Amarnath Yatra 2023

The Amarnath yatra attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year who visit the site during Shravani Mela in July-August (Shravan month in the Hindu calendar) - the only time in the whole year when the Amarnath Cave is accessible. The cave is placed at an altitude of 3,888m, about 141 km from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and reached through Pahalgam town. Amarnath has an important part to play in Hinduism and is considered to be one of the holiest shrines. The annual 'Amarnath Yatra' is marked by 'Pratham Pujan' which is said to invoke the blessings of Baba Amarnath.

Moreover, since the ice is collected from the water dripping from the top of the cave due to the melting of the ice on top of it, the 'lingam' reaches a maximum around July-August when the ice caps around the cave are melting. Water seeps into the rocks that form the cave and progressively fades thereafter. As per religious beliefs, it has been claimed that the lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon reaching its height during the summer festival.

Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Yatra is conducted in the Kashmir valley. The Amarnath cave is at an altitude of 12,800 feet. This yatra opens for a short period. Generally, Amarnath darshan starts in the month of June and July. And the closing of the yatra is in the month of August.

Amarnath yatra is yatra to Amarnath cave for darshan of Self-made ice shiv linga. Amarnath yatra happens by two routes. Generally, these two routes are the Pahalgam route and Baltal Route. However, most pilgrims prefer trekking to Amarnath Cave. But Helicopter service is also available from Baltal and Pahalgam. Also, it carries a special place in Hindu mythology. It is the journey to the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage to Amarnath Yatra is an arduous trek that lets you follow narrow and steep mountain paths. There are many hurdles along the way, to reach the place where the sacred ice Linga of Lord Shiva is located.

Importance of Amarnath Yatra

It is believed that there are 12 Jyotirlingas around the country with special significance as explained in Hindu mythology. Though every Jyotirlinga had its special importance of origin and the great Lord Shiva resides in only some of them. Amarnath is the place that carries a distinctive and above-the-role position among all the Jyotirlingas. This place is famous for the story narration made by Lord Shiva to Parvati. This story is regarding the concept of creation. Also, The Amar Katha and immortality secrets.

Amarnath Cave History

Amarnath cave is the place wherein Lord Shiva had dictated the story of creation and immortality secrets to Maa Parvati. The story goes with the question raised by Mata Parvati to Lord Shiva as to why he wears the beads of heads (Mund Mala). Lord replied whenever you are born then I add on one more head in my beads. Then Mata Parvati insisted on telling the secret of the immortal state enjoyed by the Lord. The lord replies that all this happens with the reason of Amar Katha.

To Sum Up, God chooses Amarnath Cave to tell the secrets of immortality to Mata Parvati. On the execution of reaching the place, he left out all his personal belongings. such as he left his Bull Nandi at Pahalgam, his moon at Chandanwari snakes at the banks of Sheshnag, and his son Ganesha at the core of Mahagunas mountain. He has also discarded the five elements i.e. Earth, Sky, Fire, Water, and Air behind. People believe that as a symbol of sacrifice. Also, both Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati had Tandav Dance. Lord Shiva entered the holy cave with Mata Parvati and takes on his Samadhi on the deerskin and concentrated. He just wants to ensure that no other living creature can hear the immortal story. The creation of Rudra named Kalagni is done. And he also orders him to extend fire all around the cave for security reasons. By chance, an egg was left out in the cave from which a pair of pigeons had also heard the story of immortality. And they also become immortal.

Legend and Significance of Amarnath Yatra

It is believed that the Amarnath Cave is 5000 years old and is said to be found by a shepherd Buta Malik. As per the story, Buta met a saint here who gave him a bag of coal. When Buta returned home and opened the bag, he found it full of gold. So when Buta Malik returned to find the saint, he found the Amarnath cave there.

