throat, this small temple was constructed. Amarnath Shakti Peeth is situated in Amarnath cave, in Kashmir, India. Here the idol of Maa Sati is called as ‘Mahamaya’ and the Lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Trisandhyeshvar’.
In Amarnath as such there is no temple, just few metal railings to keep crowd in systematic. All around the cave, you can see snow capped mountains and they present picturesque views. Actually this is a natural cave and here one of the mysterious, yet adorable structures forms naturally. In the month of winters, ice Lingam (Related to Lord Shiva) is formed automatically and naturally. And this is the reason why this place is so auspicious, and people in large numbers irrespective of harsh winters visit this sacred site.
History of Amarnath Shakti Peeth
No one knows from what times this ice lingam is being formed, but surely the presence of Lord Shiva cannot be neglected. History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the throat of Maa Sati fell to this place. Best information about the origin and the formation of this temple, people can mingle with local people.
Festivals in Amarnath temple
- Shravani fair is much celebrated festival around this region and comes in the month of July and August.
- Navratri that falls two times in a year- one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is among the major festival here. Navratri is celebrated for over 9 days, with some people not eating any type of food that is derived from the soil for these nine days. Special ceremonies and rituals are carried during these days.
- Another festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm is the ‘Shivaratri’.
- Apart from these festivals, several other celebrated events are Nag Panchami, Teej Festival and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Where to stay
Actually Amaranth is situated in very remote area, so government organizes several camps called as ‘shivir’ for the pilgrims. Also piligrims, who want to visit Amarnath yatra, needs to apply for it in advance. Apart from the government provided arrangements, several private hotels and motels are also there in this region. So, as far as accommodation is concerned there is no scarcity of them. The major hub for accommodation spaces is in Srinagar and here every type of hotel can be found. A small hut is quite famous here, and provides quite good experiencing exploring the local region.
Shopping around Amarnath temple
- Shopping in this part of India is totally different as this is completely different geographical region.
- Cloths like Shawl (Pashmina wool) are the star attraction of here and among the hot selling product.
- Special gowns are there for protecting you from the cold and they are very good, and available at cheap rates.
- Since this place caters both foreign and domestic tourists, so bargaining for products is imperative.
- On the other hand, dry fruits like Almond, cashew, walnut are quite buzz here and available at reasonable rate.
- Lastly, Apple the favorite fruit here is also available in ample quantity and a worth thing to go for.
Other places that can be visited nearby…
- Srinagar- This is near to the Amarnath and also called as the paradise on earth. Lake, mountains, Apple trees and Dal lake are some of the star attraction here.
- Leh Laddakh is another place near to it and a major tourist destination, especially in summers.
- Jammu- Maa Vaishno Devi temple is the whole star attraction of here and among the major hub for pilgrims.
How to reach the Amarnath temple
- Road transportation is the most common means of coming to this part of country. Although there is no direct train to this part, so pilgrims need to change train from Jammu to reach here.
- Road, Private busses play to this part as roads are on the mountains. Personal vehicles are also proffered by people and some hotel offers personal transportation services.
- Air, Dedicated airport is there in Srinagar (Capital of Jammu and Kashmir), and provision of both national and international flight is there in this airport.
- Avoid travelling during the rainy and snowfall seasons as road gets blocked easily.