Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 31st July 2011

Panchtarni: a beautiful place in the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT surrounded by snow laden mountains and a river with five streams flowing in between.

In the morning at about 06 AM it was beautiful scenery all around. After taking breakfast & signing some feedback forms at the Langar we proceeded to Helicopter ride back to Baltal. Actually did not feel like leaving the place.

Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 28th July 2011

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Arrived at Jammu from Lucknow by Varanasi – Jammu Tawi Super Fast train (12237). Departure from Lucknow 18:15 hrs & Arrival at Jammu next day 11:25 hrs.

Renowned as city of temples with attractive surroundings & located at the foot hills of Himalayas Jammu is the winter capital of the state Jammu and Kashmir. It is believed that Raja Jamboolochan founded this city in 14th century BC. The city, which figured in ancient epic Mahabharata, was named first as Jamboo, but later it has become Jammu. History and archeological evidence says that Jammu was the integral part of Harappa civilisation. Jammu city is known for its ancient temples, imposing palaces and historically renowned places. To list a few important attractions Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple, Gauri Kund Temple, Bahu fort, Amar mahal, Amarnath caves, Mubarak Mandi Palace complex, Gadhadharji Temple, Dogra Art museum and many more. Surinsar Lake is a natural attraction here.

At the Railway station counter of JKTDC was set up for Shri Amarnath ji yatris providing assistance in hotel booking & other information. We were taken in a Maruti Van by JKTDC to hotel Jammu Residency in Raghunath Bazar near Raghunath temple (Distance: about 06 kms from Railway station, 13 kms from Airport). Room was good sized with all necessary amenities. Complex also houses two good quality restaurants - Wazwan Restaurant: serves Kashmiri non-vegetarian cuisine from Rista to Tabakmaaz in typical Kashmiri ambiance. Indian mughlai food is also served. Vegetarian Restaurant offers pure vegetarian food, especially for those tourists who arrive from Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

After taking bath we went to Raghunath temple which is about 100 meters from this hotel. After spending the evening doing puja & jaap at the temple we just roamed around the market and after taking early dinner retired to our hotel for early morning schedule next day.

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Shri Amarnath ji Yatra 05th August 2011

Felicitation picture of chachaji Shri Rajendra Shankar Tripathi, Advocate, Unnao on successfully completing the Yatra in this age by Shri Kripa Shankar Singh, MLA, UP.

http://epaper.amarujala.com/svww_showarticle.php?art=20110805a_005154012

Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 29th July 2011

We woke up very early at 2 AM to be ready after bath & morning meditation to take the car at 03:30 AM, provided by the hotel, to Yatra base camp at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu which is about 3-4 Kms from the hotel at Raghunath Bazar. Base camp looked like a fortified area with lots of security check by CRPF. The complex also has a yatri niwas providing cheap accommodation to yatris, besides Bus reservation counter & BSNL temporary SIM card counter.

Yatra Route

: there are two routes to the yatra

1. JAMMU – PAHALGAM – HOLY CAVE: Distance from Jammu to Pahalgam 315 Kms. This is traditional but longer route (about 46 kms distance from Pahalgam to Holy Cave) consisting of many temples connected with the mythological story of Shri Amarnath ji yatra.
2. JAMMU – BALTAL – HOLY CAVE: Distance from Jammu to Baltal 430 Kms. this is shorter route (about 14 kms distance from Baltal to Holy Cave) without any temples enroute.

ROUTE MAP (courtesy shrine board website)

Earlier one had to trek the entire distance from the starting points of yatra i.e. Pahalgam or Baltal but now Helicopter services are available by Pawan Hans and Alpine up to Panchtarni. From there one has to trek the remaining 06 kms. We had chosen the shorter route through Baltal & back to Jammu.

After taking ticket for Baltal we boarded bus at about 04:00 AM. Fare by regular JKTDC bus is Rs.365/- per person. Baltal is about 430 kms from Jammu. Bus was full with enthusiastic yatris, most of them being first timers. All vehicles moved under full security cover in a convoy with CRPF vehicles at the start & end.

Journey was very nice but very long also. It was a little warm at the start but after 2-3 hours the weather changed and it became cool. There are lots of Langars by NGOs at regular intervals feeding the yatris with all humility & care. What a gesture. Bus moved through picturesque Patnitop & other places.

 In the afternoon our convoy was stopped and there was a huge jam for about 3 hours. We learnt that some extremists had planted a bomb below some bridge on the route which was diffused by CRPF. Kudos to them. It is due to their extreme 24 hours vigil that the normal public & yatris are safe in the valley.

