Amarnath Temple Explained

Amarnath Cave Temple
Map Type:India Jammu and Kashmir#India
Map Relief:y
Coordinates:34.2149°N 75.5008°W
State: Jammu & Kashmir
District:Anantnag
Location:Pahalgam
Elevation M:3888
Deity:Shiva
Festivals:Maha Shivaratri
Module:
Wikidata:yes

Amarnath Temple is a Hindu shrine located in the Pahalgam tehsil of the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a cave situated at an altitude of 3888m (12,756feet), about 168 km from Anantnag city, the district headquarters, 141km (88miles) from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, reached through either Sonamarg or Pahalgam. It is an important shrine in Hinduism.[1] [2]

The cave, located in Sind Valley, is surrounded by glaciers, snowy mountains and is covered with snow most of the year, except for a short period in the summer, when it is open to pilgrims. In 1989, pilgrims numbered between 12,000 and 30,000. In 2011, the numbers reached a peak, crossing 6.3 lakh (630,000) pilgrims. In 2018 pilgrims numbered 2.85 lakh (285,000). The annual pilgrimage varies between 20 and 60 days.

The Amarnath cave, abode of the Mahamaya Shakti Pitha, is one of the 51 Shakti Pithas, the temples of the Indian subcontinent that commemorate the location of the fallen body parts of the Hindu deity Sati.[3]

Shiva Linga

The Shiva Lingam at the shrine is a Swayambhu lingam. The lingam is a natural stalagmite formation inside a 40m (130feet) tall cave at an elevation of 3888m (12,756feet) on the Amarnath Mountain, which has a peak of 5186m (17,014feet). The stalagmite is formed due to the freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave onto the floor, resulting in an upward growth of an ice formation. Here, the stalagmites considered as the lingam, a physical manifestation of Shiva, form a solid-dome-shape. Two smaller stalagmites are thought to represent Parvati and Ganesha.

According to the ancient Hindu texts of the Mahabharata and Puranas a lingam represents Shiva.[4] The lingam waxes during May to August, as snow melts in the Himalayas above the cave, and water seeps into the rocks of the cave; thereafter, the lingam gradually wanes.[5] Religious beliefs hold that the lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival.[6] Hindus believe this is the place where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, Parvati.[7] [8]

Lidder Valley, where the cave is located, has a number of glaciers.[9] In 2009, glaciologist M. N. Koul, the former head of the geography department at the University of Jammu, has said that while more scientific studies are needed, contributors to change in lingam size could include changes in the water's pathways to the lingam.[9] The cave is made of limestone and gypsum.[10] Heat generated by tourists affects the size of the stalagmite.[10] Outside temperature changes also affect their size.[11] [12] To minimize artificially induced temperature changes, helicopter trips and helipad sites are regulated.[9] There has been talk of artificially extending the life of the stalagmites; this was met with objections.[9] [10]

History

Ancient history

The book Rajatarangini (Book VII v. 183) refers to Krishaanth or Amarnath. It is believed that in the 11th century CE, Queen Suryamati gifted trishulas, banalingas and other sacred emblems to this temple.[13] Rajavalipataka, begun by Prajna Bhatta, contains detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave Temple. In addition, there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.

Medieval history

The cave and the Shivling find mention in Abu'l Fazl's 16th century work Ain-i-Akbari. According to him, the site attracted many pilgrims. He describes the waxing and waning of the lingam according to the seasons and the moon. François Bernier, a French physician, accompanied Emperor Aurangzeb during his visit to Kashmir in 1663. In his book Travels in Mughal Empire, he provides an account of the places he visited, noting that he was "pursuing journey to a grotto full of wonderful congelations, two days journey from Sangsafed" when he "received intelligence that my Nawab felt very impatient and uneasy on account of my long absence." The "grotto" referenced in this passage is the Amarnath cave — as the editor of the second edition of the English translation of the book, Vincent A. Smith, makes clear in his introduction. He writes: "The grotto full of wonderful congelations is the Amarnath cave, where blocks of ice, stalagmites formed by dripping water from the roof are worshipped by many Hindus who resort here as images of Shiva...."[14]

Modern history

In 1895, pilgrims would first travel to Kheer Bhawani for a brief stop. Sustained by free rations from the state, the pilgrims would then travel to Srinagar. From Srinagar, in batches, the pilgrims would then head up Lidder Valley, stopping at locations for holy dips. At Mach Bawan, local Hindus would join them. Maliks of Batkoot were responsible for the route during these years. Sister Nivedita, in Notes of Some Wanderings with the Swami Vivekananda, writes of Swami Vivekananda's visit to the cave in 1898.

Yatra suspensions and causes

2016: Kashmir unrest

The Amarnath pilgrimage was suspended in July 2016 due to the Kashmir unrest.[15] Some Sufis and Shias later demanded resumption of the Yatra. Kalbe Jawad, a Shia cleric and general secretary of Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Hind and Sufi cleric Hasnain Baqai expressed concern that the tradition had been suspended because of upheaval in Kashmir.[16]

2019: Threat of terrorist attack

The pilgrimage was suspended in August 2019 after the state government stated there was a threat of terrorist attacks. Similarly, the pilgrimage to Machail Mata was suspended as well.[17] However, it was also speculated that the Yatra suspension might have been linked to the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.[18] [19] [20] [21]

