View source for Amarnath Temple

{{short description|Hindu shrine in Kashmir, India}}
{{Other uses|Amarnath (disambiguation){{!}}Amarnath}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox Mandir
| name               = Amarnath Cave Temple
| image              = <br>[[File:Cave Temple of Lord Amarnath.jpg|300px]]
| alt                = 
| caption            = Amarnath Cave Temple in Anantnag district (J&K)
| map_type           = India Jammu and Kashmir#India
| map_relief = y 
| coordinates        = {{coord|34.2149|75.5008|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| country            = {{Ind}}
| state              = {{flagicon image|Government of Jammu and Kashmir.svg}} [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu & Kashmir]]
| district           = [[Anantnag district|Anantnag]]
| location           = [[Pahalgam]]
| elevation_m        = 3888
| deity              = [[Shiva]]
| festivals          = [[Maha Shivaratri]]
| architecture       = 
| inscriptions       = 
| year_completed     = 
| creator            =
| website            = {{URL|www.jksasb.nic.in|Jksasb.nic.in}}
| module             = {{Infobox mapframe |wikidata=yes |coord={{WikidataCoord|display=i}}}}
}}
{{Hinduism}}

'''Amarnath Temple''' is a [[Hindu]] shrine located in the [[Pahalgam]] tehsil of the [[Anantnag district]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India. It is a cave situated at an altitude of {{convert|3888|m|abbr=on}},<ref name="jktourism"/> about 168&nbsp;km from [[Anantnag|Anantnag city]], the district headquarters, {{convert|141|km|abbr=on}} from [[Srinagar]], the summer capital of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], reached through either [[Sonamarg]] or [[Pahalgam]]. It is an important shrine in [[Hinduism]].<ref>{{cite news|date=30 May 2005|title=New shrine on Amarnath route|work=[[The Hindu]]|agency=PTI|location=Chennai, India|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/30/stories/2005053009340300.htm|access-date=15 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618193352/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/30/stories/2005053009340300.htm|archive-date=18 June 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The pilgrimage to Amarnath|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2176165.stm|access-date=5 May 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=6 August 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106180604/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2176165.stm|archive-date=6 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

The cave, located in [[Sind Valley]], is surrounded by [[glacier]]s, snowy mountains and is covered with snow most of the year, except for a short period in the summer, when it is open to pilgrims. In 1989, pilgrims numbered between 12,000 and 30,000. In 2011, the numbers reached a peak, crossing 6.3 [[lakh]] (630,000) pilgrims. In 2018 pilgrims numbered 2.85 lakh (285,000). The annual pilgrimage varies between 20 and 60 days.

The Amarnath cave, abode of the ''Mahamaya Shakti Pitha'', is one of the 51 [[Shakti Pitha]]s, the temples of the [[Indian subcontinent]] that commemorate the location of the fallen body parts of the Hindu deity [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shankar|first=Ravi|date=26 September 2021|title=Motherlodes of Power: The story of India's 'Shakti Peethas'|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926061553/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html |archive-date=26 September 2021 }}</ref>

==Shiva Linga==
{{Further|Lingam}}[[File:Lord Amarnath.jpg|thumb|Ice lingam of Lord Shiva at the Amarnath Cave Temple]]
The [[Shiva lingam|Shiva Lingam]] at the shrine is a [[Swayambhu]] lingam. The lingam is a natural [[stalagmite]] formation inside a {{convert|40|m|abbr=on}} tall cave at an elevation of {{convert|3888|m|abbr=on}} on the  [[Amarnath Peak|Amarnath Mountain]], which has a peak of {{convert|5186|m|ft}}. The stalagmite is formed due to the freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave onto the floor, resulting in an upward growth of an ice formation.  Here, the stalagmites considered as the lingam, a physical manifestation of Shiva, form a solid-dome-shape. Two smaller stalagmites are thought to represent [[Parvati]] and [[Ganesha]].{{Sfn|MurukutlaParvezImrozSeshadri|2017|p=9}}

According to the ancient Hindu texts of the [[Mahabharata]] and [[Purana]]s a lingam represents Shiva.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia| title = lingam| encyclopedia = Encyclopædia Britannica| year = 2010| url = https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/342336/lingam| access-date = 3 February 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150504222257/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/342336/lingam| archive-date = 4 May 2015| url-status = live}}</ref> The lingam waxes during May to August, as snow melts in the [[Himalayas]] above the cave, and water seeps into the rocks of the cave; thereafter, the lingam gradually wanes.<ref name="jktourism">{{cite web|title=Amarnathji Yatra - a journey into faith|url=http://www.jktourism.org/cities/kashmir/amarnath/index.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616001049/http://www.jktourism.org/cities/kashmir/amarnath/index.htm|archive-date=16 June 2006|access-date=15 June 2006|work=Official Web Site of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=February 2023}} Religious beliefs hold that the lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival.<ref>[[Jon Ortner|Ortner, Jon]], [http://www.pdngallery.com/cobrand/nikonnet/ontheroad/jon_ortner/ortner_bio.html "On the road again"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017185238/http://pdngallery.com/cobrand/nikonnet/ontheroad/jon_ortner/ortner_bio.html |date=17 October 2006 }}. ''PDN Gallery''.</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=February 2023}} Hindus believe this is the place where [[Shiva]] explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, [[Parvati]].<ref>Shantha N. Nair, "The Holy Himalayas", pp.84.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.amarnathyatra.org/legend.htm#top |work = Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust |title = Amarnath Cave - The legend |access-date = 19 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070201234323/http://amarnathyatra.org/legend.htm#top |archive-date = 1 February 2007 |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[Lidder Valley]], where the cave is located, has a number of glaciers.<ref name="Santoshi-2009">{{Cite web|last=Santoshi|first=Neeraj|date=2009-06-04|title=Helicopter sorties changed to prevent melting of Amarnath ice lingam|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/helicopter-sorties-changed-to-prevent-melting-of-amarnath-ice-lingam/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228104240/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/helicopter-sorties-changed-to-prevent-melting-of-amarnath-ice-lingam/ |archive-date=28 December 2021 }}</ref> In 2009, [[glaciologist]] M. N. Koul, the former head of the geography department at the [[University of Jammu]], has said that while more scientific studies are needed, contributors to change in lingam size could include changes in the water's pathways to the lingam.<ref name="Santoshi-2009"/> The cave is made of limestone and gypsum.<ref name="Chandrasekharam-2007">{{Cite book|last=Chandrasekharam|first=D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F7pZfLUoHJIC|title=Myth and Geology|date=2007|publisher=Geological Society of London|isbn=978-1-86239-216-8|editor-last=Piccardi|editor-first=Luigi|pages=32|chapter=Geo-mythology of India|editor2-last=Masse|editor2-first=W. Bruce}}</ref> Heat generated by tourists affects the size of the stalagmite.<ref name="Chandrasekharam-2007"/> Outside temperature changes also affect their size.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-07-01|agency=PTI|title=Amarnath Lingam melts away|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/amarnath-lingam-melts-away/story-UnAAexHa5nVr0PxPfKuL5O.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|newspaper=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808125610/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/amarnath-lingam-melts-away/story-UnAAexHa5nVr0PxPfKuL5O.html |archive-date=8 August 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Wani|first=Ashraf|date=15 July 2016|title=Amarnath's Shivlinga melts in just 13 days this year|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-shivlinga-melts-in-just-13-days-329481-2016-07-15|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228104240/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-shivlinga-melts-in-just-13-days-329481-2016-07-15 |archive-date=28 December 2021 }}</ref> To minimize artificially induced temperature changes, helicopter trips and helipad sites are regulated.<ref name="Santoshi-2009"/>  There has been talk of artificially extending the life of the stalagmites; this was met with objections.<ref name="Santoshi-2009"/><ref name="Chandrasekharam-2007"/>

==History==
===Ancient history ===
The book [[Rajatarangini]] (Book VII v. 183) refers to Krishaanth or Amarnath. It is believed that in the 11th century CE, Queen Suryamati gifted [[trishula]]s, [[banalinga]]s and other sacred emblems to this temple.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shriamarnathyatra.net/ |title=Amarnath Yatra: In Search of Salvation |publisher=Shriamarnathyatra.net |access-date=2013-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617091512/http://shriamarnathyatra.net/ |archive-date=17 June 2013 }}</ref> ''Rajavalipataka'', begun by [[Prajna Bhatta]], contains detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave Temple. In addition, there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.

