Amarnath Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, India

Amarnath is one of the holiest and oldest temples of Lord Shiva in India. It is located at an altitude of 3,888 m, about 141 km from Srinagar. Lord Shiva resides in this cave in the form of an ice lingam. This icicle lingam is naturally formed and is believed to increase and decrease with the moon.

The icicles form best in July and August and hence the Amarnath pilgrimage takes place only in these few months. The pilgrimage starts at Chandanwari and reaches Amarnath Cave after a 43 km trek with overnight stops at Seshnag Lake and Panchatarni camp. The trekking path is one of the most beautiful in India.

According to legend, it was in Amarnath that Lord Shiva revealed the immortal secret of the universe to his consort Goddess Parvati. On the way, he released all his companions one by one, leaving his horse at Nandi the Bull in Pahalgam.

Leaving the crescent moon adorning his hair at Chandanwari, the snakes at Seshnag, the five elements at Panchatarni and finally his son Ganesha at Mahagunas Top, he finally reached the deserted cave of Amarnath.

The pilgrimage to Amaranth is one of the most sacred pilgrimages of Hindus. It is a place where communities come together.