Miracles Done by Shiva on His Way to Amarnath

Devotees plan a trip to Amarnath every year during the month of July and to reach here, they cross numerous stops in between. All these spots have religious importance because it is said that Shiva along with Parvati had stopped at each of these destinations while on his way to Amarnath making the entire way blissful.

Pahalgam

This was the first spot where Shiva stopped to rest while on his way to Amarnath. It is said that he left his �vahana�, Nandi, at this location. Pahalgam is 96 kms from Srinagar and is surrounded by mountain peaks.

Chandanbadi

The next stop of Shiva was Chandanbadi. It is 16 kms from Pahalgam. According to beliefs, Lord Shiva sacrificed the moon from his head here. The moon then waited for Lord Shiva to return. This is how the name of this place became Chandanbadi.

Pissu Top

Slightly ahead of Chandanbadi is Pissu Top, which was Shiva and Parvati�s third stop. It is said that at Pissu Top, a fight occurred between the gods and demons as to who will visit the Amarnath first. It was with Lord Shiva�s help that the demons were defeated and a mountain of their dead bodies was formed. 

Sheshnag

After Pissu Top, Shiva next stopped at Sheshnag. It is said that here Lord Shiva had dropped the snake from his neck. There is a lake of blue water here, which proves that this is the place of Sheshnag. It is 12 kms from Chandanbadi.

Mahaguna Mountain

This place is around 5 kms from Sheshnag at an altitude of 14,000 feet. It is believed that Lord Shiva had left his beloved son Ganesha here. 

Panchatrani

6 kms from Mahaguna Mountain, Shiva halted here to sacrifice the 5 Panchabhutas here, i.e. space, air, water, fire and earth. Here there is the confluence of five rivers. It is believed that the five rivers flowing here come out from the tangles of Lord Shiva�s hair.

Amarnath Cave

This was the final destination of Shiva�s journey with Parvati. The cave is situated at an altitude of 13,500 feet. The path of 3 kms to the cave is covered with snow. The cave is about 100 feet long and 150 feet wide. It is this cave where the ice-Shivaling is formed and this is also the place where Shiva told the secret of immortality to Parvati.