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Story of Pahalgam and Shiva

Pahalgam is located in Anantnag District in Jammu and Kashmir in India. The story of the origin of this beautiful place, located at the confluence of Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, is associated with Shiva. The place is also known as the valley of shepherds.


Legend has it that Goddess Parvati wanted to know the secret of the immortality of Shiva. Shiva chose the Amarnath Cave to reveal the secret. On his way to the cave with Goddess Parvati, Shiva left behind his vahana or vehicle Nandi. The place where Shiva abandoned Nandi came to be known as Bailgaon. In due course of time, Bailgaon came to be known as Pahalgam.

Nandi here symbolizes the desire of mind. Shiva abandoned it first on his way to Amarnath.