Saturday 18 June 2011

Amarnath Yatra – A Divine Pilgrimage

Amarnath Tour is a journey to the holy site where Lord Shiva himself resides in the form of a lingam that naturally forms from ice or stalagmite. Every year many dedicated pilgrims embark on this journey that personifies the spirit of Spirituality and adventure. This beautiful site situated in the middle of beautiful peaks and valleys has deep rooted lore attached to it, and that is what makes it such an important attraction for Hindu pilgrims. Lord Shiva is said to have told the tale of creation to his wife Goddess Parvathi. It is said that a mating couple of pigeon eves dropped and they are believed to be taking births over ages to tell the story to the travellers.
There are two routes through which you can take up Amarnath yatra. One is the journey through Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni. This journey requires three days of trekking and is quite challenging, but is always a good option for adventurous people who want to trek through the beautiful valleys and mountains and want to camp amidst the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Other option is to go from Baltal. This is a very popular way and it requires only one day of trekking, to and fro. One can trek up, and return back the same day after having Darshan.  One can also opt for Amarnath Yatra by helicopter, which not only saves time, but is also recommended for people with medical problems and old age. No matter what option you chose, it is all worth the efforts to reach the top, take a bath in the ice cold water of Amarnath Stream and then have Darshan of the ice Lingam before heading back home with a heart full of serenity and love for god. It is recommended to select a professional tour operator to arrange right facilities for your safe and comfortable journey.