Amarnath Temple - Revision history

CleanupBot: clean up

2023-11-24T06:31:47Z

clean up

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:01, 24 November 2023
Line 27:		Line 27:
	The '''Amarnath Temple''' is a [[Hindu]] shrine located in the [[Pahalgam]] tehsil of the [[Anantnag district]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)\|Jammu and Kashmir]], India. A cave situated at an altitude of {{convert\|3888\|m\|abbr=on}},<ref name="jktourism"/> about 168 km from [[Anantnag\|Anantnag city]], the district headquarters, {{convert\|141\|km\|abbr=on}} from [[Srinagar]], the summer capital of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)\|Jammu and Kashmir]], reached through either [[Sonamarg]] or [[Pahalgam]]. It is an important shrine of [[Hinduism]].<ref name="thehindu">{{cite news\|date=30 May 2005\|title=New shrine on Amarnath route\|work=[[The Hindu]]\|agency=PTI\|location=Chennai, India\|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/30/stories/2005053009340300.htm\|access-date=15 November 2006\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618193352/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/30/stories/2005053009340300.htm\|archive-date=18 June 2007}}</ref><ref name="BBC2002">{{cite news\|title=The pilgrimage to Amarnath\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2176165.stm\|access-date=5 May 2012\|newspaper=BBC News\|date=6 August 2002\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106180604/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2176165.stm\|archive-date=6 January 2012\|url-status=live}}</ref> The cave, located in [[Sind Valley]], is surrounded by glaciers, snowy mountains and is covered with snow most of the year, except for a short period in the summer, when it is open to pilgrims. In 1989, pilgrims numbered between 12,000 and 30,000. In 2011, the numbers reached a peak, crossing 6.3 [[lakh]] (630,000) pilgrims. In 2018 pilgrims numbered 2.85 lakh (285,000). The annual pilgrimage varies between 20 and 60 days.		The '''Amarnath Temple''' is a [[Hindu]] shrine located in the [[Pahalgam]] tehsil of the [[Anantnag district]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)\|Jammu and Kashmir]], India. A cave situated at an altitude of {{convert\|3888\|m\|abbr=on}},<ref name="jktourism"/> about 168 km from [[Anantnag\|Anantnag city]], the district headquarters, {{convert\|141\|km\|abbr=on}} from [[Srinagar]], the summer capital of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)\|Jammu and Kashmir]], reached through either [[Sonamarg]] or [[Pahalgam]]. It is an important shrine of [[Hinduism]].<ref name="thehindu">{{cite news\|date=30 May 2005\|title=New shrine on Amarnath route\|work=[[The Hindu]]\|agency=PTI\|location=Chennai, India\|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/30/stories/2005053009340300.htm\|access-date=15 November 2006\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618193352/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/30/stories/2005053009340300.htm\|archive-date=18 June 2007}}</ref><ref name="BBC2002">{{cite news\|title=The pilgrimage to Amarnath\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2176165.stm\|access-date=5 May 2012\|newspaper=BBC News\|date=6 August 2002\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106180604/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2176165.stm\|archive-date=6 January 2012\|url-status=live}}</ref> The cave, located in [[Sind Valley]], is surrounded by glaciers, snowy mountains and is covered with snow most of the year, except for a short period in the summer, when it is open to pilgrims. In 1989, pilgrims numbered between 12,000 and 30,000. In 2011, the numbers reached a peak, crossing 6.3 [[lakh]] (630,000) pilgrims. In 2018 pilgrims numbered 2.85 lakh (285,000). The annual pilgrimage varies between 20 and 60 days.

	The Amarnath cave, abode of the ''Mahamaya Shakti Pitha'', is one of the 51 [[Shakti Pitha~~\|Shakti Pithas~~]], the temples of the [[South Asia\|Indian Subcontinent]] that commemorate the location of the fallen body parts of the Hindu deity [[Sati (goddess)\|Sati]].<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Shankar\|first=Ravi\|date=26 September 2021\|title=Motherlodes of Power: The story of India's 'Shakti Peethas'\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-12-28\|website=The New Indian Express\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926061553/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html \|archive-date=26 September 2021 }}</ref>		The Amarnath cave, abode of the ''Mahamaya Shakti Pitha'', is one of the 51 [[Shakti Pitha]]s, the temples of the [[South Asia\|Indian Subcontinent]] that commemorate the location of the fallen body parts of the Hindu deity [[Sati (goddess)\|Sati]].<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Shankar\|first=Ravi\|date=26 September 2021\|title=Motherlodes of Power: The story of India's 'Shakti Peethas'\|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-12-28\|website=The New Indian Express\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926061553/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html \|archive-date=26 September 2021 }}</ref>

