Amarnath Yatra: Know The Story Of Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati And 2 Pigeons

The name of Shiva’s holy cave Amarnath comes from joining two words, Amar and Nath, where Amar means immortal and Nath means the lord. We asked our expert, Dr Jai Madaan about the famous story of Amarnath, according to ancient scriptures. Scroll down to read this article and know about the Katha of Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati and two pigeons.

Katha Of Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati And Two Pigeons

According to the legend, on the way to the Amarnath cave, Lord Shiva left Nandi in Pahalgam and freed the Moon from his hair at Chandanwari. He let go of the snake in his neck at the shores of Lake Sheshnag and left his son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain). Lord Shiva left the five elements; Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Sky, behind at Panjtarni and performed the Tandava dance as a representation of his sacrifice of the material world.

Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, then finally entered the Amarnath Cave where they both materialised as an ice Lingam. Lord Shiva took the form of a lingam made of ice and Maa Parvati transformed into a yoni made of rock. Sage Bhrigu (a popular Rishi in the Hindu religion) was the first one to find the Amarnath cave, according to the legend.

Lord Shiva leaving everything he had, Nandi, the Moon and every other thing, behind is a representation of the requirement of leaving all material things and practising detachment for the realisation of your ultimate goal. You should let go of anything that doesn’t contribute to your purpose.

The devotees from all over India visit Amarnath every year to seek Lord Shiva's blessings (Shiva Tattoo Designs). It is said that the ice from the cave's roof melting and falling to the ground to form Shivling signifies the creation of the universe and Lord Shiva picked this particular cave to share the secrets of immortality with Goddess Parvati.

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Amarnath Katha

It is said that Maa Parvati fell asleep while Lord Shiva was telling her the Amar Katha but two pigeons were a silent audience to the Amar Katha who kept cooing. Upon discovering that the pigeons were listening to him, Lord Shiva got angry and tried to diminish them but the pigeons gave him a witty reply saying that killing them would defeat the whole purpose of the Amar Katha. Bholenath was moved by their argument and decided to spare their lives, granting them the boon of eternal life and bestowing upon them the insignia of being Shiva and Parvati in the Amarnath Cave. To date, the immortal Amarnath pigeons reside in the Amarnath Cave, bearing witness to the sacred story they overheard long ago. (Wonder of Stambheshwar Mahadev)

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