2020 and 2021: COVID-19 pandemic

The annual pilgrimage was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.[22] On 22 April 2020, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board announced the suspension of the Yatra because of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Later however it withdrew the press circular and announced cancellation of the suspension.[23] Lieutenant Governor G. C. Murmu said that a final decision would depend on future developments related to the pandemic.[24] In light of the pandemic, the union territory government on 4 July announced that only 500 people would be permitted road travel to the shrine and everyone entering Jammu and Kashmir would be tested for COVID-19, and quarantined until their reports came back negative.[25] The pilgrimage was later cancelled on 21 July due to the pandemic, with cases of coronavirus in the union territory increasing greatly since 1 July.[26] Facilities for viewing the prayer ceremony online were made available.[27]

The shrine board on 27 March 2022 decided to resume the pilgrimage after a gap of two years, starting from 30 June and lasting for 43 days, while following protocols to prevent the spread of COVID.[28]

2022: temporary suspension due to flash flood

On 8 July 2022, at least 16 people were killed, over 40 missing,[29] and dozens were injured while around 15000 pilgrims were stranded near the Amarnath Holy cave due to a flash flood triggered by a cloudburst near the Lidder Valley en route to the venerated cave.[30] The Amarnath Yatra was halted due to the flash flood on 8 July for 3 days.[31]

Legends

According to legend, Sage Bhrigu was the first to discover Amarnath. A long time ago, it is believed that the Valley of Kashmir was underwater, and Sage Kashyapa drained it through a series of rivers and rivulets. As a result, when the waters drained, Bhrigu was the first to have darshan of Shiva at Amarnath. Thereafter, when people heard of the lingam, it became an abode of Shiva for all believers and the site of an annual pilgrimage, traditionally performed by lakhs of people in July and August during the Hindu holy month of Savan.[32]

It is believed that Shiva left Nandi, the bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the Moon from his hair (Jata). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his snake. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left his son Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Shiva left behind the five elements – Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Shiva performed the Tandava Dance. Then, finally, Shiva entered the Amarnath Cave along with Parvati and both of them manifested into a lingam made of ice. Shiva became the lingam of ice and Parvati became the yoni of rock.[33]

Yatra (pilgrimage) details and routes

See also: Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and Tirtha and Kshetra.

Pilgrimage opening timeframe: July–August during ice lingam formation

Pilgrims visit the holy site during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in July–August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shraavana. The Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage occurs when the iced stalagmite Shiva lingam reaches the apex of its waxing phase through the summer months. The period of July–August is a popular time for the pilgrimage.[34] [35] [36] The beginning of the annual pilgrimage is marked by pratham pujan .[37] [38]

The time frame, during which the pilgrimage remains open, depends on the formation of iced lingam. For example, in 1995 the pilgrimage remained open for 20 days. From 2004 to 2009, it remained open for 60 days. During the following years, it remained open for between 40 and 60 days. In 2019, the Yatra remained open for 46 days from 1 July to 15 August.[39]

State quotas and mandatory pilgrim pre-registration & e-tracking

Pilgrims have to pre-register months in advance and are allotted quotas according to state. States comprising a majority of the allotment include Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and West Bengal. To ensure the health and safety of the pilgrims, such as during a disaster or medical emergency, each pilgrim and vehicle is given a unique wearable traceable identification tag which are scanned at the several designated places along the pilgrim route. Since 2019, pilgrims are given identification cards for the duration of the pilgrimage which are scanned at several locations for tracing the pilgrims.[40] Similarly, the vehicles are also tracked via the tags, so that the entire pilgrimage can be traced.[40]

Transport and roads

Nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport. Nearest railway stations are on the Jammu-Baramulla line - Srinagar railway station for the north pilgrim route through Baltal and Anantnag railway station for the south route via Pahalgam-Chandanwari. The State Road Transport Corporation and private transport operators provide the regular services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Also privately hired taxis are available from Jammu, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Srinagar, etc.

On the south route via Pahalgam-Chandanwari, the helicopter services from Chandanwari base camp to Panjtarni (6 km from the cave) are also available from various private operators.

Chandanwari-Sangam Highway as part of NH501, including 11 km long Khanabal-Baltal Tunnel (Sheshnag Tunnel) under the Mahaganus Top (Ganesh Top), is the 22 km long greenfield section of the national highway on the South Route which will connect the South and North yatra routes via the highway tunnel. In January 2023, MoRTH's NHIDCL invited RFP submissions by vendors by 20 February 2023 for preparation of DPR (detailed project report) which will take 10 months to prepare, subsequently after 2 months long pre-construction preparation the construction will take 5 years, with the target completion date of 31 March 2029 (total 6 years).[41]

Two main routes

Devotees travel on two main routes which are partially motorable and partially foot-track near to the holy cave: the shorter but steeper 13 km northern route from Baltal Basecamp, and the longer but easier and busier 43 km Pahalgam-Chandanwari basecamp route.

South route – 43 km: Pahalgam-Chandanwari route

It begins with a mountainous trek from the Nunwan and Chandanwari basecamp at Pahalgam and reaches the cave-shrine after night halts at Sheshnag Lake and Panchtarni camps.[42] The journey from Pahalgam takes about five days. It runs from Pahalgam (on Jammu-Srinagar NH) to Chandanwari Basecamp (9,500 ft) – 16 km, Pissu Top – 3 km, Zoji Bal-Naga Koti-Sheshnag (11,730 ft) – 9 km, Waribal-Mahaguns Yop (Ganesh Top, 14,500 ft) – 4.6 km, Pabibal-Panchtarni (22,729 ft)-Sangam (T-section for North route via Baltal) – 6 km, Amarnath cave – 3 km. The whole foot track route takes three to five days one way.

