Tibet (China)
Mount Kailash & Manasarovar
Kailash — the snow-crowned peak of about 6,638 metres — is revered in Hinduism as the abode of Shiva and Parvati.
Sacred Mountains & Caves
Amarnath Cave
In a cave at about 3,880 metres, a naturally formed ice stalagmite is worshipped as a Shiva linga each summer.
LocationAnantnag–Ganderbal, Kashmir Himalaya
State / RegionJammu & Kashmir
Worshipped asAmarnath (ice linga)
Best time to visitOnly during the official Yatra (usually July–August)
Religious significance
The annual Amarnath Yatra, managed by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, draws several lakh pilgrims in July–August. The ice linga waxes and wanes with the season.
Traditional story
Tradition says that Shiva chose this remote cave to reveal the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Parvati, leaving behind Nandi, the moon, his serpents and Ganesha along the route so that no one else would hear it. A pair of pigeons is said to have overheard and become immortal.
Legends are presented as they are told within the tradition; they hold spiritual meaning for devotees and are not offered as historical record.
Visitor guidance
- Advance registration with a compulsory health certificate is required.
- Follow Shrine Board and security advisories closely.
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