By: Vijay Kumar Verma, Editor-ICN Group
CHANDIGARH: Just, who, in India may not have heard of Pahalgam, which beside being a popular tourist destination, is also related to one of the most popular base camps for pilgrims bound for the holy shrine of Amarnath? Every year thousands of visitors from all over the country throng this place during yatra days.
Amarnath Yatra is considered one among the four major pilgrimages of India, and devotees trek through the arduous route taking off from south Kashmir Himalayas to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji every year. The temple is opened for devotees only during summers, in the month of July to August.
People rush to see the Ice image of Lord Shiva that is formed in the shape of a Lingam.The image incredibly waxes and wanes with the sight of Moon. People of Hindu faith in India consider this religious journey as one of the major tasks of their life that can fairly show them the path to heaven. So, during the yatra days Pahalgam remains crowded with devotees.
During the lean season, however, the tourists come here not only to seek leisure in the lap of Nature, but also to explore the unexplored.
Our trip to the paradise of earth, could not have been complete without a visit to this lovely place. As we embarked on the 90 kms (approximate) long journey by road, we came across stacks of willow wood planks atop shops, specialising in cricket bat making.
We learnt that the quality of wood found in this part of Kashmir is most appropriate for making cricket bats. The logs of willow wood are seasoned before being crafted for cricket.
Most of the tourists passing by, make a few purchases. However, business mainly flourishes on wholesale trade. Dozens of shops and factories were visible along the roadside.
A little further, we took a halt at a historical monument in Awantipura which we could instantly relate to a popular film Hyder starring Shahid Kapoor. A dance number of this film was shot at this place.
The town of Awantipura we learn had been built by the King Awantivarman, the founder of Utpala dynasty which ruled the region of Kashmir during the 9th century. Awantivarman was a believer of Vaishnava Cult and hence got a grand temple constructed and dedicated it to Lord Vishnu. The diety was named as Lord Awantiswamin.
To honor the request of his minister Sura who was a believer of Lord Shiva, Awantivarman also got another temple constructed for Awantishwara where the chief deity was Lord Shiva. The two grand temples which are now in ruins are located at a distance of 1km apart. Both the temples were much below the ground level and were covered completely in silt from various lakes which once covered the valleys of Kashmir.
After a short break and clicking pictures of the ruins and enjoying quick snacks, we headed for our dream destination, Pahalgam.
Located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam is one of the most splendid tourist destinations in India.
The town is famous for the scenic charm of the Liddar Valley. Situated at an altitude of 2740 meters, Pahalgam is bounded by the mighty Himalayas on all sides.
There are numerous tourist attractions which offer a great time to holiday hunters. The lush green forests, sparkling lakes and narrow, deep gorges offer breathtaking picturesque views, which one will remember throughout one’s life.
Pahalgam once used to be a village of shepherds and is presently also known as “The Valley of Shepherds”. In fact, the holy cave of Amarnath is believed to have been discovered by Buta Malik, a Muslim shepherd.
In a cave, he saw enshrined, the naturally formed Shivling, made of ice. Since then, it has become the most visited holy place for Shivaites.
Beside its scenic charm and breathtaking views, the pleasant weather of the place is an added attraction.
Before we could muster strength to venture around, torrential rain and pangs of hunger impelled us to seek refuge in a restaurant specialising in Kashmiri delicacies.
Besides the icy breeze, the thought of frequent militant attacks in the town send shivers down the spine. But our local benefactor assured us that our fears were unfounded, since, the activists do no harm to tourists.
Pahalgam is an ideal spot to experience all sorts of adventure activities.Tourism in Pahalgam, has all in store from amazing sites like Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Baisaran, Kolahoi Glacier, Lidder River, Tarsir Lake to Mamaleshwara Temple, Panchtarni, besides Amarnath Yatra and many more.
Lidder river originates from Kolhoi Glacier near Sonamarg and gives rise to Lidder Valley. It runs southwards through the alpine meadows of Lidderwat in region of Aru, from which it got its name. It covers 30 kilometres before reaching Pahalgam where it becomes a major tributary of East Lidder from Sheshnag Lake. It then runs westwards until it meets the Jehlum River at Mirgund Khanabal near Anantnag. It has crystal blueish water and Pahalgam is situated in the center of Lidder Valley.
There are arrangements for trekking, Horse Riding (Pony Ride), Rafting, Fishing and Golf. For the religious environment, there are a number of temples and places of worship. The hilly terrains of Pahalgam are extremely alluring for trekking.
It is also a shoppers’ paradise. One can buy fine quality shawls, farens (long woolen ponchos), carpets and embroidered clothing from the local markets in Pahalgam.
The fishing license holders can try their hands on the special fishing activity of Pahalgam as well.
As we headed towards the base camp of Amarnath Yatra, the mist and rains stopped us midway. We ventured along the banks of river Lidder and gorged on the delicacies from our food basket .The serenity of the environment was a refreshing change from the pandemonium of the city.
Soon the sky was covered with the shimmering reddish veil of the setting sun.The snowclad peaks of the famous Mahgunas pass were bathed in the hue of the golden sun that was getting ready to swap position with the moon.
The valley was an enchanting panorama of colours as dusk gradually covered the land. The beautiful scene is still alive in my mind’s eye. Before Lady Evening could cast her dark shadow over the valley, we reached home, safe and sound.
