Devotees Immerse in Shiva Devotion: Amarnath Yatra Begins This Year

This year’s Amarnath Yatra has commenced, with thousands of devotees visiting the sacred ice Shiva Lingam on the first day, Saturday. Amidst the remote mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, the chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” echoed through the holy cave. Despite physical and mental hardships, devotees are experiencing spiritual fulfillment by witnessing Baba Baraf Lingam. Approximately 400,000 devotees are expected to visit Baba Amarnath this year, including women, children, and saints. This sacred pilgrimage will continue until Raksha Bandhan on August 19, 2024.

The two-month-long pilgrimage provides an extraordinary spiritual experience for Shiva devotees. The journey culminates at the Amarnath cave, located around 15 kilometers from Srinagar and at an altitude of approximately 13,000 feet. From a religious perspective, undertaking the Amarnath Yatra brings blessings and prosperity to devotees, helping them achieve success in pending endeavors. Consequently, Shiva devotees embark on this pilgrimage with deep devotion to witness the sacred ice Lingam.

The Mystical Tale of Amarnath Cave

The Amarnath Yatra holds significant importance in Hinduism, with its rituals and significance widely mentioned. It is believed that Lord Shiva revealed many secrets to Goddess Parvati in this cave. Once, when Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about the secret of his immortality, he promised to share the secret in a secluded place, as anyone who heard it would also become immortal. Thus, the legend goes that Lord Shiva narrated the story to Goddess Parvati in the Amarnath cave. According to the tale, Goddess Parvati fell asleep while listening, but Lord Shiva continued narrating.

The Eternal Witness: Pair of Doves

Another story associated with the cave speaks of a pair of doves that were present when Lord Shiva was narrating the tale to Goddess Parvati. Seeing the doves listening, Lord Shiva initially intended to kill them but refrained when they argued that their death would invalidate his story. The doves thus became eternal symbols of Shiva and Parvati in the cave. Some devotees even claim to have seen this pair of doves, who are considered witnesses to the divine conversation.

Worshipping Shiva

As the Amarnath Yatra has begun, devotees are reaching the sacred cave to offer prayers. However, those who cannot make it to the cave worship Shiva in different ways. With the beginning of the month of Shravan after Ashadha, Shiva temples witness a surge in worshippers. During this time, the roads are filled with Bol Bam devotees dressed in saffron. The connection between Bol Bam devotees and the Amarnath Yatra is significant. When the Amarnath cave closes on Raksha Bandhan (Shravan Purnima), the Bol Bam devotees conclude their worship. Shiva devotees also perform prayers and rituals on every Monday, Sankranti, Shiva Vivaha, Shiva Chaturdashi, and Maha Shivaratri.

This sacred pilgrimage not only enhances the spiritual connection of devotees with Lord Shiva but also offers a unique opportunity to experience the profound tranquility of the Himalayan mountains.