Amarnath Temple

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Amarnath Temple
Amarnath Temple Location in Jammu and Kashmir
Coordinates:	34°12′54″N 75°30′03″E / 34.2149°N 75.5008°E / 34.2149; 75.5008Coordinates: 34°12′54″N 75°30′03″E / 34.2149°N 75.5008°E / 34.2149; 75.5008
Name
Proper name:	Cave Temple of Lord Amarnath
Location
Country:	India
State:	Jammu and Kashmir
Location:	Amarnath
Architecture and culture
Primary deity:	Amarnath (Shiva)
History
Creator:	Natural formation

Located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and situated on Mount Amarnath, the Amarnath caves (Hindi: अमरनाथ गुफा, Urdu: امرناتھ گُپھا) are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism. Dedicated to the god Shiva, the shrine is said to be over 5,000 years old. The shrine forms an important part of Hindu mythology.^[1].
Inside the main Amarnath cave lies an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga, which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter.^[2] This lingam is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival.^[3] According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati.^[4] Two other ice formations represent Parvati and Shiva's son, Ganesha.
The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft),^[2] about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Reserve Police Force, Indian Army and Indian Paramilitary Forces maintain a strong presence in the region due to security concerns.^[5]

Contents [hide] 1 History 2 Pilgrimage 2.1 1990s Problems 2.2 2000 Massacre 2.3 2007 melting controversy 2.4 2008 Land transfer controversy 3 See also 4 References 5 External links

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