The route is motorable up to Chandanwari, which will become motorable up to Sangam after construction of NH501 Chandanwari-Baltal Highway which includes Khanabal-Baltal Tunnel (Sheshnag Tunnel) under the Mahaganus Top (Ganesh Top), see "Transport" section above.[41] Once completed, all the route will become motorable except the last 3 km from Sangam to Amarnath cave.

North route – 13 km: Baltal route

It runs from Baltal basecamp to Domail – 2 km, Barari – 5 km, Sangam (T-section for South route via Pahalgam-Chandanwari) – 4 km, Amarnath cave - 3 km. This track is motorable till Baltal and Baltal-Amarnath foot track takes one to two days return trip. Once the NH501 from Pahalgam-Chandanwari to Baltal is completed, including Sheshnag-Sangam tunnel under the Mahaguns Top (Ganesh Top), this route will become motorable except the last 3 km from Sangam to Amarnath cave. This shorter route is just about 14 km long, but has a very steep gradient and is quite difficult to climb. The route is along the Amarnath valley and all along the route one can see the Amaravati river (a tributary of Chenab) which originates from the Amarnath Glacier.

Ancient route: Awantipur-Pissu Top-Sheshnag-Panchtarni

Bhrigu's Amarnath Mahatmya identifies a number of locations on the pilgrimage route to the Amarnath cave: Shurahyar, Shivpora, Pandrethan, Pampore, Javati, Awantipur, Barsu, Jaubror, Belihar, Wagahama, Chakreshwar (Tsakdar), Hari Chandar, Sthalwat (Thajwor), Suryai Gohwat (Sriguphvara), Lambodari, Sirham, Bodrus, Bala Khelyan, Ganish, Mammaleshwar, Bhrigupati Kshetra, Nila Ganga, Pissu Hill (Pissu Top), Sheshnag, Wavjan, Panchtarni, Amravati. On the return journey Mamleshwar and Naudal are crossed. Following the construction of drivable road, alignment of this pilgrimage route has presently changed at some places (which has now become "South route" - see above).

Organisation and facilities

Officially, the Yatra is organised by the government in collaboration with the Shree Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). Various agencies provide necessary facilities all along the route during the Yatra period, which includes provision of ponies, supply of power, telecommunication facilities, firewood and setting up of fair price shops.[43]

En route to the cave, various non-governmental organisations have set up food supply and resting tents called pandals which are available for free to the pilgrims. Near the shrine, hundreds of tents which are erected by locals can be hired for a night's stay.[43]

Srinagar Pilgrimage Centre, with capacity to host 3000 yatris, facilitates pilgrims' stay who are travelling for the holy pilgrimage. The state government began its construction in May 2022.[44]

Security of pilgrims

Every year, thousands of central armed forces and state police personnel are deployed to provide security to pilgrims from potential terror threats. The forces position at various halts and also on the perimeter of the shrine.[45] These include CRPF, BSF, ITBP, NDRF/SDRF and state police and traffic police.

Economic impact of yatra

The yatra is a source of revenue for the state government by imposing tax on pilgrims.[46] [47] Local Muslim Bakarwal-Gujjars also make a living by offering services to the Hindu pilgrims. This source of income has been threatened by the militant groups who have harassed and attacked the yatra numerous times.[16] [48] [49] [50] [51]

Annual number of pilgrims

The number of annual pilgrims having generally rising consistently from between 12,000[52] -20,000[53] -30,000 in 1989,[54] to over 400,000 in 2007,[55] 634,000 in 2011,[56] 622,000 in 2012, 350,000 in 2013,[57] 285,006 in 2018.[58]

Figures and estimates (*) of pilgrims to Amarnath, and duration!Year!Pilgrims!Days!Ref!Year!Pilgrims!Days!Ref!Year!Pilgrims!Days!Ref
2021[59] 2009381,00060199779,035[60]
2020[61] 2008533,000601996
2019342,88345[62] [63] 20072.14/2.96 lakh60199570,00020[64]
2018285,006[65] 20062.65/3.47 lakh60[66] 1994
2017260,0032005388,00060199375,000*[67]
2016220,4902004400,00060199250,000*[68]
2015352,771602003153,31430199130,000*
2014372,000[69] 2002110,7933019904,000*
2013353,000552001119,037198912,000-40,000*
2012622,0002000173,33430Source: Duration
2011634,0001999114,36640
2010455,0001998149,920

Incidents

Deaths due to health, accidents and disasters

Sir Walter Roper Lawrence in The Valley of Kashmir (1895) writes that the difficulty of the pilgrimage route affected the weak and sick, with many also falling victim to cholera. In 1928, over 500 pilgrims and mules died on the way to the cave. In 1969 a cloudburst resulted in the death of 40 pilgrims. The 1996 Amarnath Yatra tragedy involved the death of 243 pilgrims due to exhaustion and exposure.[70] [52] In July 2012, 12 pilgrims were killed in a road accident. The pilgrims were part of a team who had set up a community kitchen at the pilgrimage.[71] Three people were killed and more injured due to a cloudburst at Baltal in 2015.[72] Of the 622,000 yatra pilgrims in 2012, 130 died during the yatra. The major cause was attributed to people who were not physically fit for the arduous climb, high elevations, and adverse weather undertaking the yatra. Some also died in road accidents before reaching the base camp from where the yatra starts. Of the 130 deaths, 88 were due to purported health reasons and 42 in road accidents.[73] On 16 July 2017, 18 pilgrims died and many were seriously injured after a JKSRTC bus, which was plying from Jammu city to Pahalgam as part of an Amarnath Yatra convoy, fell into a 150-ft deep gorge near Nachlana area of Jammu's Ramban district around 1:45 pm. 16 pilgrims had died on the spot, while two succumbed later to their injuries.[74] This accident happened less than a week after a deadly terrorist attack on a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from Gujarat.