===Medieval history===
[[File:Mughal painting of Amarnath Shivling.jpg|thumb|upright|Mughal painting depicting Amarnath, {{Circa|1600}}]]
The cave and the Shivling find mention in [[Abu'l Fazl]]'s 16th century work ''[[Ain-i-Akbari]]''. According to him, the site attracted many pilgrims. He describes the waxing and waning of the lingam according to the seasons and the moon.<ref>{{citation|last=Natif |first=Mika |title=Mughal men admiring the miraculous ice lingam at Amarnath |url=https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/collection/artifact/mughal-men-admiring-the-miraculous-ice-lingam-at-amarnath-akm154|work=[[Aga Khan Museum]]}}</ref> [[François Bernier]], a French physician, accompanied Emperor [[Aurangzeb]] during his visit to Kashmir in 1663. In his book ''Travels in Mughal Empire'', he provides an account of the places he visited, noting that he was "pursuing journey to a grotto full of wonderful congelations, two days journey from Sangsafed" when he "received intelligence that my [[Nawab]] felt very impatient and uneasy on account of my long absence." The "grotto" referenced in this passage is the Amarnath cave — as the editor of the second edition of the English translation of the book, Vincent A. Smith, makes clear in his introduction. He writes: "The grotto full of wonderful congelations is the Amarnath cave, where blocks of ice, stalagmites formed by dripping water from the roof are worshipped by many Hindus who resort here as images of Shiva...."<ref>{{cite book |author=Mohini Qasba Raina |title=Kashur The Kashmiri Speaking People |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bb-QBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA327 |year=2013 |publisher=Partridge Publishing Singapore |isbn=978-1-4828-9945-0 |page=327 |access-date=13 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221010218/https://books.google.com/books?id=Bb-QBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA327 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Modern history===
[[File:Painting of devotees in the Amarnath cave temple. Jammu, Pahari, circa mid-19th century.webp|thumb|upright|Painting of devotees in the Amarnath cave temple. Jammu, Pahari, circa mid-19th century]]
In 1895, pilgrims would first travel to [[Kheer Bhawani]] for a brief stop.{{Sfn|Lawrence|1895|p=298-299}} Sustained by free rations from the state, the pilgrims would then travel to Srinagar.{{Sfn|Lawrence|1895|p=298-299}} From Srinagar, in batches, the pilgrims would then head up [[Lidder Valley]], stopping at locations for holy dips.{{Sfn|Lawrence|1895|p=298-299}} At Mach Bawan, local Hindus would join them. Maliks of Batkoot were responsible for the route during these years.{{Sfn|Lawrence|1895|p=298-299}} [[Sister Nivedita]], in ''[[Notes of Some Wanderings with the Swami Vivekananda]]'', writes of [[Swami Vivekananda]]'s visit to the cave in 1898.{{sfnp|Sister Nivedita, Notes of Some Wanderings with the Swami Vivekananda|1913|p=148-150}}

=== Yatra suspensions and causes ===
====2016: Kashmir unrest ====
The Amarnath pilgrimage was suspended in July 2016 due to the [[2016–17 Kashmir unrest|Kashmir unrest]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 July 2017|editor-last=Tabassum|editor-first=Huma|agency=PTI|title=Amarnath Yatra Suspended from Jammu Due to Kashmir Situation|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/amarnath-yatra-suspended-from-jammu-due-to-kashmir-situation-1455609.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080559/http://www.news18.com/news/india/amarnath-yatra-suspended-from-jammu-due-to-kashmir-situation-1455609.html|archive-date=8 October 2017|access-date=8 October 2017|work=News18}}</ref> Some [[Sufi]]s and [[Shia]]s later demanded resumption of the Yatra. [[Kalbe Jawad]], a Shia cleric and general secretary of Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Hind and Sufi cleric [[Hasnain Baqai]] expressed concern that the tradition had been suspended because of upheaval in Kashmir.<ref name="The Times of India-2016">{{Cite web|date=17 July 2016|title=Muslim group asks for reviving Amarnath Yatra|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/muslim-group-asks-for-reviving-amarnath-yatra/articleshow/53247175.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211173937/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Muslim-group-asks-for-reviving-Amarnath-Yatra/articleshow/53247175.cms|archive-date=11 December 2018|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

====2019: Threat of terrorist attack====
The pilgrimage was suspended in August 2019 after the state government stated there was a threat of terrorist attacks. Similarly, the pilgrimage to [[Machail Mata]] was suspended as well.<ref>{{cite web|date=2019-08-03|title=Don't Panic, Jammu & Kashmir Governor Tells Political Parties as Tourists and Pilgrims Leave Valley|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/day-after-jk-govt-cuts-short-amarnath-yatra-over-terror-alert-363-pilgrims-moved-from-baltal-route-2256657.html |publisher=News18}}</ref> However, it was also speculated that the Yatra suspension might have been linked to the [[revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Das|first1=Shaswati|last2=Bhaskar|first2=Utpal|date=7 August 2019|title=The events that led to Jammu and Kashmir losing its special status|url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/policy/article-370-scrapped-the-events-that-led-to-jammu-and-kashmir-losing-its-special-status-1565143199592.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807143509/https://www.livemint.com/politics/policy/article-370-scrapped-the-events-that-led-to-jammu-and-kashmir-losing-its-special-status-1565143199592.html|archive-date=7 August 2019|access-date=9 May 2020|publisher=Livemint}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Sumit Kumar|date=3 August 2019|title=Amarnath yatris, tourists told to move out of J&K immediately|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-amarnath-yatris-tourists-told-to-move-out-of-jk-immediately-2778430|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101054714/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-amarnath-yatris-tourists-told-to-move-out-of-jk-immediately-2778430|archive-date=1 November 2019|access-date=9 May 2020|publisher=Daily News and Analysis (DNA)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=6 August 2019|title=Ex-CMS Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah Detained, Shifted to Guest House from House Arrest|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/kashmir-live-updates-jammu-and-kashmir-tension-article-370-article-35a-narendra-modi-amit-shah-srinagar-2258121.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128195113/https://www.news18.com/news/india/kashmir-live-updates-jammu-and-kashmir-tension-article-370-article-35a-narendra-modi-amit-shah-srinagar-2258121.html|archive-date=28 November 2019|access-date=9 May 2020|publisher=News18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=IANS|date=2019-08-06|title=Kashmiris completely cut off as Modi govt revoked Article 370, declares Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/kashmir-cut-off-due-to-curfew-communication-blackout|access-date=2021-12-27|website=National Herald|language=en}}</ref>

==== 2020 and 2021: COVID-19 pandemic ====
The annual pilgrimage was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=After a gap of two years, Amarnath Yatra sets to begin tomorrow. |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/after-a-gap-of-two-years-amarnath-yatra-sets-to-begin-tomorrow-details-here-11656466498463.html |access-date=29 June 2022}}</ref> On 22 April 2020, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board announced the suspension of the Yatra because of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]]. Later however it withdrew the press circular and announced cancellation of the suspension.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 April 2020|agency=PTI|title=Coronavirus outbreak: Uncertainty over Amarnath yatra as SASB release announcing decision to cancel pilgrimage withdrawn| url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/coronavirus-outbreak-uncertainty-over-amarnath-yatra-as-sasb-release-announcing-decision-to-cancel-pilgrimage-withdrawn-828587.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427032428/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/coronavirus-outbreak-uncertainty-over-amarnath-yatra-as-sasb-release-announcing-decision-to-cancel-pilgrimage-withdrawn-828587.html|archive-date=27 April 2020|access-date=9 May 2020|newspaper=Deccan Herald}}</ref> Lieutenant Governor [[G. C. Murmu]] said that a final decision would depend on future developments related to the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/decision-on-amarnath-yatra-after-review-of-covid-19-situation-j-k-lg-murmu-120042600341_1.html|title = Decision on Amarnath Yatra after review of Covid-19 situation: J&K LG Murmu|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 26 April 2020|access-date = 9 May 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200507191839/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/decision-on-amarnath-yatra-after-review-of-covid-19-situation-j-k-lg-murmu-120042600341_1.html|archive-date = 7 May 2020|url-status = live}}</ref> In light of the pandemic, the union territory government on 4 July announced that only 500 people would be permitted road travel to the shrine and everyone entering Jammu and Kashmir would be tested for COVID-19, and quarantined until their reports came back negative.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wani|first=Ashraf|date=5 July 2020|title=Amarnath Yatra 2020: J&K administration allows 500 pilgrims per day|newspaper=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-2020-j-k-administration-allows-500-pilgrims-per-day-1697252-2020-07-05|access-date=11 July 2020}}</ref> The pilgrimage was later cancelled on 21 July due to the pandemic, with cases of coronavirus in the union territory increasing greatly since 1 July.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-cancelled-due-to-spike-in-coronavirus-infections/story-8bxmBaD8mW93ZusNVQST0L.html|title = Amarnath Yatra cancelled due to spike in coronavirus infections |newspaper =Hindustan Times |date = 21 July 2020 |access-date = 22 July 2020}}</ref> Facilities for viewing the prayer ceremony online were made available.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 June 2021|title=Amarnath Yatra 2021: Pilgrimage cancelled but devotees can watch live aarti online, check details|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/amarnath-yatra-2021-pilgrimage-cancelled-but-devotees-can-watch-live-aarti-online-check-details/2279875/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The Financial Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628103313/https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/amarnath-yatra-2021-pilgrimage-cancelled-but-devotees-can-watch-live-aarti-online-check-details/2279875/ |archive-date=28 June 2021 }}</ref>

