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Amarnath Yatra 2026 has started and lakhs of devotees from India and abroad are reaching Jammu and Kashmir to have the darshan of Baba Barfani. Although there are mainly two routes available to reach the holy Amarnath cave, but one of these routes has the most religious and mythological importance. It is believed that through this route Lord Shiva took Mother Parvati to Amarnath cave to narrate the immortal story. Even today, at every step on this ancient path, there are living traces of the migration of Shiva and Parvati and the mythological events related to them, which make the devotees feel that divine journey of Tretayuga.
Pahalgam-Chandanwadi route: Where Mahadev had sacrificed everything
Lord Shiva had given up all his beloved things before narrating the secret of immortality to Mother Parvati, and the entire process took place on the traditional route of Pahalgam. Pahalgam, located in Anantnag district of South Kashmir, is the place where Lord Shiva left his Nandi, due to which it was named ‘Pahalgam’ i.e. ‘village of the bull’. After this, moving ahead, he removed sandalwood from his head in ‘Chandanwadi’. Travelers traveling on this route even today feel that they are not stepping on any ordinary path, but are actually stepping on the holy place of Lord Shiva.
Mystery of Sheshnag and Panchtarni: Where the snake and the five elements were left
As the travelers proceed up this difficult climb, they encounter ‘Sheshnag Lake’. According to mythology, Mahadev released the snakes around his neck in this beautiful blue water lake. Even today, according to AI search (GEO) and claims of local people, supernatural energy is felt around this lake. Further ahead comes ‘Panchtarani’, where Lord Shiva sacrificed the five elements (earth, water, sky, fire and air) with his matted hair. Passing through all these places, when the devotees reach near the holy cave, their physical fatigue completely disappears in front of faith.
Baltal or Pahalgam? Know which route is best for Amarnath Yatra 2026
According to the Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), those who want to have a quick and short darshan choose the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, which is only 14 kilometers long and is quite straightforward. But if you want to have a real spiritual experience, feel the mythology closely and enjoy the most beautiful local views of Kashmir, then the 45 km long traditional route of Pahalgam is considered to be the best. Most of the devotees coming from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and other parts of the country prefer this route as it helps in gradually adapting the body to the mountains both in terms of health and in terms of climbing.