On 8 July 2022, at around 5:30 pm, flash floods due to a localised cloudburst near the holy cave shrine washed away scores of pilgrims. According to reports, at least fifteen pilgrims died in the incident. Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the 15 pilgrims who died in the flash floods.[75] [76]

Threats, attacks, and massacres

The first threat targeted against Amarnath pilgrims was in 1993; that year Pakistan-based Harkat-ul-Ansar had announced a ban due to demolition of Babri Masjid in the previous year.[77] The pilgrimage however was mostly peaceful. The Harkat-ul-Mujahideen group imposed what it called a "ban" on the yatra in 1994, 1995 and 1998 while threatening the pilgrims with "serious consequences"; however the pilgrimage did continue.[78] [79]

2000 pilgrimage massacre

See main article: 2000 Amarnath pilgrimage massacre. On 2 August 2000, militants attacked the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam. Thirty-two people, including 21 unarmed Hindu pilgrims, seven unarmed Muslim civilians and three security force officers, in a two hour long indiscriminate shoot, were killed.[49] [80] Among the dead were mostly pilgrims and porters and horsemen who were ferrying pilgrims.[81] [82] This attack was part of the larger 1–2 August 2000 Kashmir massacre in five separate coordinated terrorist attacks that killed between 89 (official count) and 105 people (as reported by PTI), and injured at least 62 more.[49] [81] Then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee blamed Lashkar-e-Taiba for the killings.[83]

2001 massacre

See main article: 2001 Amarnath pilgrimage massacre. On 20 July 2001, a terrorist threw a grenade on a pilgrim night camp at Sheshnag near the Amarnath shrine and at least 13 persons, including three women, were killed in two explosions and firing by militants; two were security officials and three were Muslim civilians.[84] [48] 15 others were also injured in the attack.[85]

2002 massacre

See main article: Amarnath pilgrimage terrorist-attack massacre (2002). On 30 July and 6 August 2002, in two separate incidents terrorists from al-Mansuriyan, a front group of Lashkar-e-Taiba, massacred two and nine pilgrims and injured three and 27 people in Srinagar and near Nunwan pilgrimage base camp respectively.[49] [51]

2017 yatra attack

See main article: 2017 Amarnath Yatra attack. Eight Hindu pilgrims were killed on 10 July in a gun attack returning from Amarnath. The Pakistani outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba was found responsible.[86]

Controversies

2008 land transfer controversy

See main article: Amarnath land transfer controversy.

On 26 May 2008, the Government of India and the state government of Jammu and Kashmir reached an agreement to transfer 100acres of forest land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB)[87] to set up temporary shelters and facilities for Hindu pilgrims. Kashmiri separatists opposed the move citing reasons that it would jeopardise Article 370 that gives separate identity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and prevents any Indian citizen settling in Kashmir. People in Kashmir staged widespread protests against this decision by the government of India.[88] Due to the protests, the J&K State government relented and reversed the decision to transfer land. As a result, Hindus in the Jammu region launched counter-agitations against this roll back.[89] [90]

Environmental impact

Environmentalists have expressed concern that the number of people participating in the Amarnath Yatra is having a negative impact on the area's ecology and some have expressed support for government regulated limits on the number of pilgrims permitted to make the trek.[91] However no studies have been made nor has an environmental impact assessment done. The Government of India restricts travelers only on the basis on logistics, time window for the yatra and weather.

Amarnath Cave Temple Yatra tax controversy

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir had in 2010 issued a notification under the State Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1957, under which vehicles going to Amarnath Yatra will have to pay a tax of 2,000 for seven days and 2,000 per day after that. Similar provisions were made for pilgrims going to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi under which they need to pay 2000 for a period of three days. India's largest political party the Bharatiya Janata Party expressed its ire over imposition of entry fee and accused the then UPA led central government to direct the Jammu and Kashmir dispensation to desist from making attempts to "discriminate" between followers of various religions. The BJP criticised the decision as "reminiscent of Jizya imposed during [the] Mughal period on Hindus".

In response to the question in Lok Sabha, then Minister of State for Finance, S. S. Palanimanickam clarified that tax is levied on all India Tourist Vehicles entering the state and it was therefore not correct to say that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir was levying any additional tax on vehicles going to Amarnath and Vaishno Devi. He also said that Taxation of Motor vehicles falls under the purview of State Governments as per the seventh schedule of the Constitution of India and Central Government cannot direct the State Government to change the tax rate on vehicles.[92] [47]

Popular culture

Santoor artiste Rahul Sharma named a track after Amarnath Cave temple as "Shiva Linga: The Amarnath Cave".[93]

