During the Amarnath Yatra, if a devotee sees white pigeons, it is not considered a common occurrence. Rather, it is believed that these are the immortal pigeons to whom Lord Shiva himself granted the boon of immortality. Every year, millions of devotees participate in the Amarnath Yatra, but only a few manage to see these pigeons with their own eyes.
It is said that these sightings occur only when Lord Shiva himself wishes to bestow his grace upon that person. So, let's explore the story associated with these pigeons and their spiritual significance.
The Mystery of Immortality Tied to the Tale
The ancient texts describe that once, Goddess Parvati expressed her desire to know the secret of immortality from Lord Shiva. She asked Bholenath, "You are eternally immortal, but I have to perform penance in every birth. What is the secret of your immortality?"
To answer this question, Lord Shiva chose a secluded and sacred place: the Amarnath cave. There, he began narrating the Amar Katha (the story of immortality) to Goddess Parvati. However, he set a condition for listening to the story—that Parvati would have to acknowledge her presence intermittently.
The Presence of Pigeons Became Part of the Story
While Lord Shiva was narrating the Amar Katha, two pigeons were also present in the cave. As Parvati listened to the story, she fell asleep, but the pigeons kept cooing. Lord Shiva thought Parvati was responding. He continued narrating the entire story.
After the story concluded, when Shiva saw that Parvati was asleep and the pigeons had been cooing in her place, he became very angry. He considered killing those pigeons.
The Pigeons Received Shiva's Boon
When Shiva, enraged, moved towards the pigeons, they pleaded with folded wings, saying that they had accidentally overheard the story. They implored that if he were to kill them, the purpose of the Amar Katha would be in vain.
Lord Shiva's anger subsided, and he granted the pigeons the boon of immortality. He also declared that they would reside in the Amarnath cave and that only those whom he wished to show them would have their vision.
Only the Fortunate Get to See Them
During the Amarnath Yatra, there are some devotees who are fortunate enough to see these mysterious pigeons. The belief surrounding their sighting is that it is not an ordinary sight but a spiritual sign.
Local priests and pilgrims believe that these pigeons are still present in the cave, but they are not visible to everyone. Those who see them consider themselves fortunate. It is said that these sightings are signs of inner peace and spiritual advancement.
Deep Emotions Linked to Faith
Many times, it has also happened that devotees have tried to see these pigeons with cameras or their own eyes, but they saw nothing. However, another pilgrim standing right next to them saw them clearly. This incident further confirms that the sighting of these pigeons is not a common occurrence but is connected to faith, belief, and luck.
The Pigeons Are Considered a Symbol of Baba Barfani's Grace
The ice-formed Shivalingam in the Amarnath cave is an amazing gift of nature every year. Along with this, these pigeons are also considered a symbol of Bholenath's special grace. When devotees see white pigeons flying outside or inside the cave, a different kind of faith and energy fills their hearts.
Pilgrims who see these pigeons experience a feeling as if they have received a spiritual message or that God's blessings are with them.
