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Amarnath Baba Barfani: One of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the country is the Amarnath cave, which is situated at a height of roughly 3888 metres above sea level. Every year, thousands of pilgrims brave the challenging terrain and inclement weather to get to Amarnath Dham. The cave is situated between the towering snow-capped peaks of the high Himalayas in the northern state of Jammu & Kashmir. Let us check out some of unknown and interesting facts about this sacred cave. 

During the Yatra season, this quiet, secluded Amarnath Cave comes alive with the throng of pilgrims that assemble around it. (Image Source: Canva)

Amarnath Baba Barfani: Unknown Facts About This Sacred Lord Shiva Temple 

- The “Immortal” Cave - According to legend, Lord Shiva gave Goddess Parvati the "Amar Katha," or the key to his immortality, in the Amarnath cave. The Amarnath cave thus proved to be a brilliant representation of immortality, which epitomises the utmost power in this cosmos.

- Oldest Shrine - Amarnath Cave is thought to be the oldest cave shrine in the world, having existed for approximately 5000 years. The Amarnath cave is mentioned in numerous ancient Indian scriptures, including Bringish Samhita, Amarnatha Mahatmya, Nilamata Purana, and Kalhana's Rajtarangini.  

- Amarnath Lingam - When water from the cave's roof drips to the floor, it freezes. As additional water accumulates and continues to drip, the frozen form rises from the floor to take the shape of an ice stalagmite that resembles a Shiva lingam. The roof of the cave contains fissures where water from Ramkund Lake, which is situated just above Amarnath Cave, seeps in and drips down to the floor, creating an ice lingam that fully forms on the day of Shravan Poornima. This lingam is within the Swayambhu lingam category because it is a self-manifesting lingam that develops naturally without the assistance of humans.

- Re-Discovered By Muslim Shephard - It is believed that Buta Malik, a Muslim shepherd from Batakot, rediscovered the cave. According to the account, the shepherd got disoriented while leading his flock of sheep. When he was looking for his herd of sheep, he came upon an elderly saint who gave Buta Malik a sack full of charcoal. To his complete surprise, Buta Malik discovered upon arriving home with the bag of charcoal that it had turned into gold. He went back to thank the saint right away, but instead of seeing the saint there, he discovered a cave that would eventually be referred to as the "Amarnath cave."

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- Pair Of Pegions At Amarnath - During their Amarnath Yatra, pilgrims have claimed to have spotted a pair of pigeons, which lends some legitimacy to the legend of the mating pigeons who listened in on Lord Shiva as he revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. These pigeons have become immortal as a result of discovering the secret, and pilgrims frequently see them in the Amarnath cave. 



(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)