The shrine board on 27 March 2022 decided to resume the pilgrimage after a gap of two years, starting from 30 June and lasting for 43 days, while following protocols to prevent the spread of COVID.<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 March 2022|title=Amarnath Yatra set to resume from 30 June; to last 43 days. Details here|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/amarnath-yatra-set-to-resume-from-30-june-to-last-43-days-details-here-11648380573680.html|access-date=5 April 2022|work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] }}</ref>

==== 2022: temporary suspension due to flash flood ====
On 8 July 2022, at least 16 people were killed, over 40 missing,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rashid |first=Hakeem Irfan |title=Amarnath flash floods: 16 dead, 40 missing in ; yatra on hold |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/amarnath-flash-floods-16-dead-40-missing-in-yatra-on-hold/articleshow/92774969.cms |access-date=2022-07-17}}</ref> and dozens were injured while around 15000 [[pilgrim]]s were stranded near the Amarnath Holy cave due to a [[flash flood]] triggered by a [[cloudburst]] near the [[Lidder Valley]] ''en route'' to the venerated cave.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Backstory: Why Was the Media So Eager to Put the Amarnath Yatra Tragedy Behind Them? |url=https://thewire.in/media/backstory-why-was-the-media-so-eager-to-put-the-amarnath-yatra-tragedy-behind-them |access-date=2022-07-17 |website=The Wire}}</ref> The Amarnath Yatra was halted due to the [[flash flood]] on 8 July for 3 days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amarnath Yatra resumes 3 days after cloud burst; Administration rejects charge of ignoring flood risk |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/amarnath-yatra-resumes-3-days-after-cloud-burst-administration-rejects-charge-of-ignoring-flood-risk/2590599/ |access-date=2022-07-17 |website=Financialexpress |date=11 July 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

== Legends==
{{Saivism}} 
According to legend, Sage [[Brighu|Bhrigu]] was the first to discover Amarnath. A long time ago, it is believed that the Valley of Kashmir was underwater, and Sage [[Kashyapa]] drained it through a series of rivers and rivulets. As a result, when the waters drained, Bhrigu was the first to have [[Darśana|darshan]] of Shiva at Amarnath. Thereafter, when people heard of the [[lingam]], it became an abode of Shiva for all believers and the site of an annual pilgrimage, traditionally performed by [[lakh]]s of people in July and August during the Hindu holy month of Savan.<ref>{{cite web
 | url=https://sacredsites.com/asia/india/amarnath_cave.html | title=Amarnath Cave, Kashmir |last=Gray | first=Martin | website=World Pilgrimage Guide | access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref>

It is believed that [[Shiva]] left [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]], the bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the [[Moon]] from his [[hair]] (Jata). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his [[Indian Cobra|snake]]. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left his son [[Ganesha]]. At Panjtarni, Shiva left behind the [[Classical element|five elements]] – Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Shiva performed the [[Tandava]] Dance. Then, finally, Shiva entered the Amarnath Cave along with [[Parvati]] and both of them manifested into a lingam made of ice. Shiva became the [[lingam]] of ice and Parvati became the [[yoni]] of rock.<ref>{{cite web|last=Saraswat|first=Lalit|title=Shiv Shankar's secret of immortality and the Amarnath Cave|date=11 March 2012 |url=http://www.shivshankar.in/shiv-shankars-secret-of-immortality-and-the-amarnath-cave/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824044146/http://www.shivshankar.in/shiv-shankars-secret-of-immortality-and-the-amarnath-cave/|archive-date=24 August 2012|access-date=6 June 2012|publisher=ShivShankar.in}}</ref>

==Yatra (pilgrimage) details and routes ==
{{see also | Yatra#Famous_yatras | l1= Famous Hindu yatras | Hindu pilgrimage sites in India | Tirtha and Kshetra}}
[[File:Amarnath Yatra Camp.jpg|thumb|Amarnath Yatra Camp]]

===Pilgrimage opening timeframe: July–August during ice lingam formation===
{{anchor | Open | Opening | Timing | Timeframe }}

Pilgrims visit the holy site during the 45-day season around the festival of [[Shraavana#Festivals|Shravani Mela]] in July–August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of [[Shraavana]].<ref name=pilc1/> The ''Amarnath Yatra'' pilgrimage occurs when the [[stalagmite|iced stalagmite]] [[Lingam|Shiva lingam]] reaches the apex of its waxing phase through the summer months.{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=83-84}} The period of July–August is a popular time for the pilgrimage.<ref>[http://www.amarnathyatra.org/yatra.htm "Amarnath Yatra explained"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706150149/http://www.amarnathyatra.org/yatra.htm |date=6 July 2017 }}, [http://www.amarnathyatra.org/yatra.htm Amarnath Yatra organisation] .</ref><ref>[http://archive.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/07/amarnath_journey_to_the_shrine.html "Amarnath: Journey to the shrine of a Hindu god"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708050954/http://archive.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/07/amarnath_journey_to_the_shrine.html |date=8 July 2017 }}, [http://archive.boston.com Boston.Com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329172255/http://archive.boston.com/ |date=29 March 2016 }}, 13 July 20112.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=27 September 2012|title=Hiking through the mountains of Kashmir|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2012/09/amarnath-yatra|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080537/https://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2012/09/amarnath-yatra|archive-date=8 October 2017|access-date=8 October 2017|newspaper=The Economist}}</ref> The beginning of the annual pilgrimage is marked by ''pratham [[Puja (Hinduism)|pujan]]'' ({{Translation|first prayer}}).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ahmad|first=Mukhtar|date=15 June 2011|title=Amarnath yatra's pratham pujan held near Pahalgam|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatras-pratham-pujan-held-near-pahalgam/20110615.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623170802/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatras-pratham-pujan-held-near-pahalgam/20110615.htm|archive-date=23 June 2011|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Rediff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Ahmad|first=Mukhtar|date=19 June 2011|title=Amarnath yatra likely to start from June 29|work=Rediff.com|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatra-likely-to-start-from-june-twenty-nine/20110619.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622074521/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatra-likely-to-start-from-june-twenty-nine/20110619.htm|archive-date=22 June 2011}}</ref>

The time frame, during which the pilgrimage remains open, depends on the formation of iced lingam. For example, in 1995 the pilgrimage remained open for 20 days. From 2004 to 2009, it remained open for 60 days. During the following years, it remained open for between 40 and 60 days.{{Sfn|MurukutlaParvezImrozSeshadri|2017|p=28}} In 2019, the Yatra remained open for 46 days from 1 July to 15 August.<ref>{{cite news|date=14 April 2015|title=Amarnath Yatra 2015 to commence on July 2 and finish on August 29|publisher=Bihar Prabha News|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2015/04/amarnath-yatra-2015-to-commence-on-july-2-and-finish-on-august-29/|url-status=live|access-date=14 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417224854/http://news.biharprabha.com/2015/04/amarnath-yatra-2015-to-commence-on-july-2-and-finish-on-august-29/|archive-date=17 April 2015}}</ref>

===State quotas and mandatory pilgrim pre-registration & e-tracking ===
{{anchor | Registration | Quota | ID | ID card | Tag | Tags | Tracking }}

