Amarnath Cave
Location
About
A high Himalayan cave at 3,888 meters in Kashmir containing a naturally forming ice Shiva linga, which waxes and wanes with the moon each year. The annual pilgrimage draws hundreds of thousands despite extreme conditions.
Significance
The cave is believed to be where Shiva revealed the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Parvati; the natural ice linga is considered the most miraculous svayambhu (self-created) manifestation of Shiva.
History & Historical Arc
Mentioned in the Bhringish Samhita and Nilmat Purana; the cave was 'rediscovered' for organized pilgrimage in the 15th c…
Archaeological Notes
No excavation possible in the active glacier cave; a pair of pigeons (believed immortal) is said to nest inside and be s…
Key Features & Structures
- Natural ice Shiva linga
- Cave shrine (25m high, 45m deep)
Visitor Information
Pilgrimage open June–August only (Shravani Mela); two routes from Pahalgam (48 km) and Baltal (14 km). Registration with…