Saturday, July 16, 2005

Pahalgam…Shepherd’s Village


“Pahal” means Shepherd in Kashmiri and “Gam” means a Village)
Just 90 km from Srinagar, Pahalgam is an idyllic resort, located on the banks of river Lidder. It is a base for several treks in the region, and for the annual pilgrimage to the cave-shrine of Amarnath. The surroundings are ideal and allow for relaxation and leisure in the true sprit of a traditional hill-station holiday.
Situated at the confluence of the Lidder and Sheshnag streams, and set amidst fir and pine covered mountains. Pahalgam is renowned for its natural beauty. Today this shepherd’s village has become a beautiful resort, also important as a starting point for treks and excursions.
Amarnath.
The shrine of Amarnath is believed to be abode of Lord Shiva. A stalactite, formed by water dipping through the limestone roof of the cave, has formed in the shape of a natural ‘Lingam’. The ‘Lingam’ waxes and wanes with the moon. Each year, in the month of Sawan (July/August), several thousand pilgrims start for the cave from Pahalgam to make obeisance on the full-moon day.

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