Pilgrims have to pre-register months in advance and are allotted quotas according to [[list of states of India|state]]. States comprising a majority of the allotment include Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and West Bengal.{{Sfn|MurukutlaParvezImrozSeshadri|2017|p=36-37}} To ensure the health and safety of the pilgrims, such as during a disaster or medical emergency, each pilgrim and vehicle is given a unique wearable traceable identification tag which are scanned at the several designated places along the pilgrim route.<ref name="Sen-2019"/> Since 2019, pilgrims are given identification cards for the duration of the pilgrimage which are scanned at several locations for tracing the pilgrims.<ref name="Sen-2019">{{Cite web|last=Sen|first=Sudhi Ranjan|date=2019-06-15|title=In a first, Amarnath pilgrims to be tagged for a safe trek|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-a-first-amarnath-pilgrims-to-be-tagged-for-a-safe-trek/story-BRWnfgDP4oiubFf4aXyXKM.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615041521/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-a-first-amarnath-pilgrims-to-be-tagged-for-a-safe-trek/story-BRWnfgDP4oiubFf4aXyXKM.html |archive-date=15 June 2019 }}</ref> Similarly, the vehicles are also tracked via the tags, so that the entire pilgrimage can be traced.<ref name="Sen-2019"/>{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=84}}

===Transport and roads ===
{{anchor | Transport }}

Nearest airport is [[Srinagar International Airport]]. Nearest railway stations are on the [[Jammu-Baramulla line]] - [[Srinagar railway station]] for the north pilgrim route through Baltal and [[Anantnag railway station]] for the south route via Pahalgam-Chandanwari. The State Road Transport Corporation and private transport operators provide the regular services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Also privately hired taxis are available from Jammu, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Srinagar, etc.

On the south route via Pahalgam-Chandanwari, the helicopter services from Chandanwari base camp to Panjtarni (6&nbsp;km from the cave) are also available from various private operators.<ref name="nvonews.com"/>

{{anchor | Tunnel | NH | Highway | Road }}
''Chandanwari-Sangam Highway'' as part of [[National Highway 501 (India)|NH501]], including 11&nbsp;km long ''Khanabal-Baltal Tunnel'' (Sheshnag Tunnel) under the Mahaganus Top (Ganesh Top), is the 22&nbsp;km long greenfield section of the national highway on the South Route which will connect the South and North yatra routes via the highway tunnel. In January 2023, [[MoRTH]]'s [[National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited|NHIDCL]] invited RFP submissions by vendors by 20 February 2023 for preparation of DPR (detailed project report) which will take 10 months to prepare, subsequently after 2 months long pre-construction preparation the construction will take 5 years, with the target completion date of 31 March 2029 (total 6 years).<ref name=amart1>[https://hindi.news18.com/news/nation/amarnath-yatra-22-km-road-planning-with-tunnel-for-all-weather-connectivity-complete-in-five-years-5240337.html Amarnath Road Project: हर मौसम में अमरनाथ पहुंचना होगा आसान, सुरंग के साथ 22Km लंबा रोड बनाने की योजना.], News18, 18 Jan 2023.</ref>

===Two main routes===
{{anchor | Route | Routes }}
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Yatra Of Amarnath Baba.jpg
| image2 = AmarnathPilgrimTrek.JPG
| direction = horizontal
| perrow = 2/2
| total_width = 380
| footer = Pilgrims en route to Amarnath
}}

Devotees travel on two main routes which are partially motorable and partially foot-track near to the holy cave: the shorter but steeper 13&nbsp;km northern route from [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir|Baltal]] Basecamp, and the longer but easier and busier 43&nbsp;km [[Pahalgam]]-[[Chandanwari]]<!-- NOTE: please retain the red link to encourage the article creation.--> basecamp route.<ref name="nvonews.com"/>

==== South route – 43 km: Pahalgam-Chandanwari route ====
{{anchor | Southern | South | Southern route | South route }}
{{OSM Location map
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| caption = Amarnath route
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|     mark-coord = {{coord|34.2149|75.5008}}
|          label = Amarnath

|     mark-coord1 = {{coord|34.03220|75.32279}}
|          label1 = Pahalgam

|    mark-coord2 = {{coord|34.189285|75.498183}}
|          label2 = Panchtarni

|    mark-coord3 = {{coord|34.093697|75.496686}}
|          label3 = Sheshnag Lake

}}

It begins with a {{convert|43|km}} mountainous trek from the Nunwan and Chandanwari basecamp at [[Pahalgam]] and reaches the cave-shrine after night halts at [[Sheshnag Lake]] and [[Panchtarni]] camps.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-08-18|title=Amarnath yatra ends, least number of pilgrims in decade|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|agency=PTI|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Amarnath-yatra-ends-least-number-of-pilgrims-in-decade/article14576514.ece|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109081309/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Amarnath-yatra-ends-least-number-of-pilgrims-in-decade/article14576514.ece|archive-date=9 January 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The journey from Pahalgam takes about five days.<ref name="nvonews.com"/> It runs from Pahalgam (on Jammu-Srinagar NH) to Chandanwari Basecamp (9,500&nbsp;ft) – 16&nbsp;km, Pissu Top – 3&nbsp;km, Zoji Bal-Naga Koti-Sheshnag (11,730&nbsp;ft) – 9&nbsp;km, Waribal-Mahaguns Yop (Ganesh Top, 14,500&nbsp;ft) – 4.6&nbsp;km, Pabibal-Panchtarni (22,729&nbsp;ft)-Sangam (T-section for North route via Baltal) – 6&nbsp;km, Amarnath cave – 3&nbsp;km. The whole foot track route takes three to five days one way.

The route is motorable up to Chandanwari, which will become motorable up to Sangam after construction of ''NH501 Chandanwari-Baltal Highway'' which includes ''Khanabal-Baltal Tunnel'' (Sheshnag Tunnel) under the ''Mahaganus Top'' (Ganesh Top), see "Transport" section above.<ref name=amart1/> Once completed, all the route will become motorable except the last 3&nbsp;km from Sangam to Amarnath cave.

==== North route – 13 km: Baltal route ====
{{anchor | Northern | North | Northern route | North route }}

It runs from Baltal basecamp to Domail – 2&nbsp;km, Barari – 5&nbsp;km, Sangam (T-section for South route via Pahalgam-Chandanwari) – 4&nbsp;km, Amarnath cave - 3&nbsp;km. This track is motorable till Baltal and Baltal-Amarnath foot track takes one to two days return trip. Once the NH501 from Pahalgam-Chandanwari to Baltal is completed, including Sheshnag-Sangam tunnel under the Mahaguns Top (Ganesh Top), this route will become motorable except the last 3&nbsp;km from Sangam to Amarnath cave. This shorter route is just about 14&nbsp;km long, but has a very steep gradient and is quite difficult to climb. The route is along the Amarnath valley and all along the route one can see the Amaravati river (a tributary of [[Chenab]]) which originates from the Amarnath Glacier.

==== Ancient route: Awantipur-Pissu Top-Sheshnag-Panchtarni====
{{anchor | Ancient | Ancient route }}

[[Bhrigu]]'s ''Amarnath Mahatmya'' identifies a number of locations on the pilgrimage route to the Amarnath cave: Shurahyar, Shivpora, Pandrethan, Pampore, Javati, Awantipur, Barsu, Jaubror, Belihar, Wagahama, Chakreshwar (Tsakdar), Hari Chandar, Sthalwat (Thajwor), Suryai Gohwat (Sriguphvara), Lambodari, Sirham, Bodrus, Bala Khelyan, Ganish, Mammaleshwar, Bhrigupati Kshetra, Nila Ganga, Pissu Hill (Pissu Top), Sheshnag, Wavjan, Panchtarni, Amravati.{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=132-134}} On the return journey Mamleshwar and Naudal are crossed.{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=134}} Following the construction of drivable road, alignment of this pilgrimage route has presently changed at some places (which has now become "South route" - see above).{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=134}}

===Organisation and facilities===
{{anchor | Facilities | Organisation | Organization }}
[[File:Pandals in service to pilgrims.jpeg|thumb|[[Pandal|Pandal tents]] serving [[Langar (Sikhism)|free community kitchen]] food to the pilgrims on Pahalgam–Chandanwari route]]

