I would like to introduce the pilgrimage to Amarnath. A famous Shiva shrine in Hinduism: an icy stalagmite, the frozen lingam of Shiva.
Recent years the site had over 600.000 visitors/pilgrims a year. A growing number.
This blog entry provides background info, a photo series, several videos of the Amarnath Yatra and a link to an article on some politics and a video on environmental consequences (Paradise has some issues).
Recent years the site had over 600.000 visitors/pilgrims a year. A growing number.
This blog entry provides background info, a photo series, several videos of the Amarnath Yatra and a link to an article on some politics and a video on environmental consequences (Paradise has some issues).
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| Lord Amarnath by Gangadhar Tambe Wikicommons |
Interested in the legend of this perhaps more than 5000 years old shrine, of the pigeons overhearing the secret of immortality Shiva told Parvati? Click here.
The Telegraph published a photo documentary on "Thousands of Hindus make a pilgrimage to Amarnath cave in the Himalayas". You can find it here.
Nirav Patel made following video of touristic visiting.
(2012)
(18:51)
See also the Three minute adventures.
(perhaps turn down music a little)
2008
(3:17)
And the counterpart, great environmental stress.
2011
NDTV
(2:11)
For years now Amarnath is also a political center of a dispute between Kashmiris and the Indian government.
Ian reader in this article: “Hindu nationalist organizations have encouraged Hindus to participate in the Amarnath pilgrimage as a statement of Hindu pride and in order to reinforce Indian claims to the region and to demonstrate their opposition to Pakistan’s counterclaims.”
In 2016 the Amarnath Yatra is from July 2 to August 18.
