An Introduction to Spoken Kashmiri
Chapter 30
Chapter 30: Visiting the Amarnath Cave
Visiting the Amarnath Cave
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THE SOUNDS OF KASHMIRI
Visiting the Amarnath Cave


Visiting the Amarnath Cave
A conversation on visiting the Amarnath Cave. This cave is situated at a height of more than twelve thousand feet above sea level. Around the month of August, it attracts religious-minded Hindus from all over India.

Ashok: Hello, Mohan. How are you?

Mohan: Hello. (Yes) I am fine. When did you return from Tulmul?

Ashok: I came yesterday. This is the time (for me) to visit the Amarnath Cave. I am thinking of going there. How far is it?

Mohan: Amarnath is about eighty miles from Srinagar. Go, you will enjoy it very much.

Ashok: How does one go there?

Mohan: One goes by bus up to Pahalgam, and from Pahalgam you may go on horseback or on a stretcher.

Ashok: How many people go there?

Mohan: Oh, thousands. They come from all parts of India. A large number of sadhus also go there. The government makes arrangements for everything.

Holyman
Holyman


Ashok: What kind of arrangements are there?

Mohan: Everything, of course: doctors, medicine, food, clothing, and police.

Ashok: What is the road to Amarnath like?

Mohan: Up to Pahalgam, the road is good. After that one has to climb over mountains.

Ashok: That means the journey is difficult?

Mohan: Yes, very difficult. One has to walk over snow.

Ashok: At what elevation is Amarnath located?

Mohan: About thirteen thousand feet.

Ashok: What is there on the mountain top?

Mohan: Amarnath is a place for pilgrimage. There is a spring and a cave on the top of the mountain. Before entering the cave, all the pilgrims take a bath in the spring.

Ashok: What is inside the cave?

Shiva lingam
Shiva lingam


Mohan: It is said that on  a lingam of (Lord) Shiva, made of snow, appears in the cave. All the pilgrims worship it. At that time a pair of pigeons also appears there.

Ashok: It must be a beautiful place. How many days does it take to get there?

Mohan: It takes about four to five days.

Ashok: Perhaps I will go to Amarnath.

Mohan: Oh yes, you should go. You will enjoy it.

Ashok: All right, goodbye. I will come tomorrow to talk to you again.

Mohan: Yes, by all means. Goodbye.
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