Officially, the Yatra is organised by the government in collaboration with the ''Shree Amarnath Shrine Board'' (SASB). Various agencies provide necessary facilities all along the route during the Yatra period, which includes provision of ponies, supply of power, telecommunication facilities, firewood and setting up of fair price shops.<ref name="nvonews.com">{{cite web|last=Handoo|first=Ashok|date=7 June 2011|title=Amarnath Yatra 2011- The Countdown Begins|url=http://nvonews.com/2011/06/07/amarnath-yatra-2011-the-countdown-begins/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512043642/http://nvonews.com/2011/06/07/amarnath-yatra-2011-the-countdown-begins/|archive-date=12 May 2013|access-date=2013-04-15|publisher=Northern Voices Online}}</ref>

En route to the cave, various [[non-governmental organisations]] have set up food supply and resting tents called ''[[pandal]]s'' which are available for free to the pilgrims. Near the shrine, hundreds of tents which are erected by locals can be hired for a night's stay.<ref name="nvonews.com"/>

Srinagar Pilgrimage Centre, with capacity to host 3000 ''yatris'', facilitates pilgrims' stay who are travelling for the holy pilgrimage. The state government began its construction in May 2022.<ref name=pilc1>{{Cite web |title=J&K LG takes part in 'Bhoomi Pujan' of Amarnath Yatri Niwas in Srinagar |url=https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=954551 |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=daijiworld.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Security of pilgrims ===
{{anchor | Security }}

Every year, thousands of central armed forces and state police personnel are deployed to provide security to pilgrims from potential terror threats. The forces position at various halts and also on the perimeter of the shrine.<ref>{{cite web|date=29 June 2011|title=High security on Amarnath Yatra routes|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/high-security-on-amarnath-yatra-routes/163441-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703060827/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/high-security-on-amarnath-yatra-routes/163441-3.html|archive-date=3 July 2011|access-date=2013-04-15|publisher=Ibnlive.in.com}}</ref> These include CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, NDRF/SDRF and state police and traffic police.{{Sfn|MurukutlaParvezImrozSeshadri|2017|pp=45–46}}

===Economic impact of yatra===
{{anchor | Economy | Economic | Revenue | Tax }}

The yatra is a source of revenue for the state government by imposing tax on pilgrims.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 June 2020|title=Remove entry fee on buses to Vaishno Devi, Amarnath: BJP|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-vaishno-devi-amarnath-bjp/articleshow/6064803.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms|archive-date=16 February 2019|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name="Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Government of India-2010">{{Cite web|date=27 August 2010|title=No Additional Tax Levied on Vehicles Going to Amarnath and Vaishno Devi|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=65397|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216035134/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=65397|archive-date=16 February 2019|access-date=2021-12-27|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Government of India}}</ref> Local [[Bakarwal|Muslim Bakarwal-Gujjars]] also make a living by offering services to the Hindu pilgrims. This source of income has been threatened by the militant groups who have harassed and attacked the yatra numerous times.<ref name="The Times of India-2016"/><ref name="Fazili-2001">{{Cite web|last=Fazili|first=Ehsan|date=21 July 2001|title=6 pilgrims among 13 killed in 2 blasts. Amarnath Yatra suspended; Shabir blames Hindu extremists|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010722/main1.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712034536/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010722/main1.htm|archive-date=12 July 2012|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The Tribune India}}</ref><ref name="oneind1">Vicky Nanjappa (11 July 2017). [http://www.oneindia.com/india/amarnath-yatra-has-been-attacked-thrice-the-past-2491675.html "Amarnath yatra has been attacked thrice in the past"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711041021/http://www.oneindia.com/india/amarnath-yatra-has-been-attacked-thrice-the-past-2491675.html|date=11 July 2017}}, [http://www.oneindia.com One India News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712042724/http://www.oneindia.com/|date=12 July 2017}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-07-11|title=Amarnath yatra: Terrorists were directed to eliminate 100 to 150 pilgrims, says intelligence report|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amarnath-yatra-attack-follow-up/article19256586.ece|access-date=2021-12-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="ind1" /><ref name="Kashmir Herald-2003">{{Cite news |date=April 2003|volume=2 |issue=11 |title=Chronology of Major Killings in Jammu and Kashmir|url=http://www.kashmirherald.com/apr2003/jkmassacres.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806192943/http://www.kashmirherald.com/apr2003/jkmassacres.html|archive-date=6 August 2017|newspaper=Kashmir Herald}}</ref>

=== Annual number of pilgrims  ===
{{anchor | Number | Number of pilgrims | Pilgrim numbers | Demography }}