	==Shiva Linga==		==Shiva Linga==
Line 339:		Line 339:
	==Incidents==		==Incidents==
	===Deaths due to health, accidents and disasters===		===Deaths due to health, accidents and disasters===
	[[Sir Walter Roper Lawrence]] in ''[[The Valley of Kashmir]]'' (1895) writes that the difficulty of pilgrimage route affected the weak and sick, with many also falling victims to [[cholera]].{{Sfn\|Lawrence\|1895\|p=298-299}} In 1928, over 500 pilgrims and mules died on the way to the cave.{{Sfn\|Warikoo\|2009\|p=136}} In 1969 a cloudburst resulted in the death of 40 pilgrims.{{Sfn\|Warikoo\|2009\|p=136}} The [[1996 Amarnath Yatra tragedy]] involved the death of 243 pilgrims due to exhaustion and exposure.<ref>{{Cite web\|last1=Chakravarty\|first1=Sayantan\|last2=Baweja\|first2=Harinder\|date=15 September 1996\|title=Freak weather conditions during Amarnath yatra claim 200 lives\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19960915-freak-weather-conditions-during-amarnath-yatra-claim-200-lives-834427-1996-09-15\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-12-27\|website=India Today\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909103040/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19960915-freak-weather-conditions-during-amarnath-yatra-claim-200-lives-834427-1996-09-15 \|archive-date=9 September 2020 }}</ref~~><ref name=":13"/~~> In July 2012, 12 pilgrims were killed in a road accident. The pilgrims were part of a team who had set up a community kitchen at the pilgrimage.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=27 July 2012\|agency=PTI\|title=16 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims killed in road accident\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/16-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-killed-in-road-accident-494361\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-12-27\|work=NDTV\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721081754/http://www.ndtv.com:80/india-news/16-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-killed-in-road-accident-494361 \|archive-date=21 July 2017 }}</ref> Three people were killed and more injured due to a [[cloudburst]] at [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir\|Baltal]] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Akhzer\|first=Adil\|date=2015-07-26\|title=Amarnath: 3 killed, 11 injured as cloudburst hits yatra base camp in Baltal\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/2-minors-killed-as-cloudburst-hits-amarnath-yatra-base-camp/\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-12-27\|website=The Indian Express\|language=en\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726133848/http://indianexpress.com:80/article/india/india-others/2-minors-killed-as-cloudburst-hits-amarnath-yatra-base-camp/ \|archive-date=26 July 2015 }}</ref> Of the 622,000 yatra pilgrims in 2012, 130 died during the yatra. The major cause was attributed to people who were not physically fit for the arduous climb, high elevations, and adverse weather undertook the yatra. Some also died in road accidents before reaching the base camp from where the yatra starts. Of the 130 deaths, 88 were due to purported health reasons and 42 in road accidents.<ref>{{Cite news\|date=2 August 2012\|title=Amarnath yatra ends, Charri Mubarak reaches shrine\|work=The Economic Times\|agency=PTI\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amarnath-yatra-ends-charri-mubarak-reaches-shrine/articleshow/15327136.cms\|access-date=2021-12-27}}</ref> On 16 July 2017, 18 pilgrims died and many were seriously injured after a [[Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation\|JKSRTC]] bus, which was plying from [[Jammu\|Jammu city]] to [[Pahalgam]] as part of Amarnath Yatra Convoy, fell into a 150-ft deep gorge near [[Nachlana]] area of [[Jammu division\|Jammu]]'s [[Ramban district]] around 1:45 P.M. 16 pilgrims had died on the spot, while 2 succumbed later to their injuries.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=16 Amarnath yatris killed as bus falls into 150-foot gorge \|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/jul/16/16-amarnath-yatris-killed-as-bus-falls-into-150-foot-gorge-1629484.html \|access-date=2022-07-10 \|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> This accident happened less than a week after a deadly terrorist attack on a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from [[Gujarat]].		[[Sir Walter Roper Lawrence]] in ''[[The Valley of Kashmir]]'' (1895) writes that the difficulty of pilgrimage route affected the weak and sick, with many also falling victims to [[cholera]].{{Sfn\|Lawrence\|1895\|p=298-299}} In 1928, over 500 pilgrims and mules died on the way to the cave.{{Sfn\|Warikoo\|2009\|p=136}} In 1969 a cloudburst resulted in the death of 40 pilgrims.{{Sfn\|Warikoo\|2009\|p=136}} The [[1996 Amarnath Yatra tragedy]] involved the death of 243 pilgrims due to exhaustion and exposure.<ref name=":13"/><ref>{{Cite web\|last1=Chakravarty\|first1=Sayantan\|last2=Baweja\|first2=Harinder\|date=15 September 1996\|title=Freak weather conditions during Amarnath yatra claim 200 lives\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19960915-freak-weather-conditions-during-amarnath-yatra-claim-200-lives-834427-1996-09-15\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-12-27\|website=India Today\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909103040/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19960915-freak-weather-conditions-during-amarnath-yatra-claim-200-lives-834427-1996-09-15 \|archive-date=9 September 2020 }}</ref> In July 2012, 12 pilgrims were killed in a road accident. The pilgrims were part of a team who had set up a community kitchen at the pilgrimage.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=27 July 2012\|agency=PTI\|title=16 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims killed in road accident\|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/16-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-killed-in-road-accident-494361\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-12-27\|work=NDTV\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721081754/http://www.ndtv.com:80/india-news/16-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-killed-in-road-accident-494361 \|archive-date=21 July 2017 }}</ref> Three people were killed and more injured due to a [[cloudburst]] at [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir\|Baltal]] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Akhzer\|first=Adil\|date=2015-07-26\|title=Amarnath: 3 killed, 11 injured as cloudburst hits yatra base camp in Baltal\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/2-minors-killed-as-cloudburst-hits-amarnath-yatra-base-camp/\|url-status=live\|access-date=2021-12-27\|website=The Indian Express\|language=en\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726133848/http://indianexpress.com:80/article/india/india-others/2-minors-killed-as-cloudburst-hits-amarnath-yatra-base-camp/ \|archive-date=26 July 2015 }}</ref> Of the 622,000 yatra pilgrims in 2012, 130 died during the yatra. The major cause was attributed to people who were not physically fit for the arduous climb, high elevations, and adverse weather undertook the yatra. Some also died in road accidents before reaching the base camp from where the yatra starts. Of the 130 deaths, 88 were due to purported health reasons and 42 in road accidents.<ref>{{Cite news\|date=2 August 2012\|title=Amarnath yatra ends, Charri Mubarak reaches shrine\|work=The Economic Times\|agency=PTI\|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amarnath-yatra-ends-charri-mubarak-reaches-shrine/articleshow/15327136.cms\|access-date=2021-12-27}}</ref> On 16 July 2017, 18 pilgrims died and many were seriously injured after a [[Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation\|JKSRTC]] bus, which was plying from [[Jammu\|Jammu city]] to [[Pahalgam]] as part of Amarnath Yatra Convoy, fell into a 150-ft deep gorge near [[Nachlana]] area of [[Jammu division\|Jammu]]'s [[Ramban district]] around 1:45 P.M. 16 pilgrims had died on the spot, while 2 succumbed later to their injuries.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=16 Amarnath yatris killed as bus falls into 150-foot gorge \|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/jul/16/16-amarnath-yatris-killed-as-bus-falls-into-150-foot-gorge-1629484.html \|access-date=2022-07-10 \|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> This accident happened less than a week after a deadly terrorist attack on a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from [[Gujarat]].

