Amarnath Temple

Amarnath, also called Shiva's cave is a place of pilgrimage of the Hindus in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir in the Himalayas. In every season pilgrimage to the believers located in 3882 meters altitude cave that is accessible from the villages of Batal and Pahalgam on foot.

Myth

Indian myths report that the God Shiva before the astonished eyes of the gods Brahma and Vishnu once as a giant pillar, as Linga revealed. This Linga form of Shiva is worshiped in many temples. In the cave of Amarnath Shiva is said to have his consort Parvati explained the secret of immortality. The two chose this secluded spot to prevent any living being could learn her secret. From a nest under a rock but slipped later two pigeons, and since they had listened to the story, they were immortal. Many pilgrims claim to have seen on their way to the cave the pair of doves.

Phenomenon

Every year in the Hindu month of Shravan forms (July- August) in the cave of Amarnath is a huge stalagmite of ice. Water drips from the ceiling, forming a Ice Shelf on the ground and on it a pillar of ice. This ice formation resembling a powerful Linga, it decreases with the cycle of the moon and again, during the full moon of the Linga reached its greatest extent. This constant natural change of growing up and shrinkage is considered by believers as living presence of Lord Shiva.

Guardians of the cave

Before the entrance to the cave located Sadhus have settled as guardians, holy men who have renounced the world, live in possessions and completely devoted to their spiritual practice. Your task is to protect the Linga from contact by pilgrims. This throw flowers, coins, beads and cloth pieces as offerings to the ice formation.

Swell

Http://www.lochstein.de/hrp/orte/amarnath/amarnath.htm

Http://www.leh-ladakh.com/kashmir-india/amarnath-yatra.html