Sacred Facts · At a Glance
- Element
- water
Primary Scriptures
0 sourcesNo primary scriptures are catalogued for this entry yet. If you know of scriptural references we have missed, please contribute them.
vahana: "Nandi (sacred bull)" sacred_colours:
- saffron
- white
- gold sacred_flowers:
- lotus
- tulasi
- jasmine sacred_flowers:
- lotus
- tulasi
- champaka sacred_trees:
- peepal
- bilva (bael)
- tulasi sacred_animals:
- Nandi (sacred bull)
- peacock
- elephant sacred_colours:
- saffron
- white
- gold
vahana: "Nandi (sacred bull)"
primary_scriptures:
- title: "Skanda Purana — temple kshetra mahatmya" type: "purana" festival_dates:
- "Maha Shivaratri (Feb–Mar)"
- "Diwali (Oct–Nov)"
Amarnath Cave Temple — The Ice Lingam
The Natural Miracle
A sacred cave at 12,756 feet where a natural ice stalagmite forms a Shiva lingam that waxes and wanes with the moon's phases. According to legend, Shiva revealed the secret of immortality (amar katha) to Parvati here.
The Lunar Connection
The ice lingam forms naturally each summer and melts in autumn; its size correlates with lunar phases, reaching maximum height on the full moon. This natural phenomenon has been interpreted as divine confirmation of the site's sacredness.
The Annual Yatra
The Amarnath Yatra (July–August) attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims despite treacherous terrain and security concerns. The pilgrimage is considered one of the most challenging in India, requiring a trek through glacial terrain.
Sources & provenance
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