See also

References

Bibliography

Further reading

Pilgrim health

Environment

Notes and References

  1. News: 30 May 2005. New shrine on Amarnath route. The Hindu. PTI. Chennai, India. 15 November 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20070618193352/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/30/stories/2005053009340300.htm. 18 June 2007.
  2. News: The pilgrimage to Amarnath. 5 May 2012. BBC News. 6 August 2002. https://web.archive.org/web/20120106180604/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2176165.stm. 6 January 2012. live.
  3. Web site: Shankar. Ravi. 26 September 2021. Motherlodes of Power: The story of India's 'Shakti Peethas'. live. 2021-12-28. The New Indian Express. https://web.archive.org/web/20210926061553/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html . 26 September 2021 .
  4. Encyclopedia: lingam. Encyclopædia Britannica. 2010. 3 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20150504222257/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/342336/lingam. 4 May 2015. live.
  5. Web site: Amarnathji Yatra - a journey into faith. https://web.archive.org/web/20060616001049/http://www.jktourism.org/cities/kashmir/amarnath/index.htm. 16 June 2006. 15 June 2006. Official Web Site of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism.
  6. [Jon Ortner|Ortner, Jon]
  7. Shantha N. Nair, "The Holy Himalayas", pp.84.
  8. Web site: Amarnath Cave - The legend . Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust . 19 November 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070201234323/http://amarnathyatra.org/legend.htm#top . 1 February 2007 . live .
  9. Web site: Santoshi. Neeraj. 2009-06-04. Helicopter sorties changed to prevent melting of Amarnath ice lingam. live. 2021-12-28. The Indian Express. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20211228104240/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/helicopter-sorties-changed-to-prevent-melting-of-amarnath-ice-lingam/ . 28 December 2021 .
  10. Book: Chandrasekharam, D.. Myth and Geology. 2007. Geological Society of London. 978-1-86239-216-8. Piccardi. Luigi. 32. Geo-mythology of India. Masse. W. Bruce.
  11. News: 2007-07-01. PTI. Amarnath Lingam melts away. live. 2021-12-28. Hindustan Times. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20200808125610/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/amarnath-lingam-melts-away/story-UnAAexHa5nVr0PxPfKuL5O.html . 8 August 2020 .
  12. Web site: Wani. Ashraf. 15 July 2016. Amarnath's Shivlinga melts in just 13 days this year. live. 2021-12-28. India Today. https://web.archive.org/web/20211228104240/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-shivlinga-melts-in-just-13-days-329481-2016-07-15 . 28 December 2021 .
  13. Web site: Amarnath Yatra: In Search of Salvation . Shriamarnathyatra.net . 2013-04-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130617091512/http://shriamarnathyatra.net/ . 17 June 2013 .
  14. Book: Mohini Qasba Raina . Kashur The Kashmiri Speaking People . 2013 . Partridge Publishing Singapore . 978-1-4828-9945-0 . 327 . 13 December 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191221010218/https://books.google.com/books?id=Bb-QBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA327 . 21 December 2019 . live .
  15. News: 8 July 2017. Tabassum. Huma. PTI. Amarnath Yatra Suspended from Jammu Due to Kashmir Situation. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080559/http://www.news18.com/news/india/amarnath-yatra-suspended-from-jammu-due-to-kashmir-situation-1455609.html. 8 October 2017. 8 October 2017. News18.
  16. Web site: 17 July 2016. Muslim group asks for reviving Amarnath Yatra. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20181211173937/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Muslim-group-asks-for-reviving-Amarnath-Yatra/articleshow/53247175.cms. 11 December 2018. 2021-12-27. The Times of India. en.
  17. Web site: 2019-08-03. Don't Panic, Jammu & Kashmir Governor Tells Political Parties as Tourists and Pilgrims Leave Valley. News18.
  18. Web site: Das. Shaswati. Bhaskar. Utpal. 7 August 2019. The events that led to Jammu and Kashmir losing its special status. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190807143509/https://www.livemint.com/politics/policy/article-370-scrapped-the-events-that-led-to-jammu-and-kashmir-losing-its-special-status-1565143199592.html. 7 August 2019. 9 May 2020. Livemint.
  19. Web site: Singh. Sumit Kumar. 3 August 2019. Amarnath yatris, tourists told to move out of J&K immediately. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20191101054714/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-amarnath-yatris-tourists-told-to-move-out-of-jk-immediately-2778430. 1 November 2019. 9 May 2020. Daily News and Analysis (DNA).
  20. Web site: 6 August 2019. Ex-CMS Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah Detained, Shifted to Guest House from House Arrest. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20191128195113/https://www.news18.com/news/india/kashmir-live-updates-jammu-and-kashmir-tension-article-370-article-35a-narendra-modi-amit-shah-srinagar-2258121.html. 28 November 2019. 9 May 2020. News18.
  21. Web site: IANS. 2019-08-06. Kashmiris completely cut off as Modi govt revoked Article 370, declares Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. 2021-12-27. National Herald. en.
  22. News: After a gap of two years, Amarnath Yatra sets to begin tomorrow. . 29 June 2022.
  23. News: 22 April 2020. PTI. Coronavirus outbreak: Uncertainty over Amarnath yatra as SASB release announcing decision to cancel pilgrimage withdrawn. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200427032428/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/coronavirus-outbreak-uncertainty-over-amarnath-yatra-as-sasb-release-announcing-decision-to-cancel-pilgrimage-withdrawn-828587.html. 27 April 2020. 9 May 2020. Deccan Herald.