	On 8 July 2022, at around 5:30 pm, [[flash floods]] due to localised [[cloudburst]] near the holy cave shrine washed away scores of pilgrims. According to reports, at least fifteen pilgrims died in the [[2022 Amarnath floods\|incident]]. Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the 15 pilgrims who died in the flash floods.{{Citation needed\|date=September 2022}}		On 8 July 2022, at around 5:30 pm, [[flash floods]] due to localised [[cloudburst]] near the holy cave shrine washed away scores of pilgrims. According to reports, at least fifteen pilgrims died in the [[2022 Amarnath floods\|incident]]. Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the 15 pilgrims who died in the flash floods.{{Citation needed\|date=September 2022}}
Line 352:		Line 352:
	====2001 massacre ====		====2001 massacre ====
	{{main\|Amarnath pilgrimage terrorist-attack massacre (2001)}}		{{main\|Amarnath pilgrimage terrorist-attack massacre (2001)}}
	On 20 July 2001, a terrorist threw a grenade on a pilgrim night camp at Sheshnag near the Amarnath shrine in which at least 13 persons, including 3 women, were killed in two explosions and firing by militants, 2 were security officials and 3 of the killed person were Muslim civilians.<ref name="ind1">{{Cite web\|date=10 July 2017\|title=Amarnath terror attack survivor narrates tale of punctured bus tyre and terror strike\|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712002443/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html\|archive-date=12 July 2017\|access-date=12 July 2017\|publisher=India Today}}</ref~~><ref name=":2"/~~> 15 other were also injured in the attack.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2017-07-11\|title=Amarnath Yatra devotees have faced repeated terror attacks: Here's the blood-soaked history of pilgrimage\|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711065834/http://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html\|archive-date=11 July 2017\|access-date=2021-12-27\|website=Firstpost}}</ref>		On 20 July 2001, a terrorist threw a grenade on a pilgrim night camp at Sheshnag near the Amarnath shrine in which at least 13 persons, including 3 women, were killed in two explosions and firing by militants, 2 were security officials and 3 of the killed person were Muslim civilians.<ref name=":2"/><ref name="ind1">{{Cite web\|date=10 July 2017\|title=Amarnath terror attack survivor narrates tale of punctured bus tyre and terror strike\|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712002443/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html\|archive-date=12 July 2017\|access-date=12 July 2017\|publisher=India Today}}</ref> 15 other were also injured in the attack.<ref>{{Cite web\|date=2017-07-11\|title=Amarnath Yatra devotees have faced repeated terror attacks: Here's the blood-soaked history of pilgrimage\|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711065834/http://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html\|archive-date=11 July 2017\|access-date=2021-12-27\|website=Firstpost}}</ref>

