Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath

Mahamaya Shakti Peeth is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas located at Mount Amarnath, Jammu and Kashmir. It is treated as one of the important holiest places as part of Hinduism. Challenging mountain terrain and climate, thousands of devotees come to this shrine. It is believed that the temple is much older than 5000 years. In the temple, we find ice stalagmite forms of goddess Mahamaya and Lord Shiva as Trisandhyasvar and Lord Ganesh.

Significance: 

1. According to the mythology Daksha yagna and Sati self-immolation, it is the holy place where Sati Devi’s “Throat” fell down.
2. When goddess Sati self-immolated lord Shiva led an austere life here.
3. It is the cave where Lord Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to goddess Parvati.

Legend:

When Lord Shiva accepted the request to explain the secret of life and immortality, he chose Amarnath cave to reveal the secret (if someone hears the secret of immortality then they may become mortal). In order to keep the place private, he left Nandi at Pahalgam, the crescent moon at Chandanwari, snakes at the banks of river Sehsnag, Lord Ganesh at Mahagunas Parvat and panch Bhoothas at Panchtarni.

In order to maintain the secrecy of eternity Lord Shiva created Rudra named Kalagni (fire) and insisted him to spread the fire around the mount so that no living being enters the cave and if any living being exists they may leave the place. Then Lord Shiva took Samadhi on the skin of deer. Although he took many precautions, there were two pigeon eggs under the deerskin, when the pigeons came out they became immortal as they heard the secret of immortality.

Read More>> Kalmadhava Shakti Peeth Amarkantak

Discovery of Lingat:

During the 15th century, there lived a shepherd named Buta Mallik. Once a saint gave a bag of coal, and it turned into gold when he reached his home. He returned to the place to thank the saint but he disappeared, and in search, he found a holy cave and Shiva Linga. He narrated the whole story to his villagers and started worshipping.

Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Timing:

The Mahamaya Shakti Peeth in Amarnath is open to the public from July to August (Vyas Purnima to Shravan Purnima) only. The temple timings are as follows:

Opening: 6:00 AM Closing: 6:00 PM

Devotees have to reach Panchtarni before 3:00 PM to take pony ride/ trek. If they reach after 3:00 PM, then they are not allowed to go to the temple on that day. They have to stay overnight in a camp in Panchtarni and then go for a temple darshan in the morning.

As of now, the Mahamaya Shakti Peeth is closed for the season. It will reopen on July 2, 2024.

Read More>> Mithila Shakti Peeth Bihar-Nepal

Here are some nearby places that you can consider visiting.:

1. Pahalgam: A scenic town and a base for the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. It offers beautiful landscapes, rivers, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
2. Srinagar: The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, known for its Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal gardens, and the old city’s charm.
3. Gulmarg: Famous for its lush green meadows, Gulmarg is a popular hill station and a hub for adventure sports, particularly skiing and trekking.
4. Sonmarg: A breathtaking valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering trekking and camping opportunities.
5. Betaab Valley: Named after the Bollywood movie “Betaab” that was shot here, this valley is known for its lush greenery and serene surroundings.
6. Shankaracharya Temple: Located on a hill in Srinagar, this ancient temple offers panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake.
7. Saffron Fields: Visit saffron fields in Pampore, near Srinagar, during the saffron harvest season.
8. Awantipora Ruins: Explore these ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which date back to the 9th century.

Read More>> Thanumalayan Temple Suchindram

FAQ:

What is Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath?

Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hinduism. It is located in the Amarnath cave in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft), about 141 km from Srinagar.

What is the significance of Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath?

According to Hindu mythology, Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath is the place where the throat of Sati Devi fell after she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire of her father Daksha Prajapati. Sati Devi is the consort of Lord Shiva, and her body parts fell at 51 different places across India, which are now known as Shakti Peethas.

What is the history of Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath?

The exact history of Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath is unknown, but it is believed to be over 5,000 years old. The first recorded mention of the cave is in the 15th century, when a shepherd named Buta Malik discovered the Shivalinga inside the cave.

What is the present status of Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath?

Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. The cave is open for devotees from July to August, and it is estimated that over 1 million people visit the cave each year.

What are the important festivals celebrated at Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath?

The most important festivals celebrated at Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath are:

• Shravani Mela: This 45-day festival is held in the month of Shravan (July-August). It is the most important festival at the cave, and it attracts millions of devotees from all over India.
• Navratri: This nine-day festival is celebrated twice a year, in the months of Chaitra (March-April) and Ashvin (September-October). Devotees fast and pray to the goddess during this festival.
• Shivaratri: This festival is celebrated in the month of February-March. It is celebrated to commemorate the marriage of Shiva and Parvati.

What are the important pilgrimage routes to Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath?

There are two main pilgrimage routes to Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath:

• Baltal route: This route is 46 km long and takes about 3-4 days to complete. The journey starts from Baltal, which is a small town in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Pahalgam route: This route is 48 km long and takes about 4-5 days to complete. The journey starts from Pahalgam, which is a popular tourist destination in the Kashmir Valley.

What are the important things to keep in mind while visiting Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath?

The following are some important things to keep in mind while visiting Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath:

• The journey to the cave is challenging and requires good physical fitness.
• The weather conditions at the cave can be extreme, so it is important to be prepared.
• It is advisable to travel with a guide or group of people.

Google Maps: