Popular Temple
Shri Amarnath Cave Temple
Himalayas, Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir
Famed for its naturally forming and waning ice lingam — one of India's most physically demanding annual pilgrimages
At a glance
- Location
- Himalayas, Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir
- Presiding deity
- Lord Shiva (as a naturally forming ice linga)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Nearest railway station
- Jammu Tawi railway station (the journey's starting point; from there, roughly 235 km by road to Pahalgam or 330 km to Baltal)
- Nearest airport
- Srinagar Airport (closest to the base camps)
- Best time to visit
- July to August, during the officially designated yatra period.
History
The Amarnath cave sits at roughly 3,888 metres altitude, where an ice lingam forms naturally, waxing and waning with the lunar cycle. Legend holds that Shiva narrated the secret of immortality to Parvati at this very spot, giving the cave its name. The pilgrimage is traditionally undertaken via either the Pahalgam or Baltal route.
Spiritual significance
The Amarnath Yatra is considered one of India's most physically demanding pilgrimages, requiring devotees to complete mandatory registration along with a health certificate.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
The yatra opens for a fixed window only, typically from June/July through August (the Shravan month).
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
From Jammu, travel by road via Srinagar to either Pahalgam or Baltal, followed by trek, pony, or helicopter to the cave. Online registration is mandatory for the yatra.
Continue your Shiva bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.