Baba Amarnath: Temple History | Information | Rituals | Puja
Baba Amarnath Temple is also simply referred to as Amarnath Mandir. The temple is essentially a cave and it is located in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas that we have in our country. A pilgrimage to Amarnath Mandir is one of the most difficult journeys. It is considered that one who completes this task will receive the blessings of the heavens.
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Temple History:
In the legends, it is stated that Sage Bhrigu discovered Amarnath. The valley of Kashmir was under the stream of water for a very long time. Sage Kashyapa was the one who drained it. After drainage, Bhrigu was the first person to lay eyes on the Swayambhu lingam. It is a natural stalagmite formation. Two smaller stalagmites are also found along the larger one. They are considered to represent Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
According to the myth, Lord Shiva told his wife Parvati the secret of immortality at Amarnath. He left behind Nandi, the moon, the snakes, and his son Ganesha to make sure that no one else got to know the secret. However, when he was telling the Amar Katha to Parvati, a pair of doves happened to chance in on this conversation. This cave became a shrine and came to be known as Amarnathji Mandir. People have stated the sightings of the immortal doves who listened in the conversation. They learned the Amar Katha and became immortal.
Information:
The temple is only open to the public for a certain period in the annual cycle. Pilgrims can access the temple from July to August. Everyone is allowed entry from 6 AM to 6 PM. There are a few technicalities that pilgrims need to take care of. First, they have to register at the Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Offices to make the trip. The Holy Cave Shrine containing the ice lingam of Lord Shiva is a sight to behold.
It is also important to note that to take the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, one has to reach Panchkarni before 3 PM. In case people miss the time then they have to camp for the night and go to the temple the next day. Women and men are advised to dress properly for the trek. Sarees are absolutely not recommended as the last part of the journey is only accessible on foot. Proper preparations for the journey are necessary as it is a difficult terrain.
Rituals and Puja:
Certain rituals and Pujas are mandatory at the Amarnath Temple. The first one is called the Pratham Puja. It literally translates to ‘first puja’ and is performed on the first day that the holy cave is opened for the yatra. Shri Amarnath Shrine Board members along with the members of the Jammu and Kashmir Government attend this puja without fail. The puja itself is an experience as different shlokas and mantras are chanted for Lord Shiva.
It includes different pujas that are performed on the same day. This includes Bhoomi Puja, Navagraha Puja, Chhari Puja, and the Dhwajarohan. After the puja is completed, the prasad is distributed among the attending devotees. Chhari Mubarak is another special puja that takes place on the day of Shravan Purnima. The day is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan. The Chhari is a holy mace which belonged to Lord Shiva. This mace was gifted by God to Sage Bringesh. During this puja, the mace is showcased to the public for darshan.