	====2002 massacre ====		====2002 massacre ====
Line 375:		Line 375:
	===Amarnath Cave Temple Yatra tax controversy===		===Amarnath Cave Temple Yatra tax controversy===

	The [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]] had in 2010 issued a notification under the State Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1957, under which vehicles going to Amarnath Yatra will have to pay a tax of {{INR}} 2,000 for seven days and {{INR}} 2,000 per day after that. Similar provisions were made for pilgrims going to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi under which they need to pay {{INR}} 2000 for a period of three days. India's central political party the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] expressed its ire over imposition of entry fee and accused the then UPA led central government to direct the Jammu and Kashmir dispensation to desist from making attempts to "discriminate" between followers of various religions. BJP criticized the decision "as a reminiscent of Jizya imposed during Mughal period on Hindus," In response to the question in [[Lok Sabha]] (Lower house of the Indian Parliament) then Minister of State for Finance, [[S. S. Palanimanickam]] clarified that tax is levied on all India Tourist Vehicles entering the state and is therefore not correct to say that Government of Jammu & Kashmir is levying any additional tax on vehicles going to Amarnath and [[Vaishno Devi]]. He also said that Taxation of Motor vehicles falls under the purview of State Governments as per the seventh schedule of Constitution of India and Central Government cannot direct the State Government to change the tax rate on vehicles.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=18 June 2010\|agency=PTI\|title=Remove entry fee on buses to Vaishno Devi, Amarnath: BJP\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-vaishno-devi-amarnath-bjp/articleshow/6064803.cms\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms\|archive-date=16 February 2019\|access-date=2021-12-27\|newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref~~><ref name=":0"/~~>		The [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]] had in 2010 issued a notification under the State Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1957, under which vehicles going to Amarnath Yatra will have to pay a tax of {{INR}} 2,000 for seven days and {{INR}} 2,000 per day after that. Similar provisions were made for pilgrims going to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi under which they need to pay {{INR}} 2000 for a period of three days. India's central political party the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] expressed its ire over imposition of entry fee and accused the then UPA led central government to direct the Jammu and Kashmir dispensation to desist from making attempts to "discriminate" between followers of various religions. BJP criticized the decision "as a reminiscent of Jizya imposed during Mughal period on Hindus," In response to the question in [[Lok Sabha]] (Lower house of the Indian Parliament) then Minister of State for Finance, [[S. S. Palanimanickam]] clarified that tax is levied on all India Tourist Vehicles entering the state and is therefore not correct to say that Government of Jammu & Kashmir is levying any additional tax on vehicles going to Amarnath and [[Vaishno Devi]]. He also said that Taxation of Motor vehicles falls under the purview of State Governments as per the seventh schedule of Constitution of India and Central Government cannot direct the State Government to change the tax rate on vehicles.<ref name=":0"/><ref>{{Cite news \|date=18 June 2010\|agency=PTI\|title=Remove entry fee on buses to Vaishno Devi, Amarnath: BJP\|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-vaishno-devi-amarnath-bjp/articleshow/6064803.cms\|url-status=live\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms\|archive-date=16 February 2019\|access-date=2021-12-27\|newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref>

