Amarnath Cave and other places in Pahalgaon
Encircled by a full dozen snow-capped peaks and pine and fir woods, Pahalgaon at an altitude of 2,195 meters is 97 km. away from Srinagar. Pahalgaon is also the base for the journey to the sacred Amarnath Cave- an unusual shrine situated in the hinterland of rock and snow at a height of 3,962 meters (12,729 feet)—not built by man but by Nature.
Best places to see in Amarnath Cave and other places in Pahalgaon
The situation of Pahalgaon is exquisite, being at the junction of two streams, Lidder and Sheshnag. Pahalgaon, in the recent past, was a hamlet of shepherds. It is a flourishing hill resort now, with exhilarating treks into the charming woodlands and alpine meadows of its side valleys. Amarnath Cave: Abode of Lord Shiva
A strange phenomenon continues to take place since time immemorial. Inside the cave icicles gather to form the symbol of Shiva—growing with the waxing of moon and subsiding with the waning.
Legend says that long long ago once Parvati asked Shiva why be wore a garland of skulls. Upon Shiva revealing to her that the skulls were the relics of Parvati's past incarnations, she desired to know how it is that she died and took birth again and again while Shiva remained immortal.
Shiva then decided to disclose the secret of immortality to Parvati. He looked for a secluded spot and chose this cave.
Since then the place is blessed by Shiva's presence. While for the average devotee a visit here could mean a brave pilgrimage, to one who is psychically awakened it might mean much more. The experience Swami Vivekananda had here is recorded by Sister Nivedita, thus:
"To him the heaven had opened. He bad touched the feet of Shiva. He had to hold himself tight, he said afterwards, lest he should swoon away - . . 'I have enjoyed it so much !' he said half an hour afterwards . . . 'I never enjoyed any religious place so much !' . . He always said too, that the Grace of Amarnath had been granted to him there, not to die till he himself should give consent. And to me he said, 'You do not understand. But you have made the pilgrimage and it will go on working. Causes must bring their effect. You will understand better afterwards. The effects will come."
Amarnath is about 46 km. from Pahalgaon and about 153 km. from Srinagar. The trek from Pahalgaon is arduous but exciting. The road leads through one of the most beautiful mountain regions of the world. August is the time when thousands of people from all over India gather at Pahalgaon and begin the journey. Legend says that among the human beings Bhrigu, the great sage, was the first to see Amarnath. He sent Vasuki, giving him a staff that was to ward off all dangers on the way.
On the 12th day of the lunar fortnight of the month of Shravana the head of the Dharmarth Sangh, a religious institution of Kashmir, cacries a silver staff towards the cave and others follow him.
On their way, after a halt at Chandanwari, the travellers come to the Seshnag Lake—a glacier on the lake looking like the hood of a Nag (serpent), and then they behold the enchanting high valleys of Warjan, and peaks and slopes glowing in the sunlight, creating different hues. They can have a holy dip in the Panchatarani (five streams)—and then in the Amarganga stream near the cave.
Two other mounds of snow near the Symbol of Shiva represent Ganesha and Parvati. The cave remains covered with snow from September to June. It opens on the full-moon day of Shravan—that falls in August. The trek to Amarnath takes nearly three to five days.Other places around Pahalgaon
About 2 km. from Pahalgaon is Baisaran , a glen commanding a charming view of the forest. This is 152 meters up on the mountain side.
Mamlesvara Temple: The temple is consecrated to Shiva Mamlesvara and situated a kilometer and a half down the river, near a tank. It is an ancient temple.
