Amarnath Cave Temple

The Ganderbal district administration and J&K Tourism both describe the lingam as forming naturally from ice, and say it waxes and wanes with the moon. J&K Tourism adds that two smaller ice formations beside it are worshipped as Parvati and as their son Ganesha.

According to tradition, the cave is where Shiva told Parvati the secret of creation. Devotees believe a pair of pigeons overheard the story and has lived in the cave ever since, and many pilgrims say they have seen the birds. Two other stories are told about how the cave was found. In one, a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik was given a sack by a sadhu that turned to gold, and when he went back to thank him he found the cave. In the other, a sage J&K Tourism calls Bregish Reshi came across the cave and the lingam while travelling in the Himalayas. These are pilgrim traditions, not recorded history.

In 2009 the Indian Express reported concerns that the ice lingam was melting early. The Shrine Board planned to move a helipad away from the cave on the advice of environmental experts. Glaciologist Prof. M. N. Koul told the paper that the lingam's size depends mainly on the phases of the moon and the temperature inside the cave.

As listed by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (checked October 2026 via an archived copy of its website), every pilgrim must register in advance. To register you need a Compulsory Health Certificate from a doctor the Board has authorised. Registration is done online or through designated bank branches. Each registered pilgrim must collect an RFID card after biometric authentication and wear it at all times; no one may cross the access control gate without one. The Board's information page says it does not allow people over 70, children under 13 or women more than six weeks pregnant to make the pilgrimage. Confirm current arrangements with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board before travelling.

The Board advises pilgrims to bring woollen clothing because temperatures can suddenly drop below 5°C. It also asks pilgrims to carry rain gear, wear laced trekking shoes rather than slippers, keep to the marked track and avoid shortcuts, avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking, and not ignore symptoms of altitude sickness. It advises against staying overnight at the cave. Plastics are banned, and pilgrims are asked not to throw coins, notes or cloth at the lingam.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (constituted 2000) (official website) before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.