The Story of the Holy Cave
Introduction
In the interior of the beautiful Kashmir hills, there exists a cave at a height of four thousand meters. For almost ten months of the year, it remains a forbidden spot. However, in August, a stream of pilgrims traverses miles of snow and silence to gather at this holy site. Remarkably, there is no temple or man-made monument in the vicinity.
The Divine Sight
Yet, inside the cave, a luminous snow gradually forms into the symbol of Shiva. Devotees who meditate there feel that the interior is charged with the divine presence of Shiva.
The Story of Immortality
It is no surprise that a believer should feel such reverence, for this cave has been hallowed by Lord Shiva in a distant past. Legend has it that not only did he sit there with his consort, Parvati, but he also revealed profound mysteries to her—mysteries that were known only to himself and the other two deities of the great Trinity: Brahma and Vishnu.
Parvati’s Curiosity
This remarkable story began in their sanctuary on Mount Kailash, where one day Parvati questioned Shiva, “Why don’t you wear something better than a garland of skulls? And why are you so fond of it that you never take it off?” Shiva smiled and remained silent.
However, when Parvati persisted, he revealed that the garland was no ordinary one; it was made from the skulls of Parvati herself! She had been born multiple times as the daughter of the Himalayas and, upon each death, Shiva collected her skulls to decorate his garland. Each skull belonged to his eternal consort.
The Desire for Immortality
Intrigued, Parvati remarked, “It is strange that I must die and be reborn while you remain immortal.” Curious to learn if there was a secret to immortality, she urged Shiva to share it with her. Shiva was willing to disclose this secret but insisted that no one else should overhear.
The Sacred Cave
Seeking a secluded place free from the presence of gods, men, animals, or birds, Shiva found the cave where he sat on a rock with Parvati by his side. He began narrating the lore of immortality, and Parvati listened intently, providing brief responses to his questions.
However, to his astonishment, when Shiva completed his narration, he discovered that Parvati had fallen asleep midway. He wondered who had been responding to him. Suddenly, a tiny bird emerged from below the rock and flew away. Shiva attempted to catch it, but it vanished, eventually entering the mouth of a great sage’s wife. This bird would later be reborn as the renowned sage Shuka, but that is a tale for another day.
The Holy Cave of Amarnath
The holy cave in Kashmir is indeed the same cave where Shiva narrated the lore of immortality. It is known as Amarnath, the Lord of Immortality.