The manifestation of Shiva Lingam at Amarnath Cave is also called Baba Barfani. As per the legends, when Maa Parvati insisted on Lord Shiva telling her his secret of immortality. So, to reveal his secret, Lord Shiva proceeded toward the cave so that no one else could hear the secret behind his immortality.

While going to the cave, Lord Shiva left his vahana (vehicle) Nandi in Pahalgam. That’s how the place got its name as the lord proceeded on foot from here. Next, he left the moon at Chanderbadi, 16 kilometers away from Pahalgam.

At Sheshnag, the lord dropped the snake from his neck, and at Mahagunas Mountain, Lord Shiva left his son Ganesha. At Panchtarni, he left the five elements. Once he reached the cave, Lord Shiva called upon fire to kill all things nearby, but two pigeon eggs beneath his seat were saved. In the process of recounting the story, the eggs hatched.

While Lord Shiva recounted the secret of creation and his immortality to Maa Parvati, the pair of pigeons overheard and thus attained immortality. Therefore, devotees flock to the cage yearly in their quest for moksha.

Amarnath Cave opens for three months only, from June to August. This is the only time you can embark on Amarnath Yatra and seek blessings.

Amarnath Yatra 2023 Opening and Closing Date

Amarnath Yatra 2023 Opening/ Closing Date
Date of Opening	30th June 2023
Then, the Date of Closing	11th August 2023
Registration Fee	Rs 120 Now
Process of Registration	From 11th April to 30th April 2023

Amarnath Yatra 2023 Guidelines

Because those who have poor health cannot able to visit here as there are various climate conditions appear in this place which require a healthy person. The cave of Amarnath Temple has located at an altitude of 3 thousand 888 m which has near about 168 km from the city of Anantnag Srinagar. However, the Shrine also represents an important part of the culture of Hinduism. Every year more than lakh pilgrims visit and this count has increased.

These are the few guidelines to follow before registering for Amarnath Yatra:

• Firstly, a person needs to be physically fit for the yatra. So you should start doing morning or evening walks at least one month before the Amarnath Yatra.
• Secondly, start with at least 5 ltr of fluids per day so that you can deal with dehydration and headache during your yatra.
• Thirdly, start practicing deep breathing or yoga to improve your lungs and improve the efficiency of oxygen in your body.
• Fourthly, if you face any issue related to high altitude sickness or discomfort then you should contact a doctor about this before your yatra.
• Most important drink lots of carbohydrates to reduce the effect of fatigue. Due to this, it can prevent low blood sugar also.
• For more information do read the official details given by the board of yatra.

Baba Amarnath Barfani Yatra Registration | Amarnath Yatra Online Registration Process 2023

• The registration will be on a first come first serve basis.
• Every yatri has to submit an application form and a compulsory health certificate (CHC) along with the required documents to obtain the yatra permit. The forms can be downloaded from here.
• These forms will also be available free of cost at the registration branch of the bank. Here is the complete list of 556 approved bank branches for 2023.
• For online registrations visit https://jksasb.nic.in/register.aspx and fill out the form, attach necessary documents such as medical certificates and photo ID.
• Since 2014, the SASB has also initiated a 'group registration scheme' for yatris intending to travel with friends, family or neighbours. Details of registration for NRIs/ex-yatri have been made available here - http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/

With one mobile number, only 4 people can register for Yatra. For online payment, credit cards, debit cards, or net banking can be used.

Amarnath Yatra Offline Registration Process 2023

For offline registration of Amarnath Yatra, you need to visit the designated banks along with the necessary documents such as Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), original identity proof, and photographs. The essential documents you will need during the Yatra include Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, etc., for your identity.

How to Reach Amarnath Yatra Base

An annual Hindu pilgrimage, Amarnath Yatra is considered very sacred. Every year millions of pilgrims undertake this pilgrimage to achieve salvation. The holy cave of Amarnath Cave is located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in Kashmir.

It is 141 kilometers from Srinagar. There are two routes to do this pilgrimage. One is from Baltal, the shortest, and the other is from Pahalgam, the longer but traditional one.

