Amarnath Yatra: The Amarnath cave is the Hindu shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This cave is located at a very high altitude of about 3,888 m (12,756 ft), 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, capital of Jammu and Kashmir and can be reached through the town of Pahalgam. This shrine plays an important role in Hinduism, and is also considered to be among the holiest shrines as mentioned in Hinduism. The cave is bordered by beautiful snowy mountains. This cave itself though is white with snow almost throughout the year, excepting for a short period during the summer when it is generally opened for the pilgrims. Thousands of the Hindu devotees pay an annual Yatra to this Amarnath cave on the challenging mountainous terrain, overcoming difficulties to see the ice stalagmite that has been formed inside the cave.
This temple is a very popular destination for the Hindus. In 2011 it had received 634,000 persons, the highest number for this site. Pilgrims usually visit this holy site during a 45-day season near the time of Shravani Mela during July–August, that co-insides with the holy month of Shraavana. The prelude of the annual pilgrimage, the Amarnath Yatra usually is marked by the ‘pratham pujan’ to seek the blessings from Shri Amarnathji.
Hindu Mythology states that is that cave where Lord Shiva explained the secret of life, eternity to Parvati. Two ice formations represent Shiva’s wife Parvati and son, Ganesha.
Vaishno Devi Yatra: It is among the holiest Hindu temples that have been dedicated to Shakti, located on the hills of Vaishno Devi, that is in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Hinduism claims, Vaishno Devi, as Mata Rani and also Vaishnavi, a manifestation of Mother Goddess.
This temple is situated near the town called Katra, in Reasi district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, being one of the most religious places of worship in the North of India. The shrine itself is placed at a high altitude of about 5200 feet and at a distance of about 14 kilometres (or 8.4 miles) from Katra. Almost 8 million yatris visit this temple every year and this makes it the second most visited shrine in India, following the evergreen Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
Route: Devotees generally travel on their foot, either right from Srinagar or Pahalgam. However the latter journey takes about 5 days. However, recently special changes have ushered in. Vaishnodevi and Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter is now possible. Vaishno devi Helicopter Yatra is as exciting as you may think of.
Amarnath Yatra with Vaishno Devi by Helicopter highlights are as follows:
Visit to the Golden Temple, Visit to the Wagah Border, Visit to Jalianwala Bagh, Amarnath Yatra with Vaishnodevi, and Internal flight (domestic).