The number of annual pilgrims having generally rising consistently from between 12,000<ref name="Navlakha-2006">{{Cite journal|last=Navlakha|first=Gautam|date=2006|title=Pilgrim's Progress Causes Regression|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=41|issue=27/28|pages=2975–2977|jstor=4418427|issn=0012-9976}}</ref>{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=42}}-20,000<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Roy|first=Arundhati|date=1 Sep 2008|title=Azadi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDEEAAAAMBAJ |magazine=Outlook Magazine|page=15}}</ref>-30,000 in 1989,<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Mehta|first1=Deepak|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8BpFDwAAQBAJ&dq=number+of+pilgrims+to+amarnath&pg=PT111|title=Violence and the Quest for Justice in South Asia|last2=Roy|first2=Rahul|date=2018-01-01|publisher=SAGE Publishing India|isbn=978-93-5280-654-6|language=en}}</ref> to over 400,000 in 2007,{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=42}}<ref name="Rohde-2002">{{Cite news|last=Rohde|first=David|date=2002-08-05|title=Braving Nature and Militants, Hindus Trek for a Peek at a God's Icy Symbol|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/05/world/braving-nature-and-militants-hindus-trek-for-a-peek-at-a-god-s-icy-symbol.html|url-access=limited|access-date=2021-12-28|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 634,000 in 2011,<ref>{{cite web|date=12 August 2011|title=Amarnath yatra: Record 6.34 lakh visit shrine|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/amarnath-yatra-record-6-34-lakh-visit-shrine_725854.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309175611/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/amarnath-yatra-record-6-34-lakh-visit-shrine_725854.html|archive-date=9 March 2012|access-date=2013-04-15|publisher=Zee News}}</ref> 622,000 in 2012,<ref name="The Economic Times-2016"/> 350,000 in 2013,<ref name="The Economic Times-2016">{{Cite news|date=18 August 2016|title=Amarnath yatra ends today, least number of pilgrims in decade|work=The Economic Times|agency=PTI|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amarnath-yatra-ends-today-least-number-of-pilgrims-in-decade/articleshow/53756858.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-12-28}}</ref> 285,006 in 2018.<ref name="Hussain-2018">{{Cite web|last=Hussain|first=Ashiq|date=2018-08-26|title=Amarnath Yatra ends with a three-year high of 2.85 lakh pilgrims|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-ends-with-a-three-year-high-of-2-85-pilgrims/story-15ZugEnAVC93knAfREa7IN.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826192448/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-ends-with-a-three-year-high-of-2-85-pilgrims/story-15ZugEnAVC93knAfREa7IN.html |archive-date=26 August 2018 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Figures and estimates (*) of pilgrims to Amarnath, and duration
!Year
!Pilgrims
!Days
!Ref
!Year
!Pilgrims
!Days
!Ref
!Year
!Pilgrims
!Days
!Ref
|-
!2021
|{{Em dash}}
|
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 June 2021|title=Amarnath Yatra cancelled for second year in a row due to Covid-19|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amarnath-yatra-cancelled-for-second-year-in-a-row-due-to-covid-19/articleshow/83716327.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621123211/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amarnath-yatra-cancelled-for-second-year-in-a-row-due-to-covid-19/articleshow/83716327.cms |archive-date=21 June 2021 }}</ref>
!2009
|381,000
|60
|<ref name="The Economic Times-2016"/>
!1997
|79,035
|
|<ref name="www.mha.gov.in">{{Cite report |title=Annual Report 2003-04|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_03_04.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729101902/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_03_04.pdf|archive-date=29 July 2021|website=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|page=32}}</ref>
|-
!2020
|{{Em dash}}
|
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 July 2020|title=Amarnath Yatra cancelled in light of COVID-19 pandemic|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/amarnath-yatra-cancelled-in-light-of-covid-19-pandemic/as77104455.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=Times of India Travel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722102450/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/amarnath-yatra-cancelled-in-light-of-covid-19-pandemic/as77104455.cms |archive-date=22 July 2020 }}</ref>
!2008
|533,000
|60
|<ref name="The Economic Times-2016"/>
!1996
|
|
|
|-
!2019
|342,883
|45
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Annual Report 2019-20|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_19_20.pdf|url-status=live|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|page=280|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420094335/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_19_20.pdf |archive-date=20 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=9 July 2019|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Over 1 lakh pilgrims perform Amarnath Yatra in 8 days|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-day-8-1565007-2019-07-09|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|magazine=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709083903/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-day-8-1565007-2019-07-09 |archive-date=9 July 2019 }}</ref>
!2007
|2.14/2.96 lakh
|60
|{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=137}}<ref name="The Economic Times-2016"/>
!1995
|70,000
|20
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Annual Report 1995-96|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/REPORT_1995_96_12022021.pdf|url-status=live|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|page=99|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228071904/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/REPORT_1995_96_12022021.pdf |archive-date=28 December 2021 }}</ref>
|-
!2018
|285,006
|
|<ref name="Hussain-2018"/><ref name="India Today-2019">{{Cite news|date=23 July 2019|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Amarnath yatra crosses last year's figure of 2.85 lakh pilgrims|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-crosses-last-year-s-figure-of-2-85-lakh-pilgrims-1572634-2019-07-23|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|magazine=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003410/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-crosses-last-year-s-figure-of-2-85-lakh-pilgrims-1572634-2019-07-23 |archive-date=8 November 2020 }}</ref>
!2006
|2.65/3.47 lakh
|60
|{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=137}}<ref name="Majid-2019">{{Cite web|last=Majid|first=Zulfikar|date=2019-07-27|title=In 26 days, 3.15 lakh pilgrims perform Amarnath yatra|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/in-26-days-315-lakh-pilgrims-perform-amarnath-yatra-749983.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129231435/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/in-26-days-315-lakh-pilgrims-perform-amarnath-yatra-749983.html |archive-date=29 November 2020 }}</ref>
!1994
|
|
|
|-
!2017
|260,003
|
|<ref name="India Today-2019"/>
!2005
|388,000
|60
|<ref name="Majid-2019"/>
!1993
|75,000*
|
|<ref name="Baweja-1994">{{Cite web|last=Baweja|first=Harinder|date=31 August 1994|title=Further setbacks in Kashmir as militants ban Amarnath yatra, removal of bunkers in Hazratbal|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803215732/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31 |archive-date=3 August 2019 }}</ref>
|-
!2016
|220,490
|
|<ref name="India Today-2019"/>
!2004
|400,000
|60
|<ref name="Majid-2019"/>
!1992
|50,000*
|
|<ref name="Baweja-1994"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Baweja|first=Harinder|date=31 August 1994|title=Further setbacks in Kashmir as militants ban Amarnath yatra, removal of bunkers in Hazratbal|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803215732/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31|archive-date=3 August 2019|access-date=2018-08-04|publisher=India Today}}</ref>
|-
!2015
|352,771
|60
|<ref name="India Today-2019"/>
!2003
|153,314
|30
|<ref name="www.mha.gov.in"/>
!1991
|30,000*
|
|<ref name="Baweja-1994"/>
|-
!2014
|372,000
|
|<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rashid|first=Hakeem Irfan|date=26 January 2021|title=J&K planning for arrival of six lakh Amarnath pilgrims, highest in last eight years|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/jk-planning-for-arrival-of-six-lakh-amarnath-pilgrims-highest-in-last-eight-years/articleshow/80462720.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-12-28}}</ref>
!2002
|110,793
|30
|<ref name="www.mha.gov.in"/>
!1990
|4,000*
|
|<ref name="Baweja-1994"/>
|-
!2013
|353,000
|55
|<ref name="The Economic Times-2016"/>
!2001
|119,037
|
|<ref name="www.mha.gov.in"/>
!1989
|12,000-40,000*
|
|{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=42}}<ref name="Rohde-2002"/>
|-
!2012
|622,000
|
|<ref name="The Economic Times-2016"/>
!2000
|173,334
|30
|<ref name="www.mha.gov.in"/>
| colspan="4" rowspan="3" |Source: Duration{{Sfn|MurukutlaParvezImrozSeshadri|2017|p=28}}
|-
!2011
|634,000
|
|<ref name="The Economic Times-2016"/>
!1999
|114,366
|40
|<ref name="www.mha.gov.in"/>
|-
!2010
|455,000
|
|<ref name="The Economic Times-2016"/>
!1998
|149,920
|
|<ref name="www.mha.gov.in"/>
|}

==Incidents==
===Deaths due to health, accidents and disasters===
[[Sir Walter Roper Lawrence]] in ''[[The Valley of Kashmir]]'' (1895) writes that the difficulty of the pilgrimage route affected the weak and sick, with many also falling victim to [[cholera]].{{Sfn|Lawrence|1895|pp=298–299}} In 1928, over 500 pilgrims and mules died on the way to the cave.{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=136}} In 1969 a cloudburst resulted in the death of 40 pilgrims.{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=136}} The [[1996 Amarnath Yatra tragedy]] involved the death of 243 pilgrims due to exhaustion and exposure.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Chakravarty|first1=Sayantan|last2=Baweja|first2=Harinder|date=15 September 1996|title=Freak weather conditions during Amarnath yatra claim 200 lives|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19960915-freak-weather-conditions-during-amarnath-yatra-claim-200-lives-834427-1996-09-15|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|website=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909103040/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19960915-freak-weather-conditions-during-amarnath-yatra-claim-200-lives-834427-1996-09-15 |archive-date=9 September 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Navlakha-2006"/> In July 2012, 12 pilgrims were killed in a road accident. The pilgrims were part of a team who had set up a community kitchen at the pilgrimage.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 July 2012|agency=PTI|title=16 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims killed in road accident|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/16-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-killed-in-road-accident-494361|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|work=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721081754/http://www.ndtv.com:80/india-news/16-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-killed-in-road-accident-494361 |archive-date=21 July 2017 }}</ref> Three people were killed and more injured due to a [[cloudburst]] at [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir|Baltal]] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Akhzer|first=Adil|date=2015-07-26|title=Amarnath: 3 killed, 11 injured as cloudburst hits yatra base camp in Baltal|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/2-minors-killed-as-cloudburst-hits-amarnath-yatra-base-camp/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726133848/http://indianexpress.com:80/article/india/india-others/2-minors-killed-as-cloudburst-hits-amarnath-yatra-base-camp/ |archive-date=26 July 2015 }}</ref> Of the 622,000 yatra pilgrims in 2012, 130 died during the yatra. The major cause was attributed to people who were not physically fit for the arduous climb, high elevations, and adverse weather undertaking the yatra. Some also died in road accidents before reaching the base camp from where the yatra starts. Of the 130 deaths, 88 were due to purported health reasons and 42 in road accidents.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2 August 2012|title=Amarnath yatra ends, Charri Mubarak reaches shrine|work=The Economic Times|agency=PTI|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amarnath-yatra-ends-charri-mubarak-reaches-shrine/articleshow/15327136.cms|access-date=2021-12-27}}</ref> On 16 July 2017, 18 pilgrims died and many were seriously injured after a [[Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation|JKSRTC]] bus, which was plying from [[Jammu|Jammu city]] to [[Pahalgam]] as part of an Amarnath Yatra convoy, fell into a 150-ft deep gorge near [[Nachlana]] area of [[Jammu division|Jammu]]'s [[Ramban district]] around 1:45 pm. 16 pilgrims had died on the spot, while two succumbed later to their injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=16 Amarnath yatris killed as bus falls into 150-foot gorge |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/jul/16/16-amarnath-yatris-killed-as-bus-falls-into-150-foot-gorge-1629484.html |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=The New Indian Express|date=17 July 2017 }}</ref> This accident happened less than a week after a deadly terrorist attack on a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from [[Gujarat]].