  24. News: Decision on Amarnath Yatra after review of Covid-19 situation: J&K LG Murmu. Business Standard India. 26 April 2020. 9 May 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200507191839/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/decision-on-amarnath-yatra-after-review-of-covid-19-situation-j-k-lg-murmu-120042600341_1.html. 7 May 2020. live.
  25. News: Wani. Ashraf. 5 July 2020. Amarnath Yatra 2020: J&K administration allows 500 pilgrims per day. India Today. 11 July 2020.
  26. News: Amarnath Yatra cancelled due to spike in coronavirus infections . Hindustan Times . 21 July 2020 . 22 July 2020.
  27. Web site: 28 June 2021. Amarnath Yatra 2021: Pilgrimage cancelled but devotees can watch live aarti online, check details. live. 2021-12-27. The Financial Express. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20210628103313/https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/amarnath-yatra-2021-pilgrimage-cancelled-but-devotees-can-watch-live-aarti-online-check-details/2279875/ . 28 June 2021 .
  28. Web site: 27 March 2022. Amarnath Yatra set to resume from 30 June; to last 43 days. Details here. 5 April 2022. .
  29. News: Rashid . Hakeem Irfan . Amarnath flash floods: 16 dead, 40 missing in ; yatra on hold . The Economic Times . 2022-07-17.
  30. Web site: Backstory: Why Was the Media So Eager to Put the Amarnath Yatra Tragedy Behind Them? . 2022-07-17 . The Wire.
  31. Web site: Amarnath Yatra resumes 3 days after cloud burst; Administration rejects charge of ignoring flood risk . 2022-07-17 . Financialexpress . 11 July 2022 . en.
  32. Web site: Amarnath Cave, Kashmir . Gray . Martin . World Pilgrimage Guide . 20 January 2020.
  33. Web site: Saraswat. Lalit. Shiv Shankar's secret of immortality and the Amarnath Cave. 11 March 2012 . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20120824044146/http://www.shivshankar.in/shiv-shankars-secret-of-immortality-and-the-amarnath-cave/. 24 August 2012. 6 June 2012. ShivShankar.in.
  34. http://www.amarnathyatra.org/yatra.htm "Amarnath Yatra explained"
  35. http://archive.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/07/amarnath_journey_to_the_shrine.html "Amarnath: Journey to the shrine of a Hindu god"
  36. News: 27 September 2012. Hiking through the mountains of Kashmir. subscription. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080537/https://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2012/09/amarnath-yatra. 8 October 2017. 8 October 2017. The Economist.
  37. Web site: Ahmad. Mukhtar. 15 June 2011. Amarnath yatra's pratham pujan held near Pahalgam. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20110623170802/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatras-pratham-pujan-held-near-pahalgam/20110615.htm. 23 June 2011. 2021-12-27. Rediff. en.
  38. News: Ahmad. Mukhtar. 19 June 2011. Amarnath yatra likely to start from June 29. Rediff.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20110622074521/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatra-likely-to-start-from-june-twenty-nine/20110619.htm. 22 June 2011.
  39. News: 14 April 2015. Amarnath Yatra 2015 to commence on July 2 and finish on August 29. Bihar Prabha News. live. 14 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150417224854/http://news.biharprabha.com/2015/04/amarnath-yatra-2015-to-commence-on-july-2-and-finish-on-august-29/. 17 April 2015.
  40. Web site: Sen. Sudhi Ranjan. 2019-06-15. In a first, Amarnath pilgrims to be tagged for a safe trek. live. 2021-12-27. Hindustan Times. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20190615041521/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-a-first-amarnath-pilgrims-to-be-tagged-for-a-safe-trek/story-BRWnfgDP4oiubFf4aXyXKM.html . 15 June 2019 .
  41. https://hindi.news18.com/news/nation/amarnath-yatra-22-km-road-planning-with-tunnel-for-all-weather-connectivity-complete-in-five-years-5240337.html Amarnath Road Project: हर मौसम में अमरनाथ पहुंचना होगा आसान, सुरंग के साथ 22Km लंबा रोड बनाने की योजना.
  42. News: 2016-08-18. Amarnath yatra ends, least number of pilgrims in decade. en-IN. The Hindu. PTI. subscription. 2021-12-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20200109081309/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Amarnath-yatra-ends-least-number-of-pilgrims-in-decade/article14576514.ece. 9 January 2020. 0971-751X.
  43. Web site: Handoo. Ashok. 7 June 2011. Amarnath Yatra 2011- The Countdown Begins. https://web.archive.org/web/20130512043642/http://nvonews.com/2011/06/07/amarnath-yatra-2011-the-countdown-begins/. 12 May 2013. 2013-04-15. Northern Voices Online.
  44. Web site: J&K LG takes part in 'Bhoomi Pujan' of Amarnath Yatri Niwas in Srinagar . 2022-05-05 . daijiworld.com . en.
  45. Web site: 29 June 2011. High security on Amarnath Yatra routes. https://web.archive.org/web/20110703060827/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/high-security-on-amarnath-yatra-routes/163441-3.html. 3 July 2011. 2013-04-15. Ibnlive.in.com.
  46. Web site: 18 June 2020. Remove entry fee on buses to Vaishno Devi, Amarnath: BJP. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms. 16 February 2019. 2021-12-27. The Times of India.
  47. Web site: 27 August 2010. No Additional Tax Levied on Vehicles Going to Amarnath and Vaishno Devi. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190216035134/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=65397. 16 February 2019. 2021-12-27. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
  48. Web site: Fazili. Ehsan. 21 July 2001. 6 pilgrims among 13 killed in 2 blasts. Amarnath Yatra suspended; Shabir blames Hindu extremists. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20120712034536/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010722/main1.htm. 12 July 2012. 2021-12-27. The Tribune India.
