Prelims – History of India and Current events of national importance.
Mains (GS I) – Indian Heritage and Culture.
Why in News?
The Amarnath Yatra will be held open soon which is organised only once a year and is conducted with tight security arrangements.
- The Amarnath temple in Jammu and Kashmir is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the linga form.
- The linga is located on Amarnath mountain, in a cave at a height of 3,888 m, and is blocked by snow most of the year.
- Discovered by - It is believed to have been discovered by ancient Sage Bhrigu.
- Hindu Myth - Amarnath derives its name from the revelation of the secret of immortality (amaratva in Sanskrit) by Lord Shiva to his consort, Goddess Parvati.
- The cave is known as Amarnath because it is the site where the 'amar katha,' the story of immortality, was shared.
- Additionally, the location is referred to by other names such as Amaresha and Amareshvara.
- The linga at Amarnath is regarded as swayambhu, indicating that it emerged naturally without human intervention.
- Geographical Features - The linga is classified as a stalagmite, which forms from mineral deposits accumulating as water drips from the cave ceiling.
- As these water droplets freeze, they create the icy shivling. Consequently, Lord Amarnath is also affectionately known as Baba Barfani.
- The glaciers in the Lidder Valley, where the temple is situated, are believed to form concealed water channels that lead to the cave, serving as the source of the water.
- The Shivalinga experiences changes in size by the lunar cycle, reaching its largest form during the full moon in the month of Shravan (approximately in August).
- This ice lingam is thought to represent Lord Shiva, embodying his immortality and his ability to transcend time.
- Related literary works - Kalhana’s Rajtarangini, written in the 12th century CE, mentions Amarnath at least twice.
- The significance of the place is narrated in an ancient work called Amreshwar Mahatamya.
Reference
The Indian Express | Amarnath Temple
