33.802474.2618Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir

TEMPLE

Buddha Amarnath Temple - Sacred Shiva Shrine in Poonch

A revered Lord Shiva temple in Poonch, known for its unique naturally formed white stone lingam and its location by the Pulasti River.

Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir1-2 hours5:00 AM – 8:00 PMFree EntryNo Photography

View On Map Nearby Hotels

Best Season:The best period to visit is from May to October when the weather is agreeable and the routes are easily accessible. The annual pilgrimage takes place during the Shravan month (typically July-August), which is the most spiritually charged time but also extremely crowded. For a more relaxed visit, consider September and October, when the monsoon has passed, the scenery is green, and the crowds have thinned. Winters (November to March) are very cold, and heavy snowfall can sometimes lead to road closures.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Buddha Amarnath Temple?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The Buddha Amarnath Temple is a significant Hindu shrine located in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is situated alongside the Pulasti River, which is believed to have purifying properties. The main point of worship here is a unique, naturally formed 'lingam' made of white stone, also known as Chakmak. Unlike the ice lingam at the Amarnath Cave, this one is permanent. The temple complex itself is straightforward, with the central shrine housing the lingam. Visitors first take a holy dip in the river or the adjacent spring before proceeding for darshan.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

Oct

Autumn

Nov

Autumn

Dec

Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

July-August, during the annual Shravan month yatra.

Moderate

May-June and September-October, during the main tourist and pilgrimage season.

Low Season

November-April, due to cold weather and potential road closures.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

5:00 AM — 8:00 PM

Open all days. Timings may vary slightly during the annual yatra and on special festival days. Aarti is performed in the morning and evening.

Free entry for all visitors. Donations are voluntary.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Rajpura, Mandi Tehsil, Poonch District

Coordinates

33.8024, 74.2618

Nearest City

Patnitop

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

The nearest airport is Jammu Airport (IXJ), located approximately 235 km from Poonch. From the airport, you can hire a taxi for the 7-8 hour road journey to Poo...

By Train

Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT) is the nearest major railhead, about 230 km away. It is well-connected to major Indian cities. Taxis and buses are available fr...

By Road

Poonch is connected to Jammu via the Jammu-Poonch National Highway (NH 144A). The journey is scenic but involves mountainous terrain. Regular bus services and s...

Local Transport

From Poonch town, the most common way to reach the Buddha Amarnath Temple is by hiring a local taxi or taking a shared sumo/jeep. These are readily available in...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The history of the Buddha Amarnath Temple is rooted in ancient legends. It is believed that the sage Pulastya, the grandfather of Ravana, performed penance at this very location. The river flowing alongside the temple is named Pulasti Nadi in his honor. The term 'Buddha' in the name is thought to me...

Significance

The temple holds immense religious importance, considered the second most significant Shiva shrine in Jammu & Kashmir after the Amarnath Cave. Its primary significance comes from the self-manifested (Svayambhu) lingam made of white stone, a rare natural formation. Many devotees believe that a pilgri...

Discover more amazing destinations curated for every kind of traveler

Explore More Destinations

View Map Nearby Hotels