Pahalgam is a town and a notified area committee in Anantnag district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination and hill station. Its lush green meadows and pristine waters attract thousands of tourists from all over the world each year. It is located from Anantnag on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of. Pahalgam is the headquarters of one of the five tehsils of Anantnag district. Pahalgam is associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari, located from Pahalgam is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the months of July–August.
Etymology
Pahalgam was originally called Bail Gaon meaning where HinduGod Shiva left his bull before entering Amarnath Cave
History
Pahalgam is a holy site for Hindus. Hindu god Shiva recited Amrit Wachan in Pahalgam. Before entering Amarnath Cave Lord Shiva left Nandi, the bull, at Pahalgam. At Chandanwari, he released the Moon from his hair. On the banks of Sheshnag Lake, he released his snakes. At Mahagunas Parvat, he left his son Lord Ganesha. At Panjtarni, Lord Shiva left behind the five elements – Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Dance. Then, finally, Lord Shiva entered the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Mata Parvati.
Pahalgam has temperate climate with long and cold winter and short and mild summer.
Demographics
India census, Pahalgam had a population of 5922. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. The average literacy rate is 35%, lower than the Indian national average of 59.5% with male literacy at 49% and female literacy at 17%. About 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Amarnath cave is a Hindu shrine located in Pahalgam. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m
Kolhoi Glacier
Kolohoi Glacier, situated up the Lidder Valley, just below Kolhoi Peak is currently a hanging glacier. It is accessible from Pahalgam via Aru and is known to have extended for at least. According to the mountaineers from Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, in 2008, the glacier receded by half since 1985 and it is not safe to study because it is hollow and has crevices.
