According to  Hindu mythology  Amarnath cave is the place chosen by Lord Shiva to tell about the secret of life and eternity to Goddess Parvathi. Lord Shiva told the "amar katha" to goddess Parvathi at this place & as a preparation he left his vehicle Nandi, the bull in Pahalgam (Bhail Gaow),snake at  Sheshnag Lake,  Lord Ganesh at Mahagunas Parvat, released the moon at Chandanwari & the  five elements of life at Panjitarni.

Finally he created Rudra (Kalagni) to set afire and eliminate every living thing in and around the holy cave. After that Lord Shiva took Goddess Parvati inside the cave to recite the amar katha.Unknow to them, a pair of pigeons listened this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode.Many pilgrims see those doves-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam, 'the phallic symbol of Shiva'.

Discovery of Cave:

The credit for the discovery of Holy Cave goes to a shepherd (Gujar) named Buta Malik, it is  beleived that he was given a bag full of coal by a saint staying in a cave. When he reached his home & opened the bag,  it was full of gold. The happy shepherd went back to thank the saint but found a cave with a lingam inside it . After that the place became a sacred place of Pilgrimage.

Amarnath Cave can be reached by two Routes:

1). Jammu-Sri Nagar-Pahalgam-Chandan Wari- Holy Cave

The distance between Jammu to Pahalgam (315 kms) can be covered by Taxi / Buses.The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16km. The route is good & can be covered by road transport. Mini buses are also available from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The trail runs along the Lidder River . The route is scenic. Food is available here. Pilgrims usually camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night .

The second day's trek of 12 kms from Chandanwari  to Shesh Nag passes through Pissu Top. The second night's camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond it. Yatris can take bath and get their fatigue alleviated.

On third Day from Sheshnag travellers have to climb steep height  for  4.6 KMS up across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs. and then descending to Panchtarni. It is the last camp enroute to the Holy Cave.

2). Jammu- Sri Nagar-Baltal-Holy Cave

Apart from Pahalgam Chandanwari route the pilgrims can also reach Amarnath via Baltal. This route is short and less in distance but travellers will find a lot of steep falls and rises in the Baltal Amarnath route.

The distance from Baltal to the holy cave of Baba Amarnath is around 15 Kms. This distance can be covered in a day and the pilgrims can reach back to Baltal on the same day.

Baltal is around 400 kms from Jammu & around 100 Kms. from Srinagar. There is  TAXi  & Bus Service on the route via Sonmarg.

Route from Baltal to Holy Amarnath Cave is as follows

Baltal to Domail – 2 Kms
Domail to Barari Marg – 5 Kms
Barari Marg to Sangam – 4 Kms
Sangam to Holy Amarnath Cave – 3 Kms

The Amarnath Yatra takes place every year in the month of July-August, for 45 days.

1.) Devotees are advised to carry some basic amenities like torch, walking stick, boots etc. Because the cave is located in Himalayas, the devotees must also carry woolen clothes like sweaters, blankets with them.Do wear comfortable clothes and avoid saris, dhotis, dupattas go for trousers, track suits, salwar suits.

2.) It is also advised to carry basic food products like biscuits, toffees, packed or tinned food to maintain bodies’ sugar and salt levels. All through the route you will find shops run by government or nearby villagers. These shops provide tea, milk, and other required food products at fair prices. Aside from food, firewood is also available on these shops.

3.) Carry some basic medicines or specially prescribed medicines  to you during the climb. However if you think something is wrong and you need medical help, then you will also find medical posts on the route with experienced doctors.

Make sure you are medically fit to undertake the Yatra as it involves trekking at a height of 14,000 feet. The Yatra is risky and difficult. Although insurance may be available at 2 base camps, but devotees must insure them before starting the yatra from their home.

4.) Using one of the 2 base camps you can also book accommodation facilities to spend the night. The charges are nominal and bedding is available.

5.) Travellers must register themself for the Yatra beforehand. These are generally open a month before the Yatra starts and details are made available through press.

6.) Travellers  must by all means avoid breaking traffic discipline. Do not try to overtake others or over-strain yourself on steep terrains. If you come across a warning notice, do not make it a resting place. 

7.) Please dont not use non-disposable polythene cups, bottles, plates or plastic tents during the Yatra.

8.) Don't  throw coins, or garlands on the Shiv Linga.

9.) Don’t take Children and aged people to this tough yatra. 

10.) Don’t try short cuts on the route.