On 8 July 2022, at around 5:30 pm, [[flash floods]] due to a localised [[cloudburst]] near the holy cave shrine washed away scores of pilgrims. According to reports, at least fifteen pilgrims died in the [[2022 Amarnath floods|incident]]. Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the 15 pilgrims who died in the flash floods.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 14, 2022 |last1=Masoodi |first1=Nazir |last2=Chhabra |first2=Aarish |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-days-after-amarnath-cloudburst-jammu-and-kashmir-lt-governor-clarifies-no-one-missing-3157620 |url-status=live |access-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714112446/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-days-after-amarnath-cloudburst-jammu-and-kashmir-lt-governor-clarifies-no-one-missing-3157620 |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |title="No One Missing": 6 Days After Amarnath Flash Floods, Jammu And Kashmir Lt Governor Clarifies |publisher=[[NDTV]] |language=en-IN }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 15, 2022 |last=Pandit |first=M. Saleem |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-5-lakh-for-amarnath-cloudburst-victims-kin/articleshow/92884774.cms |url-status=live |access-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714193402/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-5-lakh-for-amarnath-cloudburst-victims-kin/articleshow/92884774.cms |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |title=Rs 5 lakh for Amarnath cloudburst victims' kin |work=[[The Times of India]] |language=en-IN }}</ref>

=== Threats, attacks, and massacres ===
The first threat targeted against Amarnath pilgrims was in 1993; that year Pakistan-based [[Harkat-ul-Mujahideen#Harkat ul-Ansar|Harkat-ul-Ansar]] had announced a ban due to demolition of [[Babri Masjid]] in the previous year.<ref name="Jaleel-1998">{{cite web|last=Jaleel|first=Muzamil|date=9 July 1998|title=Why Amarnath Yatra terror attack signals crossing of a red line in Kashmir|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amarnath-yatra-terror-attack-why-attack-signals-crossing-of-a-red-line-in-kashmir-4744955/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803213749/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amarnath-yatra-terror-attack-why-attack-signals-crossing-of-a-red-line-in-kashmir-4744955/|archive-date=3 August 2019|access-date=2013-04-15|work=The Indian Express}}</ref> The pilgrimage however was mostly peaceful.<ref name="Jaleel-1998" /> The [[Harkat-ul-Mujahideen]] group imposed what it called a "ban" on the yatra in 1994, 1995 and 1998 while threatening the pilgrims with "serious consequences"; however the pilgrimage did continue.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ahmad|first=Mukhtar|date=9 July 1998|title=Harkatul Mujaheedin 'bans' Amarnath Yatra|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/jul/09kash.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930075355/http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/jul/09kash.htm|archive-date=30 September 2018|access-date=2013-04-15|work=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>[https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/session_journals/178/26081996.pdf Reference to the Death of Pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra. 26 August 1996.] Session Journal. Council of States, Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228034532/https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/session_journals/178/26081996.pdf|date=28 December 2021}}</ref>

====2000 pilgrimage massacre====
{{main|2000 Amarnath pilgrimage massacre}}
On 2 August 2000, militants attacked the Nunwan base camp in [[Pahalgam]]. Thirty-two people, including 21 unarmed Hindu pilgrims, seven unarmed Muslim civilians and three security force officers, in a two hour long indiscriminate shoot, were killed.<ref name=oneind1/><ref>{{Cite web|date=4 August 2000|title=Amarnath pilgrimage resumes|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/866133.stm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824225051/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/866133.stm|archive-date=24 August 2017|access-date=2021-12-27|website=BBC News}}</ref> Among the dead were mostly pilgrims and porters and horsemen who were ferrying pilgrims.<ref name="The Tribune India-2000">{{Cite web|date=3 August 2000|title=Night of massacres leaves 105 dead in valley. Army out in Jammu. Central team in Srinagar|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000803/main1.htm#1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714051835/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000803/main1.htm#1|archive-date=14 July 2017|access-date=2021-12-27|work=The Tribune India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=MacKinnon|first=Ian|date=2 August 2000|title=Muslim militants kill 21 Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir|work=[[The Independent]]|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/muslim-militants-kill-21-hindu-pilgrims-in-kashmir-5370347.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925184434/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/muslim-militants-kill-21-hindu-pilgrims-in-kashmir-711394.html|archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> This attack was part of the larger [[2000 Amarnath pilgrimage massacre|1–2 August 2000 Kashmir massacre]] in five separate coordinated terrorist attacks that killed between 89 (official count) and 105 people (as reported by [[Press Trust of India|PTI]]), and injured at least 62 more.<ref name=oneind1/><ref name="The Tribune India-2000"/> Then Indian Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] blamed [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] for the killings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianembassy.org/new/killings_jk_august_03_2000.htm |title=Prime Minister Vajpayee's statement in Parliament regarding the recent massacre in Jammu & Kashmir |publisher=Indianembassy.org |access-date=2013-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070804025219/http://www.indianembassy.org/new/killings_jk_august_03_2000.htm |archive-date=4 August 2007 }}</ref>

====2001 massacre ====
{{main|
2001 Amarnath pilgrimage massacre}}
On 20 July 2001, a terrorist threw a grenade on a pilgrim night camp at Sheshnag near the Amarnath shrine and at least 13 persons, including three women, were killed in two explosions and firing by militants; two were security officials and three were Muslim civilians.<ref name="ind1">{{Cite web|date=10 July 2017|title=Amarnath terror attack survivor narrates tale of punctured bus tyre and terror strike|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712002443/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html|archive-date=12 July 2017|access-date=12 July 2017|work=India Today}}</ref><ref name="Fazili-2001"/> 15 others were also injured in the attack.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-07-11|title=Amarnath Yatra devotees have faced repeated terror attacks: Here's the blood-soaked history of pilgrimage|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711065834/http://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html|archive-date=11 July 2017|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Firstpost}}</ref>

====2002 massacre ====
{{main|Amarnath pilgrimage terrorist-attack massacre (2002)}}
On 30 July and 6 August 2002, in two separate incidents terrorists from al-Mansuriyan, a front group of Lashkar-e-Taiba, massacred two and nine pilgrims and injured three and 27 people in Srinagar and near Nunwan pilgrimage base camp respectively.<ref name=oneind1/><ref name="Kashmir Herald-2003"/>

====2017 yatra attack ====
{{main|2017 Amarnath Yatra attack}}
Eight Hindu pilgrims were killed on 10 July in a gun [[2017 Amarnath Yatra attack|attack]] returning from Amarnath. The Pakistani outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba was found responsible.<ref>{{cite web|date=6 July 2017|title=Three arrested for attack on Amarnath yatris: IGP Kashmir Munir Khan.|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/three-arrested-for-attack-on-amarnath-yatris-igp-kashmir-munir-khan/articleshow/59941109.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809024854/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/three-arrested-for-attack-on-amarnath-yatris-igp-kashmir-munir-khan/articleshow/59941109.cms|archive-date=9 August 2017|access-date=19 May 2019|work=The Times of India}}</ref>

==Controversies==

===2008 land transfer controversy===
{{main|Amarnath land transfer controversy}}

On 26 May 2008, the [[Government of India]] and the [[state government]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] reached an agreement to transfer {{convert|100|acre|km2}} of forest land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB)<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 June 2008|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|title=SASB CEO replaced over Amarnath land row|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/sasb-ceo-replaced-over-amarnath-land-row-26749-2008-06-28|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|magazine=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518214319/https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/sasb-ceo-replaced-over-amarnath-land-row-26749-2008-06-28 |archive-date=18 May 2021 }}</ref> to set up temporary shelters and facilities for Hindu pilgrims. Kashmiri separatists opposed the move citing reasons that it would jeopardise Article 370 that gives separate identity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and prevents any Indian citizen settling in Kashmir. People in Kashmir staged widespread protests against this decision by the government of India.<ref>{{cite web|last=Raghavan|first=B. S.|date=7 August 2008|title=Jammu is not for burning|url=http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/07guest.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080813125304/http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/07guest.htm|archive-date=13 August 2008|access-date=2013-04-15|work=Rediff.com}}</ref> Due to the protests, the J&K State government relented and reversed the decision to transfer land. As a result, Hindus in the Jammu region launched counter-agitations against this roll back.<ref>{{cite web|date=4 August 2008|title=Economic blockade affects life in Kashmir|url=https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/economic-blockade-affects-life-in-kashmir-35297|url-status=live|access-date=2013-04-15|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902210035/http://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/economic-blockade-affects-life-in-kashmir-35297 |archive-date=2 September 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Bamzai|first=Sandeep|date=6 August 2016|title=Kashmir: No algorithm for Azadi|url=https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/kashmir-no-algorithm-for-azadi/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810045102/https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speaks/kashmir-no-algorithm-for-azadi/|archive-date=10 August 2016|access-date=2021-12-27|website=ORF|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Environmental impact===

Environmentalists have expressed concern that the number of people participating in the Amarnath Yatra is having a negative impact on the area's ecology and some have expressed support for government regulated limits on the number of pilgrims permitted to make the trek.<ref>{{cite web|last=Byerly|first=Rebecca|date=12 March 2012|title=Massive Hindu Pilgrimage Melting Sacred Glacier|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/120312-hindu-pilgrimage-stresses-fragile-himalaya-environment|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317144327/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/120312-hindu-pilgrimage-stresses-fragile-himalaya-environment/|archive-date=17 March 2012|access-date=2013-04-15|work=National Geographic News}}</ref> However no studies have been made nor has an environmental impact assessment done. The Government of India restricts travelers only on the basis on logistics, time window for the yatra and weather.

