Amarnath Cave Temple – Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir

The Amarnath Cave Temple, located in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, is one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva and a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas at an altitude of about 3,888 meters, the temple is famed for the naturally formed ice lingam that is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva himself. Every year, thousands of devotees undertake the challenging Amarnath Yatra to seek divine blessings and spiritual fulfillment.

About the Temple

The Amarnath Cave Temple is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 3,888 meters (12,756 feet), it is renowned for the naturally occurring ice Shiva Lingam. This sacred shrine attracts thousands of devotees every year during the annual Amarnath Yatra, despite the physically challenging trek. The temple holds deep spiritual significance, as it is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Goddess Parvati.

Temple Description & Speciality

The Amarnath Cave is over 5,000 years old and holds great significance in Hinduism.

The naturally forming ice Lingam is believed to represent Lord Shiva and waxes and wanes with the lunar cycle.

It is considered one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is associated with Shiva’s discourse on immortality.

Pilgrims undertake a difficult trek through mountainous terrain, making this one of the most challenging yet spiritually rewarding pilgrimages in India.

Temple Details
Temple Address:
Amarnath Cave Temple, Pahalgam Tehsil, Anantnag District, Jammu and Kashmir, India – 192230

Location Coordinates:
34.2149°N 75.5008°E

Temple Timings:
Open only during the Amarnath Yatra (June–August).
Daily darshan: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM during the Yatra period.

Temple Sevas & Rituals:
Morning Aarti & Puja
Maha Abhishek & Rudra Abhishek
Chanting of Shiva Mantras
Special Havana & Yajnas
Darshan of the Ice Lingam

Traveling Facilities
By Air
Nearest Airport: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar (141 km from base camp)
From Srinagar, taxis/buses are available to Pahalgam/Baltal base camps.

By Train
Nearest Major Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (270 km from Srinagar)
From Jammu, travel by road to Srinagar, then proceed to Pahalgam/Baltal.

By Road
Bus and taxi services are available from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam & Baltal.
Pilgrims can travel via private or government buses.

Food & Stay Facilities
Food
Langar's (free community kitchens) along the Yatra route provide vegetarian meals, tea, and snacks.
Simple food is available at base camps.

Stay
Tented accommodations are set up at Baltal & Pahalgam base camps.
The J&K government and private service providers offer temporary huts & shelters.
Hotels and guesthouses are available in Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Jammu (advance booking recommended).

Nearby Travel Facilities
Nearby Railway Station
Jammu Tawi Railway Station (270 km from Srinagar)

Nearby Airport
Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar (141 km from base camp)

Nearby Bus Station
Srinagar Bus Stand (buses available for Pahalgam/Baltal)

Routes to the Temple
Bus Routes
Jammu → Srinagar → Pahalgam/Baltal
Srinagar → Pahalgam (96 km) → Chandanwari → Sheshnag → Panchtarni → Amarnath Cave
Srinagar → Baltal (93 km) → Domail → Barari Marg → Amarnath Cave

Train Routes
Board a train to Jammu Tawi, then travel by road to Srinagar → Pahalgam/Baltal.

Airways to Temple
Fly to Srinagar, then take a taxi/bus to Pahalgam/Baltal.

Nearby Cities & Places to Visit
Nearby Cities
Srinagar (141 km)
Anantnag (117 km)
Pahalgam (96 km)
Jammu (270 km)

Nearby Temples
Martand Sun Temple – An ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God.
Shankaracharya Temple – A famous Shiva temple in Srinagar.
Vaishno Devi Temple – A well-known Hindu shrine in Katra.
Sharada Peeth – An ancient Saraswati temple (now in PoK).

Nearby Attractions
Betaab Valley – A picturesque valley near Pahalgam.
Aru Valley – A peaceful retreat with mesmerizing landscapes.
Sonamarg – A scenic valley with trekking routes.
Dal Lake (Srinagar) – A famous lake with houseboats & Shikara rides.

Best Season to Visit
July-August (Shravan month)
The Amarnath Yatra is open only in summer, when the ice Lingam reaches full formation.

Winters (October–April)
The cave remains snow-covered & inaccessible.

Shopping & Local Specialties
Visitors can shop in Srinagar, Anantnag, and Pahalgam for:
Pashmina Shawls
Handmade Kashmiri Carpets
Saffron
Dry Fruits (Walnuts, Almonds, Cashews)
Kashmiri Handicrafts
Paper Mache Artifacts
Woolen Clothes & Kashmiri Embroidery

The Amarnath Cave Temple stands as a beacon of faith, spirituality, and devotion amidst the snow-clad mountains of Kashmir. Its sacred ice lingam draws pilgrims from across India and beyond, offering them a chance to witness one of the most extraordinary natural wonders tied deeply with Hindu mythology. Visiting this temple is not just a pilgrimage but also a journey of inner strength, endurance, and divine connection.