Amarnath Yatra 2020: A Tricky Journey To The Heavenly Abode!

Amarnath Yatra 2020 is the pilgrimage undertaken by numerous Hindu devotees in the months of June to August, to the divine temple of Amarnath. The Amarnath temple is one of 18 Maha-Shakti (Grand Shakti) Peethas, the sacred places where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation. The path of Amarnath Yatra 2020 is very challenging, as devotees walk across formidable mountainous terrain to reach the Shivling made of pure ice. In this Amarnath cave, it is believed that Lord Shiva explained the secrets of life and eternity to Goddess Parvati. Therefore, Amarnath Yatra 2020 has a special significance for the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Moreover, the miracle that the Shivling of Amarnath temple offers is another enchantment that allures the devotees. As water drips from the top of the cave, and freezes on its floor, a Shivling is formed. As per beliefs, the size of this Shivling changes along with the phases of the Moon. moreover, one can also see two more similar ice sculptures in the cave, which are said to symbolize Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. During the summer months of June to August, when the snow around the Amarnath temple melts, making the path comparatively less dangerous, the Amarnath Yatra 2020 begins. At this time, devotees from all around the world would undertake the Amarnath Yatra 2020, going on foot for miles through hilltops and untouched wild scenery, going through the dangerous, powerful, and the true face of nature.

The Amarnath Yatra 2020 begins when the path is deemed safest for the devotees. Let us take a look at the dates when one can begin their journey to the holy Amarnath caves.

Amarnath Yatra 2020: Amarnath Yatra 2020 Dates

Note: The dates in this table are tentative and subject to change, as per the government norms.

Amarnath Yatra 2020: The Legend Of Amarnath Temple

According to the story of Amarnath Yatra 2020, Maa Parvati once asked Lord Shiva about life, and its mortality and immortality. She asked Lord Shiva why, when he was immortal, she had to take rebirth again and again, as a mortal, despite being Adishakti – the source of power, energy for all the universe. However, the story of immortality was not to be heard by anyone but the Trideva and the Trideviya. Not sure whether Goddess Parvati was ready to attain all her powers, thus the lesson of immortality as Adishakti, Lord Shiva tried to deflect. However, Goddess Parvati was adamant and insisted on learning the truth.

At this, Lord Shiva explained that in order to tell her the truth of life and immortality, they needed to leave everything behind, and go to a place where no one dwelled, because this story cannot be heard by any other mortal beings. Lord Shiva searched and decided to take Goddess Parvati to the Amarnath caves, as they were far from civilization and hard to reach, the pathways challenging and the terrain mountainous. However, as Lord Shiva had explained earlier to Adishakti, they needed to leave everything and everyone behind. Thus, on the way to the caves, on their Amarnath Yatra, Lord Shiva left his mount, the Nandi bull at Pahalgam (Bail gaon), the moon from his hair at Chandanwari, and at the banks of the Sheshnag lake, he left his snakes. Lord Shiva and Goddess Pravati left their son, Lord Ganesha at the Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill), and in the end, he left the five elements (fire, air, water, earth, and sky) at Panjtarni. After this, he stepped inside the Amarnath cave with Goddess Parvati. Still, before he began with the story, Mahadev as he sat in Samadhi created a Rudra named Kalagni, and ordered him to destroy everything around the caves so that nothing living grows. Now, Bholenath finally recited the story to Goddess Parvati.

However, despite his attempts an egg was still left inside the cave, under the deer skin on which Lord Shiva sat. Out of this egg, a pair of pigeons came out and as they had heard the story from Lord Shiva, they were now immortal. People believe that one can still see the pair of pigeons when one visits the Amarnath cave on Amarnath Yatra 2020.

Amarnath Yatra 2020: How Was The Holy Cave Discovered?

Long ago, there was a shepherd, Buta Malik. Once, a saint gave him a bag which was full of coal. However, when he opened the bag on reaching home, he found it full of gold coins. Seeing gold coins, he was overjoyed and ran immediately to thank the saint, but was unable to find him. Instead, at that very place, he found the holy cave and Shivalinga. He told about this incident to the villagers, and ever since then this place became a holy place for pilgrimage. Thus, Amarnath temple came to be known and this is how people are going on Amarnath Yatra 2020, thanks to Buta Malik.