	==Popular culture==		==Popular culture==

Kamal Guha: /* External links */ Correction

2023-11-14T05:37:56Z

External links: Correction

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:07, 14 November 2023
Line 425:		Line 425:

	* {{official website\|http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com}}		* {{official website\|http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com}}
	{{Hindu ~~Temples~~ in Jammu and Kashmir}}		{{Hindu temples in Jammu and Kashmir}}
	{{Shiva temples}}		{{Shiva temples}}
	{{Shaivism}}		{{Shaivism}}

WikiDwarfBOT: Cleanup: Source modification. Information added.

2023-07-21T19:39:49Z

Cleanup: Source modification. Information added.

Show changes

UpdateBot: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

2022-06-29T18:12:21Z

robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

Show changes

CleanupBot: clean up

2022-01-04T05:11:32Z

clean up

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:41, 4 January 2022
Line 41:		Line 41:
	==History==		==History==
	{{Hinduism}}		{{Hinduism}}
	The book [[Rajatarangini]] (Book VII v.183) refers to krishaanth or Amarnath. It is believed that, in the 11th century AD, Queen Suryamati gifted [[trishula~~\|trishulas~~]], [[banalinga~~\|banalingas~~]] and other sacred emblems to this temple.<ref name="shriamarnathyatra.net">{{cite web \|url=http://www.shriamarnathyatra.net/ \|title=Amarnath Yatra: In Search of Salvation \|publisher=Shriamarnathyatra.net \|access-date=2013-04-15 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617091512/http://shriamarnathyatra.net/ \|archive-date=17 June 2013 \|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rajavalipataka, begun by Prjayabhatta, contains detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave Temple. In addition, there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.		The book [[Rajatarangini]] (Book VII v.183) refers to krishaanth or Amarnath. It is believed that, in the 11th century AD, Queen Suryamati gifted [[trishula]]s, [[banalinga]]s and other sacred emblems to this temple.<ref name="shriamarnathyatra.net">{{cite web \|url=http://www.shriamarnathyatra.net/ \|title=Amarnath Yatra: In Search of Salvation \|publisher=Shriamarnathyatra.net \|access-date=2013-04-15 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617091512/http://shriamarnathyatra.net/ \|archive-date=17 June 2013 \|url-status=dead}}</ref> Rajavalipataka, begun by Prjayabhatta, contains detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave Temple. In addition, there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.