The State Transport and the private operators provide bus services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltlal. These are the two places from where you start the Amarnath Yatra.

Amarnath Yatra Route

The Northern route is 14 km long and shorter. It is steep, hence difficult to climb. It starts at Baltal. The longer, easier and more traditional one passes through Srinagar.

The devotees start the Amarnath Yatra from Srinagar or Pahalgam on foot and take one of the two possible routes. The shorter but steeper trek via Baltal, Domial, Barari and Sangam is 14 km long and allows people to take a round trip in 1-2 days. However, ponies are not allowed on this route due to safety reasons. One has to either walk or be carried on 'Dandies' (carried on a seat atop shoulders of other people). This Amarnath Yatra route is considered more favourable for returning back from the shrine than on the way up as steep slope is said to cause serious health problems among un-acclimatised visitors. Young, healthy and people looking for adventure amidst the religious trip happen to take this trek.

The longer Amarnath Yatra route via Pahalgam is generally preferred by most of the devotees.

Amarnath Trek Distance

The length of the trek varies from 36 to 48 km depending upon the devotion of the pilgrim. The trek usually takes 3-5 days one way. The Amarnath route is much wider than the Baltal trek and slopes gradually. However, one will also find it crowded by ponies for almost the whole of the route. Aged, sick or people with a past history of illnesses are advised to take this yatra route.

Amarnath Yatra In Helicopter

Starting Point: Baltal helipad

Starting Point: Pahalgam helipad

Timings for all rides are according to service providers and should be strictly adhered to.

A maximum of 5 bookings is allowed against a single debit/credit card. The same card cannot be used for booking for the next 3 weeks. The debit/credit card used for booking should be reproduced at the time of issuing a boarding pass.

Safety:
For safety purposes, children below 13 years, elderly aged above 75 years and ladies more than 6 weeks pregnant are not allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.

Journey to The Cave From the Drop-off:
If opting for the helicopter ride, the pilgrim will be dropped at Panjtarni, which is a 6km (2 hours) walk to the Amarnath caves but with many pilgrims present, the walk will take up to 4 hours on easy terrain. Do note that it is a difficult walk as the temperatures are lower and also the altitude sickness which recommends a slower pace when walking to the caves.

There is the option of hiring a Palki as they will take you to the cave directly. Pony rides are available too but they will drop you off 2 kms before reaching the cave as the terrain gets a slight slope.

Requirements for Amarnath Helicopter Ride:
All pilgrims/travellers intending to avail helicopter services for Amarnath Yatra are required to furnish a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) for each individual, duly issued by authorised doctors/institutions, as per instructions laid down by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). The list of authorized doctors/institutions is made available on the official website well in time before the commencement of advance bookings.

No pilgrim/traveller shall be allowed to board the helicopter without submitting a CFC, issued on the specified date. Any CFC issued before/after the specified date will be rendered invalid.

FAQs about Amarnath Yatra

How can I register for Amarnath Yatra Online 2023?

Amarnath yatra 2023 registration date is from 11th April 2023 to 30th April 2023. You can register on the official website of the Amarnath Shrine Board.

What is the best time to go Amarnath Yatra?

Amarnath Yatra is open for only 2 months in a year, which open in the last week of June and closes on the full moon day of Sawan month i.e. Raksha Bandhan. If we talk about the best time, then the month of July is the best in which you will get to see the full Shivling.

How many days are needed for Amarnath Yatra?

The trek is about 36-48 kms hence it usually takes 3-5 days one way.

When Amarnath Yatra will start in 2023?

Amarnath Yatra 2023 will commence on 30th June 2023 and will continue till 11 August 2023.

Where is Amarnath Cave?

The Amarnath cave is situated in Pahalgam of Kashmir. The shrine is located at a height of 3,888 Meters in the Himalayas. Every year thousands of pilgrims.