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.