	===Discovery of Holy Cave===		===Discovery of Holy Cave===
	According to legend, Sage [[Brighu\|Bhrigu]] was the first to have discovered Amarnath. A long time ago, it is believed that the Valley of Kashmir was submerged underwater, and Sage [[Kashyap~~\|Kashyapa~~]] drained it through a series of rivers and rivulets. As a result, when the waters drained, Bhrigu was the first to have [[Darśana\|darshan]] of Lord Shiva at Amarnath. Thereafter, when people heard of the lingam, it became an abode of Lord Shiva for all believers and the site of an annual pilgrimage, traditionally performed by [[lakh~~\|lakhs~~]] of people in July and August during the Hindu Holy month of Savan.<ref name="https://sacredsites.com/asia/india/amarnath_cave.html">{{cite web		According to legend, Sage [[Brighu\|Bhrigu]] was the first to have discovered Amarnath. A long time ago, it is believed that the Valley of Kashmir was submerged underwater, and Sage [[Kashyap]]a drained it through a series of rivers and rivulets. As a result, when the waters drained, Bhrigu was the first to have [[Darśana\|darshan]] of Lord Shiva at Amarnath. Thereafter, when people heard of the lingam, it became an abode of Lord Shiva for all believers and the site of an annual pilgrimage, traditionally performed by [[lakh]]s of people in July and August during the Hindu Holy month of Savan.<ref name="https://sacredsites.com/asia/india/amarnath_cave.html">{{cite web
	\| url=https://sacredsites.com/asia/india/amarnath_cave.html \| title=Amarnath Cave, Kashmir \|last=Gray \| first=Martin \| website=World Pilgrimage Guide \| access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref>		\| url=https://sacredsites.com/asia/india/amarnath_cave.html \| title=Amarnath Cave, Kashmir \|last=Gray \| first=Martin \| website=World Pilgrimage Guide \| access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref>
	According to researchers and as per the belief of locals, the [[gadaria]] community were the first to discover the Amarnath Cave and saw the first glimpse of Lord Shiva.		According to researchers and as per the belief of locals, the [[gadaria]] community were the first to discover the Amarnath Cave and saw the first glimpse of Lord Shiva.
Line 77:		Line 77:
	The shorter northern route is just about 16 km long, but has a very steep gradient and is quite difficult to climb. It starts from Baltal and passes through Domel, Barari, and Sangam to reach the cave. The northern route is along the Amarnath valley and all along the route one can see the river Amaravati (a tributary of [[Chenab]]) which originates from [[Amarnath Glacier]].		The shorter northern route is just about 16 km long, but has a very steep gradient and is quite difficult to climb. It starts from Baltal and passes through Domel, Barari, and Sangam to reach the cave. The northern route is along the Amarnath valley and all along the route one can see the river Amaravati (a tributary of [[Chenab]]) which originates from [[Amarnath Glacier]].

	It is believed that Lord [[Shiva]] left [[Nandi (bull)\|Nandi]], the bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the [[Moon]] from his [[hair]] (Jata). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his [[Indian Cobra\|snake]]. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left his son Lord [[Ganesha]]. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements - [[Earth]], [[Water]], [[Air]], [[Fire]] and [[Sky]]. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Lord Shiva performed the [[Tandava]] Dance. Then, finally, Lord Shiva entered the Amarnath Cave along with [[Parvati]] and both of them manifested into a [[Lingam]] made of [[Ice]]. Shiva became the [[lingam]] of ice and Parvati became the [[yoni]] of rock. <ref>{{cite web\|last=ShivShankar\|title=Shiv Shankar's secret of immortality and the Amarnath Cave\|url=http://www.shivshankar.in/shiv-shankars-secret-of-immortality-and-the-amarnath-cave/\|publisher=ShivShankar.in\|access-date=6 June 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824044146/http://www.shivshankar.in/shiv-shankars-secret-of-immortality-and-the-amarnath-cave/\|archive-date=24 August 2012\|url-status=live}}</ref>		It is believed that Lord [[Shiva]] left [[Nandi (bull)\|Nandi]], the bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the [[Moon]] from his [[hair]] (Jata). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his [[Indian Cobra\|snake]]. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left his son Lord [[Ganesha]]. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements - [[Earth]], [[Water]], [[Air]], [[Fire]] and [[Sky]]. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Lord Shiva performed the [[Tandava]] Dance. Then, finally, Lord Shiva entered the Amarnath Cave along with [[Parvati]] and both of them manifested into a [[Lingam]] made of [[Ice]]. Shiva became the [[lingam]] of ice and Parvati became the [[yoni]] of rock.<ref>{{cite web\|last=ShivShankar\|title=Shiv Shankar's secret of immortality and the Amarnath Cave\|url=http://www.shivshankar.in/shiv-shankars-secret-of-immortality-and-the-amarnath-cave/\|publisher=ShivShankar.in\|access-date=6 June 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824044146/http://www.shivshankar.in/shiv-shankars-secret-of-immortality-and-the-amarnath-cave/\|archive-date=24 August 2012\|url-status=live}}</ref>