===Amarnath Cave Temple Yatra tax controversy===

The [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]] had in 2010 issued a notification under the State Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1957, under which vehicles going to Amarnath Yatra will have to pay a tax of {{INR}} 2,000 for seven days and {{INR}} 2,000 per day after that. Similar provisions were made for pilgrims going to [[Vaishno Devi Temple|Sri Mata Vaishno Devi]] under which they need to pay {{INR}} 2000 for a period of three days. India's largest political party the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] expressed its ire over imposition of entry fee and accused the then UPA led central government to direct the Jammu and Kashmir dispensation to desist from making attempts to "discriminate" between followers of various religions. The BJP criticised the decision as "reminiscent of [[Jizya]] imposed during [the] Mughal period on Hindus".

In response to the question in [[Lok Sabha]], then Minister of State for Finance, [[S. S. Palanimanickam]] clarified that tax is levied on all India Tourist Vehicles entering the state and it was therefore not correct to say that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir was levying any additional tax on vehicles going to Amarnath and [[Vaishno Devi]]. He also said that Taxation of Motor vehicles falls under the purview of State Governments as per the seventh schedule of the Constitution of India and Central Government cannot direct the State Government to change the tax rate on vehicles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 June 2010|agency=PTI|title=Remove entry fee on buses to Vaishno Devi, Amarnath: BJP|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-vaishno-devi-amarnath-bjp/articleshow/6064803.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms|archive-date=16 February 2019|access-date=2021-12-27|newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name="Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Government of India-2010"/>

==Popular culture==
[[Santoor]] artiste [[Rahul Sharma (musician)|Rahul Sharma]] named a track after Amarnath Cave temple as "Shiva Linga: The Amarnath Cave".<ref>{{cite web|title=Shiva Linga – The Amarnath Cave: Rahul Sharma|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shiva-Linga-The-Amarnath-Cave/dp/B001OB2PX4|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806112756/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shiva-Linga-The-Amarnath-Cave/dp/B001OB2PX4|archive-date=6 August 2018|access-date=2013-04-15|publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Pilgrims Riding on Ponies on the way to Amarnath.JPG|Pilgrims riding ponies on the way to the Amarnath Cave Temple
File:Breathtaking scenery on way to Amarnath Cave.JPG|On the way to the Amarnath Cave Temple
File:Helicopter service Amarnath.JPG|[[Helicopter]] service up to panjtarni en route to the Amarnath Cave Temple
File:Tent near Amarnath Cave.JPG|Tents are available to hire for a small fee near the base of the imposing Amarnath Cave as visible in the background.
File:(39) Snow Bridge in Chandanwari.jpg|Glacier over [[Lidder River]] in Chandanwari on the way to the Amarnath Cave Temple
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Kanwar Yatra]], another popular Hindu pilgrimage
* [[List of caves#India|List of caves in India]]
* [[List of rock-cut temples in India]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

'''Bibliography'''
* {{Citation|last1=Murukutla|first1=Kartik|title=Amarnath Yatra. A Militarized Pilgrimage|date=March 2017|others=Illustrations by [[Mir Suhail Qadri|Mir Suhail]]|publisher=[[Parvez Imroz#Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS)|Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society]]|last2=Parvez|first2=Khurram|last3=Imroz|first3=Parvez|last4=Seshadri|first4=Swathi|author-link2=Khurram Parvez|author-link3=Parvez Imroz}}
* {{Cite book|title=[[Notes of Some Wanderings with the Swami Vivekananda]]|publisher=Udbodhan, Calcutta|year=1913|editor-last=Swami Saradananda|ref={{sfnref|Sister Nivedita, Notes of Some Wanderings with the Swami Vivekananda|1913}}|author=[[Sister Nivedita]]}}
* {{Cite book|last=Reader|first=Ian|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pW6_AAAAQBAJ|title=Pilgrimage in the Marketplace|date=2013-09-11|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-62589-5|language=en}} 
* {{Cite book|last=Warikoo|first=K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GfF1pTv0PgkC|title=Cultural Heritage of Kashmiri Pandits|date=2009|publisher=Pentagon Press|isbn=978-81-8274-398-4|editor-last=Toshkhani|editor-first=S. S.|chapter=9. Amarnath- The Abode of the God of Immortality|editor2-last=Warikoo|editor2-first=K.}} 
* {{Cite book|last=Lawrence|first=Sir Walter Roper|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ue8LAAAAIAAJ|title=The Valley of Kashmír|date=1895|publisher=H. Frowde|language=en}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}
* Shah, A. R. (2013). [http://www.jstor.org/stable/tibetjournal.38.3-4.57 A Sociology Lens of Pilgrimage Tourism in Kashmir Valley: A Case of Holy Amarnath Pilgrimage]. ''The Tibet Journal'', ''38''(3–4), 57–85.

'''Pilgrim health'''
* {{Cite journal|last1=Koul|first1=Parvaiz A.|last2=Khan|first2=Umar Hafiz|last3=Hussain|first3=Tajamul|last4=Koul|first4=Ajaz Nabi|last5=Malik|first5=Sajjad|last6=Shah|first6=Sanaullah|last7=Bazaz|first7=Sajjad Rajab|last8=Rashid|first8=Wasim|last9=Jan|first9=Rafi Ahmad|date=2013|title=High altitude pulmonary edema among "Amarnath Yatris"|journal=Lung India|volume=30|issue=3|pages=193–198|doi=10.4103/0970-2113.116254|issn=0970-2113|pmc=3775198|pmid=24049253 |doi-access=free }}
* {{Cite journal|last=Navlakha|first=Gautam|date=2006|title=Pilgrim's Progress Causes Regression|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=41|issue=27/28|pages=2975–2977|jstor=4418427|issn=0012-9976}} 
* {{Cite journal|last=Basnyat|first=Buddha|date=2014-12-01|title=High Altitude Pilgrimage Medicine|journal=High Altitude Medicine & Biology|volume=15|issue=4|pages=434–439|doi=10.1089/ham.2014.1088|issn=1527-0297|pmc=5118954|pmid=25330393}} 
* {{Cite journal|last1=Salaria|first1=Amit Kumar|last2=Kumar|first2=Vishal|last3=Kumar|first3=Prasoon|last4=Dogra|first4=Ekta|date=2018|title=Epidemiology of Orthopaedic Morbidities in Pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Yatra|url=https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2018&volume=12&issue=11&page=RC01&issn=0973-709x&id=12213|journal=Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research|doi=10.7860/JCDR/2018/37236.12213|doi-access=free}}

'''Environment'''
* {{Cite web|last=Jameel|first=Yusuf|date=2020-07-22|title=Amarnath ice lingam melts due to high temperature|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/220720/amarnath-ice-lingam-melts-due-to-high-temperature.html|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}} 
*  {{Cite news |last=Shah|first=Umar Manzoor|date=13 June 2019|title=Ecological harm from Hindu glacier pilgrimage|url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/ecological-harm-from-hindu-glacier-pilgrimage/85389 |access-date=2021-12-27|work=[[Union of Catholic Asian News]]}} 
* {{Cite news |date=19 June 2019|title=CRPF to launch 'save environment' campaign during Amarnath Yatra|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jammu/crpf-to-launch-save-environment-campaign-during-amarnath-yatra/articleshow/69854849.cms |access-date=2021-12-27|newspaper=The Times of India}} 
* {{Cite news |date=2009-02-26|title=Environmental issues during Amarnath Yatra to be addressed|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/environmental-issues-during-amarnath-yatra-to-be-addressed/|access-date=2021-12-27|newspaper=The Indian Express|language=en}} 
* {{Cite web|date=14 March 2015|title=Pilgrims welcome but pollution is a worry|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/more/pilgrims-welcome-but-pollution-is-a-worry|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Greater Kashmir}} 
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Amarnath}}
* {{official website|http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com}}
{{Hindu Temples in Jammu and Kashmir}}
{{Shiva temples}}
{{Shaivism}}
{{Jammu and Kashmir}}
{{India topics}}

[[Category:Hindu cave temples in India]]
[[Category:Shiva temples in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Caves of Jammu and Kashmir]]