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POSTED BY LONDON SWAMINATHAN ON 6 JULY 2025.

Read all about the ancient origins of the Amarnath yatra and the mythological significance of the holy shrine

A fake, recent story related to the discovery of the cave by a Muslim shepherd from Batakot, named Buta Malik, became quite popular over time.

There are two routes to the Amarnath Cave, one is the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district, and the other is the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

This year’s Amarnath yatra is expected to attract around 8 lakh pilgrims. Last year’s number was 5 lakh, the highest in the last 12 years. The holy journey to the shrine of Lord Shiva in the Amarnath cave holds immense religious significance in Hinduism.

Ancient origins of the Amarnath Cave

The Amarnath Cave is located in the Lidder valley of the Pahalgam tehsil of the Anantnag district, J&K. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites of the Sanatan Dharma. Since it is located at a high altitude, the shrine is covered in thick snow for most of the year, except for a brief period during the months of July-August. This period coincides with the holy month of Shravan as per the Hindu calendar. This is when devotees from across the country flock to visit the holy shrine for darshan of Baba Amarnath.

Inside the cave is a Swayambhu (formed on its own) Shiva Lingam. It is a stalagmite formation is formed when water drops fall from the cave’s roof onto the floor and freeze, resulting in an upward vertical development of the Lingam. The pilgrimage to the Amarnath caves is an ancient custom mentioned in Kalhana’s Rajtaringini, Nilamata Purana, Francois Bernier’s memoirs, and many others. Different stories have been associated with the pilgrimage

Mention of the Amarnath yatra in ancient scriptures

As per Hindu scriptures, the Amarnath cave was first discovered by Rishi Bhrigu. It is said that for centuries, the Kashmir valley was immersed in water, and Rishi Kashyap drained it by creating rivers and tributaries. As the water receded, Rishi Bhrigu, who was on his way to the Himalayas, discovered the Amarnath cave. The Amarnath Cave also finds mention in texts like the Bhringish Samhita and the Amarnath Mahatmy. These describe the topographical details of the cave.

Folklore related to the Amarnath Yatra

According to folklore, Lord Shiva narrated the secret of immortality to his consort Devi Parvati in the Amarnath cave. When Devi Parvati requested Lord Shiva to reveal the secret of immortality, he agreed to her request but said that he would narrate the secrets at an isolated place where no living being is able to hear the secrets. And, so Lord Shiva, along with Devi Parvati, left for the Amarnath Cave. On their way to the cave, Lord Shiva left his Nandi at Pahalgam. He left the moon on his head at Chandanwari, the snake (Sheshnag) around his neck at Lake Sheshnag, his son Ganesha at Mahaguna Parvat, and the Five Elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky) at Panjtarni. He performed the Tandav dance as he kept leaving his belongings behind.

Thereafter, Lord Shiva entered the Amarnath cave with Devi Parvati and sat in Samadhi. Before that, he created Kalagni and ordered him to spread fire around the holy cave to ensure that no living being was able to hear him narrate the secrets of immortality. However, a pair of pigeons overheard the secrets of immortality. It is said that pilgrims often see pigeons around the Amarnath cave, surviving in such high altitudes and low temperatures, which affirms their belief in the folklore.

The Amarnath Cave has existed since time immemorial, but a fake, recent story related to the discovery of the cave by a Muslim shepherd from Batakot, named Buta Malik, became quite popular over time. According to the story, Malik took shelter in the cave after his flock strayed in the mountains, where a Sufi saint gave him a Kangri, a small pot filled with burning coal that is held close to the body to keep it warm. When he went home, he saw that the pot of coal had turned into a pot of gold. Overjoyed, he went back to the cave to thank the saint. But instead, he found only the cave and the Shiva Linga. 

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—SUBHAM–

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