	===Facilities===		===Facilities===
Line 95:		Line 95:
	The number of pilgrims in 1992 reached 50,000.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31\|title=Further setbacks in Kashmir as militants ban Amarnath yatra, removal of bunkers in Hazratbal\|publisher=India Today\|date=31 August 1994\|access-date=2018-08-04\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803215732/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31\|archive-date=3 August 2019\|url-status=live}}</ref> The first attack against the pilgrims happened in 1993, that year Pakistan-based [[Harkat-ul-Mujahideen#Harkat ul-Ansar\|Harkat-ul-Ansar]] had announced a ban due to demolition of [[Babri Masjid]]. The pilgrimage however passed off mostly peacefully.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amarnath-yatra-terror-attack-why-attack-signals-crossing-of-a-red-line-in-kashmir-4744955/\|title=Why Amarnath Yatra terror attack signals crossing of a red line in Kashmir\|work=The Indian Express\|date=9 July 1998\|access-date=2013-04-15\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803213749/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amarnath-yatra-terror-attack-why-attack-signals-crossing-of-a-red-line-in-kashmir-4744955/\|archive-date=3 August 2019\|url-status=live}}</ref>		The number of pilgrims in 1992 reached 50,000.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31\|title=Further setbacks in Kashmir as militants ban Amarnath yatra, removal of bunkers in Hazratbal\|publisher=India Today\|date=31 August 1994\|access-date=2018-08-04\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803215732/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31\|archive-date=3 August 2019\|url-status=live}}</ref> The first attack against the pilgrims happened in 1993, that year Pakistan-based [[Harkat-ul-Mujahideen#Harkat ul-Ansar\|Harkat-ul-Ansar]] had announced a ban due to demolition of [[Babri Masjid]]. The pilgrimage however passed off mostly peacefully.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amarnath-yatra-terror-attack-why-attack-signals-crossing-of-a-red-line-in-kashmir-4744955/\|title=Why Amarnath Yatra terror attack signals crossing of a red line in Kashmir\|work=The Indian Express\|date=9 July 1998\|access-date=2013-04-15\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803213749/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amarnath-yatra-terror-attack-why-attack-signals-crossing-of-a-red-line-in-kashmir-4744955/\|archive-date=3 August 2019\|url-status=live}}</ref>

	In 1994-5 and 1998, the group again announced a ban on the annual Amarnath yatra. In 1996 the militants had assured that they would not interfere allowing a resumed [[yatra]] with far greater numbers than in previous years. However, unseasonal blizzards in late August of that year led to a [[1996 Amarnath Yatra tragedy\|tragedy]] that claimed the lives of 242 yatris, killed by exhaustion and exposure.<ref name=harkatban>{{cite web \|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/jul/09kash.htm \|title=Rediff on the NeT: Harkatul Mujaheedin 'bans' Amarnath Yatra \|publisher=Rediff.com \|date=9 July 1998 \|access-date=2013-04-15 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930075355/http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/jul/09kash.htm \|archive-date=30 September 2018 \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=ban2>[http://rajyasabha.gov.in/journals/178/26081996.htm ] {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510211911/http://rajyasabha.gov.in/journals/178/26081996.htm \|date=10 May 2015 }}</ref>		In 1994-5 and 1998, the group again announced a ban on the annual Amarnath yatra. In 1996 the militants had assured that they would not interfere allowing a resumed [[yatra]] with far greater numbers than in previous years. However, unseasonal blizzards in late August of that year led to a [[1996 Amarnath Yatra tragedy\|tragedy]] that claimed the lives of 242 yatris, killed by exhaustion and exposure.<ref name=ban2>[http://rajyasabha.gov.in/journals/178/26081996.htm ] {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510211911/http://rajyasabha.gov.in/journals/178/26081996.htm \|date=10 May 2015 }}</ref><ref name=harkatban>{{cite web \|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/jul/09kash.htm \|title=Rediff on the NeT: Harkatul Mujaheedin 'bans' Amarnath Yatra \|publisher=Rediff.com \|date=9 July 1998 \|access-date=2013-04-15 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930075355/http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/jul/09kash.htm \|archive-date=30 September 2018 \|url-status=live }}</ref>

