Pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave
Pilgrims cross ice and snow during the journey to the Amarnath cave at Sangam, which is 12,756 feet above sea level. Pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave
Pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Indian pilgrims embark on an odyssey that takes more than one day. Travelers will not only get an impressive mileage, but up to a height of 3888 meters above sea level. Traditionally, this “campaign” takes place every year in June. Meanwhile, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, is one of the most important shrines in their religion – Amarnath cave. According to legend, it was in this cave, once, he told his Shiva Shakti (wife), Parvati, what is the secret of life and eternity. Due to the low temperature inside the cave there are a few blocks of ice, which are considered the embodiment of Shiva and known as “Swayambhu Murti”. And why June? Because during this very brief period, the snow, blocking the approaches to the cave, melts and allows access to the temple.
A Hindu pilgrim, carried on a palanquin by Kashmiri bearers over a glacier on her way to the sacred Amarnath Cave, one of the most revered Hindu shrines, on June 29, 2012 near Baltal, Kashmir, India
The brave Hindu devotees cope with sub-zero temperatures to hike over glaciers. In addition, they have to pass high altitude mountain to reach the sacred Amarnath cave, which houses an ice stalagmite, a stylized phallus, worshiped by Hindus as a symbol of the god Shiva.
According to local officials, more than 700,000 Hindu pilgrims are going to take part in this year’s two-month pilgrimage. This will cause strain on the environment and political stability of the region, which has long fought for independence from India.
Pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave
High altitude mountain Pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave
A Kashmiri horseman leads pilgrims on horseback across a stream during the journey to the Amarnath cave
Camp for the pilgrims is set up near the Amarnath cave
Brave Hindu pilgrims cross a waterfall as they make their pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave
Women pilgrims walk along a mountain path as they make their pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave
Carried on palanquins by Kashmiri bearers over a glacier Hindu woman
Near the sacred Amarnath Cave, on June 28, 2012. Hindu devotees brave sub-zero temperatures to hike over glaciers and high altitude mountain passes to reach the sacred cave
an Indian Hindu Holy man gestures to well-wishers as he is carried down a trail during the traditional journey to the Amarnath cave, near Panitarni
Bearded man – Hindu pilgrim
Lots of Hindu pilgrims line-up for a meal at a Lungar facility providing free food to pilgrims, during their pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave
With the assistance of Kashmiri guides, people make their pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave
Kashmiri porters carry a Hindu pilgrim on a trail during the journey
Praying Pilgrimag
Choosing a shawl
Short rest during the Pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave
Monkeys along the road
Gold wall decorated with sculpture. Amarnath Cave
Sculpture in the mountains
Next to Amarnath Cave
Bird of prey in the mountains
Mountains with Amarnath Cave
Crowds of people during the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave
Hindu saint
Colorful napkins on the way to the sacred Amarnath Cave
Two men going to the sacred Amarnath Cave
Young Hindu pilgrims wait on horses during a traffic jam on a path as they are guided by Kahsmiri men
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