Mahamaya/Mahamaya Shakti Peeth Amarnath

Location: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Festivals: Shravan

Main Deity: Lord Shiva, Mata Parvati, and Lord Ganesh

Languages: Hindi & English

Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (28 June to 22 August 2021 )

Mahamaya Shakti Peeth is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas located at Amarnath Cave, Jammu, and Kashmir. The Amarnath cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters (12,756 feet). The entire area is covered with snow most of the year except for a short period of time in summer when it is accessible for pilgrims. It is also called Parvati Shakti Peeth.

It is treated as one of the essential holiest places as part of Hinduism. Challenging hill terrain and climate, too many devotees come to this shrine. It is believed that the temple is much older than 5000 years.

History and Significance of Mahamaya Shaktipeeth

The chief legend of Tripurmalini relates to the creation of the Shakti Peethas. Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, was married to the god Shiva versus his wishes. Daksha arranged a great yajna but did not invite Sati and also Shiva. Uninvited, Sati reached the yajna site, where Daksha ignored Sati as well as Shiva.

Sati is Not able to withstand this insult. So, Devi Sati gave her life by jumping into the fire of Havan organized by her father King Daksh. When Lord Shiva was running around the planet carrying her body Lord Vishnu divided the body into 51 parts utilizing his Sudarshan chakra. Out of those 51 parts, from which the ‘Throat’ of Sati fell to this place.