	===2000 pilgrimage massacre===		===2000 pilgrimage massacre===
Line 103:		Line 103:
	===2001 massacre ===		===2001 massacre ===
	{{main\|Amarnath pilgrimage terrorist-attack massacre (2001)}}		{{main\|Amarnath pilgrimage terrorist-attack massacre (2001)}}
	On 20 July 2001, a terrorist threw a grenade on a pilgrim night camp at Sheshnag near the Amarnath shrine in which at least 13 persons, including 3 women, were killed in two explosions and firing by militants, 2 were security officials and 3 of the killed person were Muslim civilians.<ref name=ind1>{{Cite web \|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html \|title=Amarnath terror attack survivor narrates tale of punctured bus tyre and terror strike \|access-date=12 July 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712002443/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html \|archive-date=12 July 2017 \|url-status=live }}</ref~~><ref name="shesh2"/~~> 15 other were also injured in the attack.<ref name=fp1>[http://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html "Amarnath Yatra devotees have faced repeated terror attacks: Here's the blood-soaked history of pilgrimage"] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711065834/http://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html \|date=11 July 2017 }}, [[First Post]], 11 July 2017.</ref>		On 20 July 2001, a terrorist threw a grenade on a pilgrim night camp at Sheshnag near the Amarnath shrine in which at least 13 persons, including 3 women, were killed in two explosions and firing by militants, 2 were security officials and 3 of the killed person were Muslim civilians.<ref name="shesh2"/><ref name=ind1>{{Cite web \|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html \|title=Amarnath terror attack survivor narrates tale of punctured bus tyre and terror strike \|access-date=12 July 2017 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712002443/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html \|archive-date=12 July 2017 \|url-status=live }}</ref> 15 other were also injured in the attack.<ref name=fp1>[http://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html "Amarnath Yatra devotees have faced repeated terror attacks: Here's the blood-soaked history of pilgrimage"] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711065834/http://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html \|date=11 July 2017 }}, [[First Post]], 11 July 2017.</ref>

	===2002 massacre ===		===2002 massacre ===
Line 135:		Line 135:

	The [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]] had in 2010 issued a notification under the State Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1957, under which vehicles going to Amarnath Yatra will have to pay a tax of {{INR}} 2,000 for seven days and {{INR}} 2,000 per day after that. Similar provisions were made for pilgrims going to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi under which they need to pay {{INR}} 2000 for a period of three days. India's central political party the [[Bhartiya Janata Party]] expressed its ire over imposition of entry fee and accused the then UPA led central government to direct the Jammu and Kashmir dispensation to desist from making attempts to "discriminate" between followers of various religions. BJP criticized the decision "as a reminiscent of Jizya imposed during Mughal period on Hindus,"		The [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]] had in 2010 issued a notification under the State Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1957, under which vehicles going to Amarnath Yatra will have to pay a tax of {{INR}} 2,000 for seven days and {{INR}} 2,000 per day after that. Similar provisions were made for pilgrims going to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi under which they need to pay {{INR}} 2000 for a period of three days. India's central political party the [[Bhartiya Janata Party]] expressed its ire over imposition of entry fee and accused the then UPA led central government to direct the Jammu and Kashmir dispensation to desist from making attempts to "discriminate" between followers of various religions. BJP criticized the decision "as a reminiscent of Jizya imposed during Mughal period on Hindus,"
	In response to the question in [[Lok Sabha]] (Lower house of the Indian Parliament) then Minister of State for Finance, [[S.S. Palanimanickam]] clarified that tax is levied on all India Tourist Vehicles entering the state and is therefore not correct to say that Government of Jammu & Kashmir is levying any additional tax on vehicles going to Amarnath and [[Vaishno Devi]]. He also said that Taxation of Motor vehicles falls under the purview of State Governments as per the seventh schedule of Constitution of India and Central Government cannot direct the State Government to change the tax rate on vehicles.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms BJP demands removal of fee imposed on Amarnath yatris] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms \|date=16 February 2019 }}, [[Times of India]].</ref~~><ref name=oib1/~~>		In response to the question in [[Lok Sabha]] (Lower house of the Indian Parliament) then Minister of State for Finance, [[S.S. Palanimanickam]] clarified that tax is levied on all India Tourist Vehicles entering the state and is therefore not correct to say that Government of Jammu & Kashmir is levying any additional tax on vehicles going to Amarnath and [[Vaishno Devi]]. He also said that Taxation of Motor vehicles falls under the purview of State Governments as per the seventh schedule of Constitution of India and Central Government cannot direct the State Government to change the tax rate on vehicles.<ref name=oib1/><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms BJP demands removal of fee imposed on Amarnath yatris] {{Webarchive\|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms \|date=16 February 2019 }}, [[Times of India]].</ref>

	==Popular culture==		==Popular culture==

>SinghDiya: Opening and closing date of shri Amarnath ji temple

2021-07-03T06:29:54Z

Opening and closing date of shri Amarnath ji temple

Show changes