According to another story, in earlier times, the Kashmir valley was submerged in water. The water of the valley was drained by Rishi Kashyap via many rivers and rivulets. During that time, Bhrigu Rishi paid a visit to the Himalayas and was the first person to receive the darshan of the holy Amarnath caves. After this incident, the place became holy and a centre of pilgrimage for the people.

Amarnath Yatra 2020: The Pious Amarnath Shivling

The Lingam of Amarnath temple is formed of snow and is not a permanent one. This Shivaling forms on its own, through droplets of water accumulating and freezing and is thus, known as Swayambhu Himani Shivling. The formation of Amarnath Shivling starts from Ashadh Purnima and gains it final shape on Shravan Purnima. The Shivling is strong, hard, and remains surrounded by snow which keeps on falling inside the Amarnath cave. It is also believed that water of Ramkund Lake, which is located at the top of the cave falls on the Shivling drop by drop, thus forming it. The Amarnath Yatra 2020 is undertaken by devotees to worship this Shivling, a visible miracle for all.

Amarnath Yatra 2020: Amarnath Yatra Rules

The Amarnath Yatra 2020 is a very difficult journey. The height of Amarnath caves results in a significant lack of oxygen. pilgrimage is a major one and quite risky; hence, some mandatory rules are associated with Amarnath Yatra 2020:

• Compulsory registration for all the devotees for Amarnath Yatra 2020
• Amarnath Yatra 2020 travelling facilities provided by private and government institutions
• Proper health check up before setting for Amarnath Yatra 2020
• Essential needs like food, oxygen supply system, medicines, proper clothes etc. are made assured before the Amarnath Yatra 2020

Amarnath Yatra 2020: The Different Stages of Yatra

Following are the different stages of Amarnath Yatra:

Amarnath Yatra 2020: Departure Route To Amarnath Temple

1. Pahalgam to Chandanwari
2. Chandanwari to Sheshnag
3. Sheshnag To Panchtarni
4. Panchtarni To Amarnath Cave

Amarnath Yatra 2020: Return Route From Amarnath Temple

1. Panchtarni To Chandanwari
2. Chandanwari To Pahalgam

Amarnath Yatra 2020: How To Reach Amarnath Temple?

One can undertake the Amarnath Yatra 2020 via two routes. One is the ancient route through Pahalgam, and the other, found not too long ago, is through Baltal. Out of these two routes for Amarnath Yatra 2020, Pahalgam is the most preferred one, as it is safer and more comfortable. For this reason, this is the first choice of all the travellers. On the flip side, the Baltal route for Amarnath Yatra 2020 is a shorter one, but it is not only more challenging, but more dangerous as well.

Amarnath Yatra 2020: Some Careful Tips

1. Before beginning your Amarnath Yatra 2020, get yourself physically checked, as Amarnath temple is located at an altitude of approximately 14,000 ft. Therefore, a lack of oxygen and thin air can make things problematic for those not medically cleared.
2. Materials like woolen clothes, rain coat, bedding items, sleeping bag, walking stick, torch etc. will help in facilitating your Amarnath Yatra 2020.
3. Eatables, packed food items and health drinks are a must while going on Amarnath Yatra 2020.
4. Take good care of your luggage and stay alert.
5. Make Amarnath Yatra 2020 safe and fruitful by listening and following all the instructions of your guide.
6. A sufficient amount of money is also very necessary on Amarnath Yatra 2020.
7. Though medical facilities will be provided to you on Amarnath Yatra 2020, still carrying your own medical kit is a good option.
8. Stay away from points with warning or danger notices, through the entirety of Amarnath Yatra 2020. Your wellbeing is in your own hands.
9. On the tricky routes during Amarnath Yatra 2020, go calmly and do not try to overtake fellow passengers.

Amarnath Yatra is a lifetime experience and you can live this experience this year with Amarnath Yatra 2020. This holy pilgrimage will help you in connecting with Lord Shiva and seeking his blessings & divine glory. Amarnath Yatra 2020 will not only let you visit this heavenly abode, but will also give your mind its share of peace and calmness. Start your preparations for Amarnath Yatra 2020 and please Lord Shiva for your and your family’s well being.