  49. Vicky Nanjappa (11 July 2017). "Amarnath yatra has been attacked thrice in the past", One India News .
  50. News: 2017-07-11. Amarnath yatra: Terrorists were directed to eliminate 100 to 150 pilgrims, says intelligence report. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-12-27. 0971-751X.
  51. News: April 2003. 2 . 11 . Chronology of Major Killings in Jammu and Kashmir. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170806192943/http://www.kashmirherald.com/apr2003/jkmassacres.html. 6 August 2017. Kashmir Herald.
  52. Navlakha. Gautam. 2006. Pilgrim's Progress Causes Regression. Economic and Political Weekly. 41. 27/28. 2975–2977. 4418427. 0012-9976.
  53. Roy. Arundhati. 1 Sep 2008. Azadi. Outlook Magazine. 15.
  54. Book: Mehta. Deepak. Violence and the Quest for Justice in South Asia. Roy. Rahul. 2018-01-01. SAGE Publishing India. 978-93-5280-654-6. en.
  55. News: Rohde. David. 2002-08-05. Braving Nature and Militants, Hindus Trek for a Peek at a God's Icy Symbol. en-US. The New York Times. limited. 2021-12-28. 0362-4331.
  56. Web site: 12 August 2011. Amarnath yatra: Record 6.34 lakh visit shrine. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20120309175611/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/amarnath-yatra-record-6-34-lakh-visit-shrine_725854.html. 9 March 2012. 2013-04-15. Zee News.
  57. News: 18 August 2016. Amarnath yatra ends today, least number of pilgrims in decade. The Economic Times. PTI. 2021-12-28.
  58. Web site: Hussain. Ashiq. 2018-08-26. Amarnath Yatra ends with a three-year high of 2.85 lakh pilgrims. live. 2021-12-28. Hindustan Times. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20180826192448/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-ends-with-a-three-year-high-of-2-85-pilgrims/story-15ZugEnAVC93knAfREa7IN.html . 26 August 2018 .
  59. Web site: 21 June 2021. Amarnath Yatra cancelled for second year in a row due to Covid-19. live. 2021-12-28. The Times of India. https://web.archive.org/web/20210621123211/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amarnath-yatra-cancelled-for-second-year-in-a-row-due-to-covid-19/articleshow/83716327.cms . 21 June 2021 .
  60. Annual Report 2003-04. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210729101902/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_03_04.pdf. 29 July 2021. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 32.
  61. Web site: 22 July 2020. Amarnath Yatra cancelled in light of COVID-19 pandemic. live. 2021-12-28. Times of India Travel. https://web.archive.org/web/20200722102450/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/amarnath-yatra-cancelled-in-light-of-covid-19-pandemic/as77104455.cms . 22 July 2020 .
  62. Web site: Annual Report 2019-20. live. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 280. https://web.archive.org/web/20210420094335/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_19_20.pdf . 20 April 2021 .
  63. News: 9 July 2019. Press Trust of India. Over 1 lakh pilgrims perform Amarnath Yatra in 8 days. live. 2021-12-28. India Today. https://web.archive.org/web/20190709083903/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-day-8-1565007-2019-07-09 . 9 July 2019 .
  64. Web site: Annual Report 1995-96. live. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 99. https://web.archive.org/web/20211228071904/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/REPORT_1995_96_12022021.pdf . 28 December 2021 .
  65. News: 23 July 2019. Press Trust of India. Amarnath yatra crosses last year's figure of 2.85 lakh pilgrims. live. 2021-12-28. India Today. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003410/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-crosses-last-year-s-figure-of-2-85-lakh-pilgrims-1572634-2019-07-23 . 8 November 2020 .
  66. Web site: Majid. Zulfikar. 2019-07-27. In 26 days, 3.15 lakh pilgrims perform Amarnath yatra. live. 2021-12-28. Deccan Herald. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20201129231435/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/in-26-days-315-lakh-pilgrims-perform-amarnath-yatra-749983.html . 29 November 2020 .
  67. Web site: Baweja. Harinder. 31 August 1994. Further setbacks in Kashmir as militants ban Amarnath yatra, removal of bunkers in Hazratbal. live. 2021-12-28. India Today. https://web.archive.org/web/20190803215732/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31 . 3 August 2019 .
  68. Web site: Baweja. Harinder. 31 August 1994. Further setbacks in Kashmir as militants ban Amarnath yatra, removal of bunkers in Hazratbal. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190803215732/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31. 3 August 2019. 2018-08-04. India Today.
  69. News: Rashid. Hakeem Irfan. 26 January 2021. J&K planning for arrival of six lakh Amarnath pilgrims, highest in last eight years. The Economic Times. 2021-12-28.
  70. Web site: Chakravarty. Sayantan. Baweja. Harinder. 15 September 1996. Freak weather conditions during Amarnath yatra claim 200 lives. live. 2021-12-27. India Today. https://web.archive.org/web/20200909103040/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19960915-freak-weather-conditions-during-amarnath-yatra-claim-200-lives-834427-1996-09-15 . 9 September 2020 .
  71. News: 27 July 2012. PTI. 16 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims killed in road accident. live. 2021-12-27. NDTV. https://web.archive.org/web/20170721081754/http://www.ndtv.com:80/india-news/16-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-killed-in-road-accident-494361 . 21 July 2017 .
  72. Web site: Akhzer. Adil. 2015-07-26. Amarnath: 3 killed, 11 injured as cloudburst hits yatra base camp in Baltal. live. 2021-12-27. The Indian Express. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20150726133848/http://indianexpress.com:80/article/india/india-others/2-minors-killed-as-cloudburst-hits-amarnath-yatra-base-camp/ . 26 July 2015 .