We came near Jawahar Tunnel which is about 2.5 kms long and after crossing this you enter the beautiful Kashmir Valley. Just after the tunnel the scenery is so beautifully breathtaking. After some more breaks at Langars we reached Srinagar at 08 PM; passing through the very beautiful and mammoth Dal Lake the convoy reached another CRPF camp for the yatris at Manigam, about 30 kms from Srinagar. Place was high security area with Langars & tents and good arrangements for toilets & bathrooms. Again cannot thank enough the govt. for arrangements & NGOs for their hospitality. Good food in variety was available. We took one tent for night stay who charged a meager Rs.100/- for the night. Tired from the full day journey we said our prayers and went to sleep. Ahead was another early morning journey as Baltal was still about 80 kms.

Shri Amarnath ji - the Legend & stories of Holy cave

Shiva

There is famous Rig Vedic Verse that says "Ekam Sat" that is "There is one Being, the sages call Him by many names." The God (Parmeshwar) has three deities who carry on the world. This is Known as Holy Trinity: Brahma - the creator, Vishnu - the perpetuator of life and Shiva (Mahesh ) - the purifier and perpetuator of good and destroyer of evil. Rig Veda refer Shiva as Rudra as in its following verse. "We Worship Tryambaka (Rudra), Who spread Fragrance and Increases Nourishment, May He release me, like the cucumber from its stem, From Mortal Life, But not From Immorality." (Rig Veda Mandal VII Sukta 59 and Mantra 12).

The Yajurveda describes Shiva as ascetic warrior Whose robe is of Deer Skin and He carries Trishul. According to the verse Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram, the life is described as having three facets - Truth (Satyam), Good (Shivam) and the Beautiful (Sundaram). Shiva is a living God. The most Sacred and ancient books of India, the Rig Veda narrates His presence in the hymns. Vedic myths, rituals and even astronomy testify to His existence from the dawn of time. The Mohanjodaro and Harrapa findings confirm Shiva worship in the ancient India. According to the older scriptures, He has three places of His residence. One is Kailash Parvat another  is Lohit Giri under which Brahamputra flows and third is Muzwan Parvat.

The Holy Cave

Amarnath Cave is named after Mount Amarnath (5,486 m), where it is located at a height of 3,886 m. Because of this height, the cave is covered with snow for most of the year. Only for a short period in summer, the entrance is accessible. The cave is an ice cave; it contains a certain amount of ice stalagmites. The Lingam forms naturally toward the end of each summer from water dripping inside the 135-foot-high grotto.

Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 1st August 2011

Jammu in the morning after taking breakfast at Vaishnavi Dham, we decided to take a tour of the city. As such Jammu city is known for its ancient temples. We booked auto who took us to a place called Mini Haridwar situated on the banks of river Jammutawi. The temple complex houses replica temples of Chardham (Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Jagannathpuri & Dwarka), 12 Jyotirlingas, Pashupatinath among others. Also there is temple showing Devi taking rest in lying position (this is somewhat rare). A very nice atmosphere filling one with religious fervor. From there we went to Naudurga temple. There were shops authorised by Laddakh government selling varied range of woolens being carpets, pashmina shawls, blankets etc with attractive schemes. From there we went to Bahu Fort where the famous Bawey Wali Mata Temple is placed interior to the fort and the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.  It is assumed that this famous temple is constructed in 1822, immediately after Maharaja Gulab Singh took the throne of the Kingdom. Goddess, Bawey Wali Mata, is the presiding deity of the Jammu region. Lots of devotees throng to this temple offering prayers on Tuesdays and Sundays. It is strongly believed that the Bawey Wali Mata has mystical powers and the temple is second only to Mata Vaishno Devi temple.

Shri Amarnath ji Yatra - darshan at the Holy Cave 30th July 2011

Visited the Holy cave of Shri Amarnath ji for Darshan of Shivlinga. Divine atmosphere there. Sat in meditation for about 10 minutes, could actually feel the presence of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati. Divine experience among beautiful natural surroundings. Mountains with snow laden tops.

Started the day from Yatra camp at Manigam (30 Kms from Srinagar) at 08 AM by JKTDC bus in CRPF convoy to Baltal (Yatra starting point) through picturesque Sonmarg along the beautiful Indus valley.

Sonmarg is about 84 kms from Srinagar, at an altitude of 2,740 m from the sea level Known as the 'Meadow of Gold', Sonmarg is set amidst a valley of flowers and lakes. The word “Son” literally means “Gold” in Hindi, and this golden beauty covered with white snow is most attractive in the spring. The exotic flora of the region is nurtured by the Sindh river. Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh. The dense forests of Sonmarg comprise of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine. The place is frequently visited by nature lovers in the search of tranquil peace and soothing natural beauty. The stunning blue water lakes and grasslands are the other attractions. The enchanting beauty of the towering snow clad mountains is a real treat to the eyes. We  had to stop for checking by Army. Could see camps along the river. How one wishes there was more time for 2-3 days stay at Sonmarg. REALLY BEAUTIFUL.

After reaching Baltal at about 10 AM, we deposited luggage in Locker room. Lots of Langars & stay tents with arrangements for toilets available.