Amarnath

The Amarnath Temple is considered one of the holiest Hindu shrines, and is located inside a cave in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Even though the temple is at an altitude of nearly 4,000 metres (2.5 mi), thousands of people make a religious pilgrimage there every year. Depending on which route you take, the pilgrimage will be 14–48 kilometres (8.7–29.8 mi) and take 2–5 days going round trip. While you can only register to visit the temple if you live in India, it can be a rewarding trip to take. However, because difficult terrain and conditions can make it strenuous to reach the temple, you may not be able to go if you have health concerns. Plan to visit between June and August. Since snow and ice usually cover the cave temple, you won’t be able to access it during the cold winter and spring months. Wait until mid-June or July to plan your trip to the Amarnath Temple. Usually, the cave stays open through the first 1–2 weeks of August before it closes due to the terrain getting too difficult for travel. X Research source • The actual dates when you can travel to the temple are chosen by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and it varies depending on the weather and how clear the trails are. • You will not be able to reach the Amarnath Temple at any other time of the year. Get a Compulsory Health Certificate by a doctor approved by the SASB. Look at the list of approved doctors on the SASB website and schedule an appointment to see one. Bring the Compulsory H...

The appropriate dose of amaranth depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for amaranth. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your Bressani, R., de Martell, E. C., and de Godinez, C. M. Protein quality evaluation of amaranth in adult humans. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr. 1993;43(2):123-143. View abstract. Devadas, R. P. and Murthy, N. K. Biological utilization of beta-carotene from amaranth and leaf protein in preschool children. World Rev.Nutr.Diet. 1978;31:159-161. View abstract. Gonor, K. V., Pogozheva, A. V., Derbeneva, S. A., Mal'tsev, G. I., Trushina, E. N., and Mustafina, O. K. [The influence of a diet with including amaranth oil on antioxidant and immune status in patients with ischemic heart disease and hyperlipoproteidemia]. Vopr.Pitan. 2006;75(6):30-33. View abstract. Gonor, K. V., Pogozheva, A. V., Kulakova, S. N., Medvedev, F. A., and Miroshnichenko, L. A. [The influence of diet with including amaranth oil on lipid metabolism in patients with ischemic heart disease and hyperlipoproteidemia]. Vopr.Pitan. 2006;75(3):17-21. View abstract. Haskell, M. J., Pandey, P., Graham, J. M., Peerson, J. M., Shrestha, R. K., and Brown, K. H. Recovery from impaired dark adaptation in nightblind pregnant Nepali wome...

Amaranth is an ancient grain that is similar to quinoa. The small, light tan colored seed is cooked similarly to rice and oats and eaten as a pilaf or porridge. Amaranth is also ground into a flour and used in baking, particularly in recipes that are gluten-free. Amaranth is sold as both seed and flour and is often found in the health food section of the supermarket. • Shelf Life: 4 months • Sold as: seed and flour • Related to: quinoa What Is Amaranth? Amaranth is considered a " Amaranthaceae. Like other cereal grains and pseudocereals, amaranth can be prepared in its whole seed form or ground into flour. Since it's gluten-free, amaranth flour is a popular ingredient with Amaranth vs. Quinoa Because these seeds are from the same family, they share several qualities. Although amaranth and quinoa are referred to as ancient grains, they are both seeds; the two pseudocereals are also naturally gluten-free. Compared to other grains, amaranth and quinoa have short cooking times, although it does take slightly longer for amaranth to reach the desired doneness. A visual difference is size: amaranth is a much smaller grain than quinoa. Another obvious differentiation is found in the aroma and flavor. Amaranth is much more distinctive compared to quinoa, with a grassy smell and nutty, strong herbal taste that can be overwhelming for some. While quinoa's mildness allows it to take on the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish, amaranth takes center stage. Another way to use am...

× This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. × This article is based on scientific evidence, written by Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Amaranth: A Gluten-Free, Protein-Rich Grain Full of Benefits By Christine Ruggeri, CHHC April 3, 2023 Amaranth is the common name for more than 60 different species of amaranthus. This gluten-free grain was a major food crop of the Aztecs, and some estimate that it was domesticated between 6,000 and 8,000 years ago. Because of the high proteins, minerals and vitamins present in amaranth seeds, these ancient cultures depended on th...

By Air: The nearest airport to Amarnath is in By Rail: Amarnath does not boast of a railway station and the nearest railhead is at By Road: Given the treacherous nature of the terrain, there are no good roads connecting Amarnath to other cities. Tourists can reach till Baltal and Pahalgam by road and then they will have to rely on themselves for a trek up to the cave. Getting by in Amarnath: The major attraction in Amarnath is the Cave. People brave the difficult terrain and weather for a glimpse of the Shiva ling. Apart from this there isn’t much to see and people have to move around by foot, in palanquins or atop mountain ponies. Summer (March to June): Summer is considered the best season for visiting Amarnath. The weather is amiable. It is neither too hot nor too cold. Most importantly, the cave where the Shivalingam appears every year remains covered with snow for major part of the year and becomes visible only during summer. The lingam too starts forming during the months of June and August, which signals the beginning of Amarnath Yatra. Monsoon (July to September): The Amarnath Yatra commences in July and continues till September. The Yatra coincides with the auspicious Hindu month of Shravana, the month where Shiva is worshipped with much pomp and show. Monsoon months often cause sudden unseasonal blizzards that could become fatal and hence necessary precautions are required while visiting Amarnath. Winter (October to February): Owing to high altitude, winters in A...

The health advisory aims to enhance the safety of pilgrims following the unfortunate incidents of 42 pilgrim deaths during the Amarnath Yatra in 2022 due to natural causes. The government has implemented several measures, including the mandatory requirement of a health certificate, installation of oxygen booths, and the establishment of hospitals at various locations along the yatra route, to ensure the well-being of pilgrims. Akash Ambani, Shloka Mehta Ambani Name Their Second Child Veda The food menu bans the consumption of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, gutka, pan masala, smoking, and other intoxicants for religious reasons. Additionally, aerated cold drinks have been prohibited, while alternatives such as herbal tea, coffee, low-fat milk, fruit juices, lemon squash, and vegetable soup are permitted along the route. The guidelines also prohibit fried rice but allow the consumption of normal rice and light food options such as roasted chana, poha, uthappam, idli, as well as dal-roti and chocolate. Foods like kheer, oats, dry fruits, honey, and boiled sweets are permitted. However, heavy items including chhola-bhatura, pooris, pizza, burgers, dosas, chowmein, and other fried foods are not allowed during the Amarnath Yatra.