  73. News: 2 August 2012. Amarnath yatra ends, Charri Mubarak reaches shrine. The Economic Times. PTI. 2021-12-27.
  74. Web site: 16 Amarnath yatris killed as bus falls into 150-foot gorge . 2022-07-10 . The New Indian Express. 17 July 2017 .
  75. Web site: July 14, 2022 . Masoodi . Nazir . Chhabra . Aarish . "No One Missing": 6 Days After Amarnath Flash Floods, Jammu And Kashmir Lt Governor Clarifies . live . September 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220714112446/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-days-after-amarnath-cloudburst-jammu-and-kashmir-lt-governor-clarifies-no-one-missing-3157620 . July 14, 2022 . . en-IN .
  76. Web site: July 15, 2022 . Pandit . M. Saleem . Rs 5 lakh for Amarnath cloudburst victims' kin . live . September 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220714193402/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-5-lakh-for-amarnath-cloudburst-victims-kin/articleshow/92884774.cms . July 14, 2022 . . en-IN .
  77. Web site: Jaleel. Muzamil. 9 July 1998. Why Amarnath Yatra terror attack signals crossing of a red line in Kashmir. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190803213749/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amarnath-yatra-terror-attack-why-attack-signals-crossing-of-a-red-line-in-kashmir-4744955/. 3 August 2019. 2013-04-15. The Indian Express.
  78. Web site: Ahmad. Mukhtar. 9 July 1998. Harkatul Mujaheedin 'bans' Amarnath Yatra. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180930075355/http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/jul/09kash.htm. 30 September 2018. 2013-04-15. Rediff.com.
  79. https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/session_journals/178/26081996.pdf Reference to the Death of Pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra. 26 August 1996.
  80. Web site: 4 August 2000. Amarnath pilgrimage resumes. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170824225051/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/866133.stm. 24 August 2017. 2021-12-27. BBC News.
  81. Web site: 3 August 2000. Night of massacres leaves 105 dead in valley. Army out in Jammu. Central team in Srinagar. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170714051835/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000803/main1.htm#1. 14 July 2017. 2021-12-27. The Tribune India.
  82. News: MacKinnon. Ian. 2 August 2000. Muslim militants kill 21 Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir. The Independent. https://web.archive.org/web/20150925184434/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/muslim-militants-kill-21-hindu-pilgrims-in-kashmir-711394.html. 25 September 2015.
  83. Web site: Prime Minister Vajpayee's statement in Parliament regarding the recent massacre in Jammu & Kashmir . Indianembassy.org . 2013-04-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070804025219/http://www.indianembassy.org/new/killings_jk_august_03_2000.htm . 4 August 2007 .
  84. Web site: 10 July 2017. Amarnath terror attack survivor narrates tale of punctured bus tyre and terror strike. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170712002443/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html. 12 July 2017. 12 July 2017. India Today.
  85. Web site: 2017-07-11. Amarnath Yatra devotees have faced repeated terror attacks: Here's the blood-soaked history of pilgrimage. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170711065834/http://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html. 11 July 2017. 2021-12-27. Firstpost.
  86. Web site: 6 July 2017. Three arrested for attack on Amarnath yatris: IGP Kashmir Munir Khan.. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170809024854/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/three-arrested-for-attack-on-amarnath-yatris-igp-kashmir-munir-khan/articleshow/59941109.cms. 9 August 2017. 19 May 2019. The Times of India.
  87. News: 28 June 2008. Indo-Asian News Service. SASB CEO replaced over Amarnath land row. live. 2021-12-27. India Today. https://web.archive.org/web/20210518214319/https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/sasb-ceo-replaced-over-amarnath-land-row-26749-2008-06-28 . 18 May 2021 .
  88. Web site: Raghavan. B. S.. 7 August 2008. Jammu is not for burning. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20080813125304/http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/07guest.htm. 13 August 2008. 2013-04-15. Rediff.com.
  89. Web site: 4 August 2008. Economic blockade affects life in Kashmir. live. 2013-04-15. NDTV. https://web.archive.org/web/20170902210035/http://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/economic-blockade-affects-life-in-kashmir-35297 . 2 September 2017 .
  90. News: Bamzai. Sandeep. 6 August 2016. Kashmir: No algorithm for Azadi. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20160810045102/https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speaks/kashmir-no-algorithm-for-azadi/. 10 August 2016. 2021-12-27. ORF. en-US.
  91. Web site: Byerly. Rebecca. 12 March 2012. Massive Hindu Pilgrimage Melting Sacred Glacier. subscription. https://web.archive.org/web/20120317144327/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/120312-hindu-pilgrimage-stresses-fragile-himalaya-environment/. 17 March 2012. 2013-04-15. National Geographic News.
  92. News: 18 June 2010. PTI. Remove entry fee on buses to Vaishno Devi, Amarnath: BJP. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms. 16 February 2019. 2021-12-27. The Times of India.
  93. Web site: Shiva Linga – The Amarnath Cave: Rahul Sharma. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180806112756/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shiva-Linga-The-Amarnath-Cave/dp/B001OB2PX4. 6 August 2018. 2013-04-15. Amazon.co.uk.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Amarnath Temple".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.